The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1866-09-11
The Rebel Programme.

From the Tribune.
Ex-Governor H. V. Johnson. of Georgia. has
very laboriously indorsed the Randall Conven-
fion, in four-oOlumn letter TO the Augusta
Chronicle. There are many passages which de-
serve notice, as indications of what the Rebel
States expect to gain by union with Copper
heads. He urges the disaffected Rebels to sus-
tain the Convention, because it 'has organized
a party pledged to the restoration of the Union
upon the basis of the Constitution and of repre-
sentatiOn to the Southern States, without any
other test of loyalty besides the oath to support
1he Constitution of the United States. This is
deeply interesting to us. 1t is the overshadow-
ing question, paramount to all others. 1t is
vital. | surrender none of the cherished poll
1ical opinions of my life, so far as they are
applicable TO the situation in which we are left
by the war, nor do indorse such as believe
TO be erroneous in the Philadelphia platform
and address.
''But what avails the discussion of these now?
What can we gain by argument Z" Nothing; but
he hopes to gain much through the help of the
Convention, which he says is contessedly
movement of the President, who desired it
First TO inaugurate good feeling and under
standing between the friends of the Union,
under the Constitution; secondly, TO organize
them into party to sustain his policy OF resto-
ration: and thirdly, to present fairly to the
people OF the whole country the distinct issue of
Teinstating the ten excluded States to their con-
stitutiOnal relations to the other States without
unconstitutional tests of loyalty" These are
rather stale facts now, but Governor johnson
has very plainly shown their Importance
1.-THE world knows that the people of the
South do not approve of all that was done by
the Philadelphia Convention; Lor Is it pre-
tended that our delegates did. Protest against
what IS Objectionable, by our press or our people.
is totally unnecessary, even as q matter of JUS
1ice 10 ourselves. There is no need to define our
position upon controverted questions of principle
or policy; it is known and read of all men.
When restored to representation we can argue
and debate if occasion require it. We shall
then have an audiences: we shall even constitute
a part OF the tribunal to decide the questions
discussed"
Again, this candid Rebel says:-
"Ihe Southern States, by the act of secession,
out in issue two questions:-First, the right to
secede; and secondly, the perpetuation of
slavery. Both have been decided against US,
and we have accepted, in good faith, the award
OF the sword. With this exception, our consti-
1utional rights are Just what they were before
zhe war; for 1t is certain that it. in the language
OF that Address, the Government acquired no
new power by the war; the Southern S5ates lost
none. 1t were bootess to discuss these princi.
piles now. 1t is q great point gained that, amid
The fiery play OF the passions, party has been
organized that announces them. We can dis
Cuss, when the right OF representation shall be
accorded to us, with hope OF success.
But to realize these anticipations, we must first
be admitted to our representation in Congress.
That is the great questionable essential vital
condition precedent 10 any hope of better days
LoI 'hc ooutu' anu luiS uepcTuS upon JuC
final success of the Philadelphia movement.
Let us encourage that success"
We hold this language to be significant
enough to alarm every citizen who is not pre-
pared 10 admit that State can rebel to-day and
resume her full national position tomorrow,
Including the right to be of the jury and the
Judges in the trial of her treason. 1t is noto-
Tious that the Rebels do not accept the loyal
resolutions which the Convention, in Difference
to the North was compelled to adopt but that
they yield sSanply for time in order to gain
power Governor Johnson has to that effect
directly advised the South:-"We must get into
Congress, ard through the Convention is the
only door; then we can repeal those odious
laws, and compel the admission that, having
yielded to the Government, it has no right tC
punish our crimes or require pledges that We
will not renew them." This is his argument; It'll
that OF the burglar who, detected in his crime
and knocked down by the officer, walks hand
Cutfed into court and demands a seat Desd
fhe iu0up.