Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1866-07-26
For the Journal
The Philadelphia Convention.
July 10Th, 1866.

|
Convention So far I have heard, prepar-
atoms are being made in almost every district for
the selection of delegates, and have found my
self almost alone in doubling the proprety of these
preparations.
It being, however, as it seems, fixed fact that
we are to send delegates, the only thing left for
us to do is to be so careful in the selection of
them as to ensure correct representation of the
views and feelings of the Southern people. Ihope
you will continue to impress upon your readers
| the vital importance of sending only those who
are honestly and truly representative men, and
men whose character for integrity and ability will
give guarantee that our honor in their hands
will be as safe from bribery from chcanery and
cajolery. If our people think were really trail
tors because of action in the late war, then let
us by all means send to the National Union
Convention who will in the most graceful manner
deliver confession and for this purpose if such
be the views of North Carolina on the question,
we strongly recommend Hon. Thomas Settle, for
delegate for the State at large qualified 10y eX
perience at least, for the position He would per-
form the task with great JUNCTION and greatability'
But If such be not the views of the people of
North Carolina; if they be not ready to admit that
they were traitors, if they still think their
and brothers died in holy, II ghteOus and glori
GUS cause, then | cannot recommend Mr.. Settle or
the such man can truly represent them.
The trouble and excitement in the Radical camp,
caused by the proposed Convention, have gone far
to reconcile me to it. Much has already been
done, and I truly hope that it is the beginning
only of the end. The resignation of Postmaster
General Dennison is significant fact. The
ton of the Radical caucus will probably force the
resignation of Stanton Harlan and Speed. If they
should withdraw their valuable services from the
councils of the country our people will doubtless
bear the loss very calmly, for they have suffered
SO much that now their sensibilties are somewhat
benumbed.
This new demonstration has given the enemy
such great scare, that think it shows a consci-
BUSINESS of a week point, and thereby affords the
strongest argument for pressing it. To me, it
is the first Of any thing like tangible evidence that
the Radicals have any fear of the strength of their
hold upon the Northern people. They now evil
IDENTIFY think it time to marshal their bands and
march in close order and to put down all stray
Cling
tions, let not forget that the defeat of the
Radicals may be purchased at too great price;
that the loss of principal and honor is harder to
live under than Radical rule. We have al
ready lost all, honor. In the name of Heaven
then let be especially careful to preserve that
unsullled Whether we preserve it or not, depends
upon the character of the delegates we send to the
National Union Convention.
July 10Th.
VETO OF THE FkEEDMEH's BUREAU BILL.
The President on Monday returned to the
House of Representative the Freedmen's Bureau
Bill without his signature, giving his reasons there
for. The message was Immediately called up, and
the bill passed through each House by the neces-
sary two-thirds vote, the veto of the Pres-
dent The following is the message of the Presi-
dent, assigning his reasons for withholding his
signature from the bill
TO the House Of Representatives careful ex-
animation of the bill passed by the two Houses of
Congress entitled An act to continue in force
and to amend An act to establish bureau for
the relief Of freedmen and refugees, and for other
purposes, has convinced me that the legislation
. which it proposes would not be consistent with
the welfare Of the country and that it falls clearly
within the reasons assigned in my message of the
10Th of February last, returning without my sig
nature similar measure, which originated in the
Senate 1t is not my purpose to repeat the Oh
! lections which then urged. They are yet fresh
| in your recollection and can be readily examined
as a part of the records of one branch of the ma
tional Legislature. Adhering to the principles set
forth in that message, now re-affrm them and
the line of policy therein indicated.
The only ground upon which this kind of legis-
lation can be justified is that of the war-making
power The act of which this bill was intended
as amcndatOry passed during the existence of
the By its provisions it is to terminate
within one year from the cessation of hostiities
and the declaration of peace. tits therefore, vet
| Ill EXISTENCE anu IL IS likely That 1t VIII continue
in force as long as the freedmen may require the
benefit of its provisions It will certainly remain
in operation as q law until some months subse-
quent to the meeting Of the next session of Con-
gress, when, if experience shall make evident the
necessity of additional legislation the two houses
will have ample time to mature and pass the re-
quisite measures In the meantime the ones
| tons arise, why should this war measure be con
tinued beyond the period designated in the orr
glnal act? and why, in time of peace, should mil
ltary tribunals be created to continue until each
State shall be fully restored to its constitutional
relations to the government and shall be duly re-
presented in the Congress of the United States q"
1t was manifest with respect to the act approved
March ), 1865, that prudence and wisdom alike
required that jurisdiction over all cases concern
ing the free enjoyment of the immunities and
rights OF citizenship, we'll as the protection of
persons and property, should be conferred upon
some tribunal in every State or district where the
ordinary course Of judicial proceeding was inter
rupted by the rebellion, and until the same should
De 1ully restored. At that time, therefore, an ur
gent necessity existed for the passage of some such
law. Now, however, war has substantially ceased
the ordinary course of judicial proceedings is no
longer interrupted the courts, both State and
Federal, are in full complete and successful oper
atlons and through them every person, regardless
OF race and color, is entitled to and can be heard
The protection granted to the white citizen is al
ready conferred upon the freedmen strong and
stringent guards, by way of penalty and punish
ments are thrown around his person and prop
erty and 1t is believed that ample protection will
DE anofded him by due process of law, without
resort to the dangerous expedient of military
tribunals, now that the has been brought to
a close.
The necessity no longer existing for such tri-
bunals, which had their origin in the war; grave
objections to their continuance must present
themselves to the minds Of all refecGing and dis