Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1866-05-17
The Position Well Stated.

Gov. SWANS, of Maryland, having been an
nounccd by the Radical portion of the Republic
can party of Hagerstown, as one of the speakers
at meeting to be held there, publishes his
reasons for declining to be present. and makes
known his views on the subject of reconstruc-
ton in the following clear and forciblc man
ner:-
al am for the reconstruction of the Union by ad
hitting the revolted States to representation in
Congress. provided they elect men of undoubted
loyalty, prepared TO take the oath required by that
body.
The masses of the Southern people am prepared
to trust because believe they have been deceived
by ambitious and designing leaders With Con-
gress will rest the power TO protect itself and coun
try against disloyal candidates seeking admission
into our national counsels.
am for maintaining the integrity of the uncon-
dtional Union party, which sustained the govern
ment in its efforts to put down this rebellion, and
am for adjusting our domestic differences within
our lines. j am utterly opposed TO universal negro
suffrage and the extreme radicasm of certain men
in Congress and in our own State, who have been
striving to shape the platform of the Union party
in the interests of negro suffrage.
Hook upon negro suffrage and the recognition Of
the power in Congress to control suffrage within
the States as the virtual subordination of the white
to the ultimate control and domination of the
negro in the State of Maryland; and in view of the
action of certain extreme men in Congress for three
months past upon the bill to introduce universal
negro suffrage into the District of Columbia against
the unanimous voice of the people-the enlarged
freedmen's bureau bill-the civil rights bill, and
finally, the reconstruction scheme OF the committee
of fifteen, consider the issue upon this subject of
negro suffrage as well made in the fail elections
tha iunpO fant hat has hppD u0bt
to the attention of the people Of the State of Mary
land.
l deny that the admission of the revolted States
by loyal representatives, subjects the reconstruc
tion plan OF the President to the charge that no
guarantee has been secured for the future The
States asking admission have, by a constitutional
amendment, granted universal freedom to the ne
e.ro and they have further guaranteed, in another
form, Reputation of the debts incurred by them
in the rebellion. These guarantees deem as secur-
ing for the present all that can be reasonably asked
In these views believe am sustained by the al
most united voice of President Johnson's cabinet
comprising many prominent Republicans who have
been the friends Of both Presidents Lincoln and
Johnson.
look upon the war now being waged upon Pre-
sident johnson as ungenerous, unwise and uncalled
for and believe that its longer continuance will
greatly embarrass the national prosperity, by keep
ing alive state of uncertainty and dstrust in the
public mind both North and South certain to even
tuate in financial Misunderstanding the tide of i'm
migration now flowing upon us-tbe domestic com
n cree between the States-and exercising a de-
struc;ive and paralyzing influence generally upon
all the great interests OF the country"
The American and other radical sheets are
out upon the Governor, bet we think Time
viii show that their pop-gun assaults will ut
terly fail Of effect.
Ex-Gov. Bradford also declined to attend the
Hagerstown proscriptive meeting.
Every day brings proof that the Radical Dis
unionists are digging a pit for themselves into
which they must be inevitably thrown during
the period OF the ensuing elections. Thad Ste
VEINS as in the era of the Buckshot War in
Pennsylvania, which he inaugurated, but did
not fight out, will be glad 20 jump through q
back window.