The Potter journal. [volume] (Coudersport, Pa.) 1857-1872, 1866-10-30
TEEE GREAT LESSON.

TEEE GREAT LESSON.
The New York Times the leading organ
of President Johnson, thus calmly and truth
/ fully sums up the great verdict of the
people in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana and
/ Iowa:
S ldom, indeed, has a contest been con
Quoted with so exclusive reference to a sin
/ gle issue. True, the autecedents Of cand-
dates during the war have had much to do
with the question of individual eligibility.
! Clymer has been consigned to private life
/ because his sympathies and efforts were
against the war for the Union, while Geary's
were heroicaIv in its support. But,after all
there have been few of the considerations
which in ordinary times have entered into
party controversy. The tariff, internal i'm
proyements, the currency, the foreign reIa-
( tions Of the government, have been discussed
only incidentally. Everywhere the condi-
tions sofnationaI unity and peace have formed
the theme of debate, AID the standard by
which party nominations have been weighed
and judged. Minor questions, therefore,
cannot be pleaded in abatement of the ac-
count as it now stands. 1t is a settlement
which can be altered only to be made more
stringent 1t is a declaration Of the pop
ular determination to exact from the south |
guarantees for lhe maintenance Of the Union
as the war has made it; Union assuring
national citizenship to black and white, as
4 h.
representation of the sections, and the in
vioIability of the loyal debt, and providing
effectually against the future assumption of
the rebel debt or claims. This is the SUN
and substance of Tuesdays verdict Not
negro sutfrage-not contiscation--not harsh /
or vindictive penalties; but the plan of
restoration dictated by Congress, and de-
signed to be a final adjustment of our ma
tional difficulties.
It Is to late to say that the popular YER
diet hardly comes up to the rigid constitu-
tional standard. 1t would avail nothing
now to argue that the Amendment, equit-
able though it be, ought not to be condi-
ton of restoration. Equally useless were
it to consider by what possible combinations
and compromises the view for which we
have contended might have acquired
/ greater prominence and support. The peo-
pie have been heard from, and from their
decision our form of government provides
no appeal The South, if wise, will hearken
and comply. And the President, if polite
will not refuse to listen to a verdict which
specially concerns himself and the plan to
which he is committed.
At least one source Of apprehension has
been removed. Had there elections ended
adversely to Congres-had promises been
held out Of any considerable change in the
complexion of that body-the idea Of a
second House, with the Southern represen-
tatives Internationally admitted, might
possibly have assumed dangerous dimen-
; sions. The proposition that a second Con-
gress should be organized, and that the
President should recognize the one favor
able to his plan, might then have been
: more plausible. Fortunately this beginning
of revolution has been obviated. Not the
faintest pretext can now be found for i'm
pugning the validity Of the Congressional
decision, or for mootng the Legitimacy Of
any other body. The people have taken
!. care that this threatened peril shall not be
heard of more. They have decreed, not
{ only that Congress as it now is, faithfully
/ represents their convictions and purposes
but that the Congress which shall come
: after shall sustain substantially the same
policy. Neither the South nor the Presi
i dent, ther, has aught to expect from delay
The South must choose between prolonged
! y exclusion, with the probability Of more
u stringent terms, and the acceptance of th'
l overture already submitted to them. The
y President must be content to see Congress
> push forward It's new method of settlement
" espite protestations and vetoes or mus
9 frankly accept the verdict pronounced b,
d the people who elected him, and used hi
e opportunities to hasten restoration on tn
. only basis that is practicable. He has stateC
S his own case, and the people have refused
'e to accept it. The part of statesmanshi
Z. surely is to concede graciously y and prompt
d y to the popular requirements, and to eS
j, ert the influence Of the Executive in sup
- port of the compromise now rendered tn
- Southern States.
to "A grim old Judge, after hearing
ie glowing oration from young barrister,aC