Daily Richmond Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1865-1869, 1866-03-22
Senator Stewards Method of Reconstruction.

As part of the history ofthe times, we pre-
sent series of joint resolutions offered in the
Senate on Friday last by Senator STEWART, Of
Nevada, and referred to the Committee on Re-
construction.
Mr.. STEWART is a son-in-law of the versatile
and ubiquitous Mr.. FooTE, (Hon. II. s. has
hitherto manifested conservative tendencies,
and was not regarded with favor by the Radi-
Gals. These resolutions seem to have Occa-
stoned the latter gentry a pleasant surprise.
They were at first received almost with mere
dulity So much good was not expected to
come out of Nazareth. Some explanations
from Mr.. STEWART convinced the dOubters,
and he was soon almost SmOthered with kind
ness. The grand and gloomy SUMNER melted
to tenderness, and welcomed the Nevada Sen
ator "with open arms" as a new convert
whereupon sort Of Republican loye-feast was
held.
The resolutions are as follows
WHEREAS, In the present distracted condition Of
the country II is emnently proper and necessary that
all lust and constitutional means should be en-
ployed for the quoting Of popular excitement the
removal Of unreasonable prejudice, aud the Obhtera
ton OF all hostile feeling growing out Of the late
unhappy civil war; and whereas one Of the most
prolific sources Of unfrendly sentiment is the con-
dict Of opinion existing the subject OF negro sui
frage; and whereas, il i now most evident that
there Is no probability whatever that senators and
Representatives in Congress from the States whose
people were lately in instruction will be allowed 70
occupy the seats TO which they have been elected.
until said States shall have complied with certain
fundamental principles, portion OF which are here
matter reclted; and whereas, It Is unreasonable 10
-. III .F h.ru and .,.1
feeling as long as the eleven Southern states whose
people were recently IN inSurrectOn, are prevented
from assuming their ancient relations % the Govern
ment, therefore, be i, resolved, 6c..
i. That each OF said States whose people were
lately in Instruction Is aforesaid, shall be recog
nized rs having fully and validity resumed its form
er relations with this Government, and It's chosen
representatives shall be admitted into the two Houses
Of the National Legislature whenever said State
shall have amended its constitution a 70 do away
all existing distinctions, TO civil rights and djsa
biities, among the various classes OF IT'S population
by either Of race or color or previous condi-
ton Of Servltude.
. To repudiate an pecuniary Indebtedness which
said state may have heretofore contracted incurred
or assumed in connection with the late unnatural
and reasonable war.
81 To yield all claim to compensation on account
Of the liberation Of its slaves.
"A To provide for the extension Of the elective
franchise 20 all persons upon the same terms and
conditions. making no discrimination on account Of
color or previous condition Of Servitude Pro
rided, That those who were qualified 70 vote in the
year l56l, by the laws of their respective States,
shall not be dsiranchiSed by reason OF any test
or conditions which have been OF may be prescribed
since that year.
Resolrcd That after the aforesaid conditions
have been complied with. and the same shall have
been ratified by a majority Of the present voting
population OF ne State, including all those qualified
10 vote under the laws thereof as they existed IN
1850 a general amnesty shall be proclaimed IN re-
IN All q
way connected with armed opposition 70 the Gov
eminent Of the United States, wholly generating
them from all pains, penalties or disabilities to
which they may have become liable by reason OF
connection with the rebellion.
"ReSOired That in view Of the Importance OF the
thorough assimilation OF the basis OF suffrage IN the
various States Of the Union, all other states not
above specified shall be respectfully requested 20 in
corporate an amendment IN their state Constitutions
respectively. corresponding with the one specified.
.'Res0lred, That in the adoption Of the aforesaid
resolutions il is not intended TO assert cOeccIve
power the part Of Congress m regard to the regu-
lstiOn oG the right Of suffrage IN the different states
OF the Union, but only 70 make respectful and
earnest appeal to their own good sense and love OF
country, with a view to the prevention OF serious
evils now threatened and 10 the peaceful perpetual
ton Of the repOse the happiness and the true glory
OF the whole American people.
There certainly is a difference between these
resolutions and the propositions on the same
subject that have proceeded from Radical
sources, but that difference is more in form
and temper than in substance. The Nevad,
Senator does not propose to reach his object a
others have done, by amendments to the Fede
raj Constitution, nor does he infuse into hi
propositions that spirit Of yiudictive malic,
that adds so much to the OiIensiveness of al
the other methods proposed. Compromise
have been popular, too popular in this country
When men or parties fail to agree, there is
sssmipg fairness in a proposition to give anc
e. and Mr.. STEWARDS proposition has tn,
annearaDce. at least, of both giving and taking
IT, cav, ifthe Southern States WILL by amend
-asDts 70 their several constitutions do tire
-. ,snudiate their war debt, yield al
claim to compensation for the loss Oh incl