The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1866-04-08
The Presidents Victory.

Tho Presidents Victory.
The Presidents proclamation is
particularly significant when viewed
in connection with the revolutionary
attitude of the Congressional majori-
ty. These factionists maintain that
the States lately in rebellion are still
In lnsurrection, and that this fact
deprlves these States of the right of
representation in Congress. By his
proclamation, the President solemnly
declares that e'the insurrection which
heretofore existed in the States of
Georgia, South Carolina, Virginia,
North Carolina, Tennessee, Louisi-
ana, Arkansas, Mississippi and Flo
rlda is at an end, and is henceforsh TO
be so regarded" We are Of those
who believe that the solemn procla-
nation of this fact by the President
establishes its legal existence, and
that 1t cannot be henceforth ques-
toned by any except those who are
intent upon subverting the Govern
ment.
That these will question it, there
can be no doubt. They will stop at
no infraction of the Constitution, at
no wrong, at no outrage, in the prose-
cution of their purpose to obtain and
keep possession OF the Government,
by disfranchising the whites and en-
franchising the blacks of the South
ern States. This purpose they can
only accomplish by passing their in
famous measures over the Presidents
vetoes; and this they cannot do, if
any one of the enumerated States be
accorded the right Of representation
in Congress. The Stevens and Sum-
ner faction will, therefore, in all pro
liability, insist, as they have hereto
fore done, that it is for the Congress.
and not the President, to determine
when 'sthe insurrection is ut an end;"
and treating his proclamation as
nullity, will persist in excluding the
Southern Senators and Representa-
tives from the seats which they are
legally entitled to occupy. If they
do this, they must inevitably provoke
collision with the President, and
test the sincerity of his declaration
s'that the insurrection is at an end,
and is hencefo7'M to be so regarded"
We have no doubt that the President
means exactly what he says, and that
he is infexibly determined that the
Congress shall recognize the fact that
the States lately in insurrection are
Constituent States of the United
States, and as such must necessarily
be, and by the Constitution and laws
of the United States are made, equal,
and placed on like footing as to
political rights, immunities, dignity
and power with the several States
with which they are united"
If the Congress-, under the malign
influence of Stevens and Sumner,
shall refuse to do this, and shall still
exclude the representatives of those
States, it will become the duty, as we
believe it is the purpose, of the Ire
sident to treat their acts as of no
legal effect.
They may assume to pass the civil
rights bill, or any other vile measure
the Central Directory may concoct,
over his oeto. They cannot compel
him to execute it. They may dare to
prefer articles OF impeachment against
him. He can laugh them to scorn;
and, strong in the justice of his cause,
and in the confidence of the people,
can defy their utmost malice, and will
triumph over all their malignity.
NeW York Neus.