The tri-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1866-1868, 1866-05-31

cannot reasonably doubt that these will give
place to better provisions and better laws,
under the influence of the federal government
and their own material necessities. But one
thing remains, my fellow citizens, to complete
the work of restoration. and clothe the South
ern States with all their constitutional privi-
leges, and that is, their representation in
Congress. Applause Upon this, with the
loyal millions of the country, regret, deeply
regret, that there is any difference between
the President and our friends in Congress-
But you will have observed that this differ
ence is not TO who shall represent the
Southern States. Their loyalty is to be tes-
ted by the taking ofthe oaths prescribed by the
Constitution and the laws-required alike
by the President and Congress, and for every
Senatorand Representa- tive from every State,
North and South. The difference, then, is
not as to aoho, but as to aohen these States
shall be represented. The whole theory of
the Executive programme for the restoration
of the Southern States looks to the early adj
mission of loyal Senators and Representatives
from those States, [applause. while the Con-
gressional programme, as far as it had been
developed, looks to delay, conditioned on
the adoption of certain amendments to the
Constitution.
Now, my friends, we must not overlook the
fact that if this difference be not adjusted, it
lCdtt-dHu III W Ill lctttl Ill plObdplHly
to unfortunate results, not only to the
Southern States, but to all the country-and
may not add, to the Union party, in whose
interests l learn your association has been
organized. 1 need not tell you, or those who
intimately know me, that it is in the con-
tinued ascendency of the Union party that
rely for the peace and happiness of the coun-
try. Applause. | need not tell you 1T was
that party, in the field and at the ballot-box,
that saved the nation from the assaults of
armed rebellion. [AppIause.] Twill only add,
it isto that party, founded on the principles OF
the Baltimore platform, I look to establish
indcstructibly, on the basis ofjustice and con-
stitutional equality, the rights of all the
States of our common country. [Applause.]
Let me refer one moment to the difference
between the Presi lent and Congress. Iwant
to deal frankly with you, when say that 1
do not believe these differences are irrecon-
cilable. 1 do not believe there is any cause
of separation between the President and the
majority in Congress. [Applause. Nay, if
am not greatly at fault, time and discussion
are bringing the President and Congress
rapidly together on the basis of common
platform of action. Applause. Certain it
is they are not lis wide apart as at the open
ing of Congress. Then prominent Senators
and Representatives argued that the insur-
gent States, by the act of rebellion, had COM
,iuered provinces or territories; then it was
argued by some distinguished Congressman
that the public safety imperatively demand
ed that this condition should be imposed
upon them ALL But these propositions are
not now argued in Congress, and do not
think that in the future we shall hear them
debated. 1 see in this fact steady and en-
couraging advance toward practical adjust
ment, and may we not reasonably hope their
concessions were made to the end of securing
reconciliation, satisfactory and full. that shall
he alike consistent with the dignity and
patriotism both of the Executive and Con-
gress? Every consideration OF patriotism
and wisdom favors such result. The work
! of restoration calls for every concession au-
thorized by the Constitution. 1 will not
doubt that this concession will be made, and
the results of the war, bv which the nation
was preserved, will be secured and perpet-
uated on the basis of peace and concord be-
tween the people of all the sections of the
country.
1 have said much more than 1 expected.
and return my thanks again for the friendly
call, and now bid you a very good night.