The Charleston daily news. [volume] (Charleston, S.C.) 1865-1873, 1867-07-23
THE PREsIDEEr's LAST VETO MES.
~ - SAGE.

THE PREsIDEET's LAST VETO MES
- - ~ SAGE.
We published yesterday the Message to Con-
gross, containing tho objections Of tho Prcsi-
dent to the second Supplementary Reconslruc-
tion Act, passed few days ago. This message
is nero formal protest; and although the
President nsks Congress to reconsider lis ac-
tion, for the reasons set forth in his message,
ho,knew very well that nothing whatever that
he could urge, from his stand point, would re-
ceiyo even patient hraring or would influence
Congress to recedc from its position.
Tho present message, Us literary produc-
ition, or Us State paper, in our opinion, falls
very considerably short Of several of the pre-
ccding Veto Messages Of tho President, and the
reason Of this may be found in tho fact that tho
ground had already been covered in tho previ-
GUS documents Mr.. JOHNSON this time con-
tents himself with pointing out, in general
terms, the unconstitutionality Of the Bill. and
the inconsistency Of which Congress has been
guilty In its cumulative legislation bearing on
the reconstruction Of the Southern States.
:. II is understood that the entire Cabinet, with
the exception Of the Secretary of War ooncurred
in the views Of the President, as set forth In
this message. This we might hive expected
from the known opinions Of the several mem
bers Of The administration, as recorded and
published in the course Of their deliberation on
the opinion recently given by tho Attorney
General. g.. 80 ....
That the President should not have signed
tho Bill just passed will surprise no ono who is
acquainted with the history of the recons,ruo:
lion question. There is q radical difference Of
opinion between Congress and tho Executive
regarding the status Of the Estates lately in re-
tsG aattr -ay- tik,ni TO c06sitaiionality and
consistency than that of Congress, tho latter is
backed by the votes Of majority of tho North
ern people, with whom, at present, resides tho
power Of the Government of the United States.
Congress and the President, at the close of
the war, were tho representatives. of the same
Party. difference of opinion between them
was developed by the exercise on the part of
MIR. JOHNSON of what he considered his lcgiti-
mate function. Ho thought reconstruction was
the duty Of tho Executive. Congress contend
ed that it lay entirely within the province of
the legislative department of the Government.
This difference, at first small, with every sue
cessive step, grew wider, until it has
assumed the form Of an irreconcilable
quarrel Tho President is content 10
maintain his position, and record his protes.
to what he considers the unconstitutional legis-
iation Of Congress. But this continued and
persistent opposition on his part haa urged
Congress on from one step to another, each
successive Act rendered necessary in its opin-
ion, by the failure Of the President to execute
tho ono preceding; until now the Executive
Office is stripped Of nearly all it's legitimate
functions. When we consider, therefore, that
il was one OF the special objects of this last
Act to prohibit all interference with its execu-
tion on the part Of tho President, VIC cannot
be surprised that Mr.. Johnson should protest
against such infringement upon what he deems
his rishtful prerogative.
The present message, therefore, is of no i'm
portance whatever. We hive before been told
that the course Of Congress- is not in accord
ance With the Constitutions; and, moreover, thai
Il Is altogether Inconsistent. Where, then, is
the reason for lengthy repetition. Of these
objections hut, after all, IL matters not, a.
It's nullily was foreordained Some of the
Radical members Of Congress pronounced it
defiant" but we do not see that its character
differs in any essential particular from other
veto messages. a.,.;,r ,trs.r .
The President, however, deserves credit for
his continued hopefulness. Ho says there is q
remedy. "It is to be found In the ballot, and
Is q sure ono; Il not controlled by fraud, over
a~ed by arbitrary power, or from apathy on
heir part too long delayed" Il will be re-
nembered that Mr. JOHNSON rested his cause
with ths people one year, ago; and notwilh.
standing The carefully gotten dp Philadelphia
WAS doomed to see his policy re-
looted by an overwhelming defeat at the ballot
box That. he is still hopeful OF the future
speaks we'll for his good opinion Of the Amcri- |
can people.
The whole, subject Of this message is one
entirely beyond our province; It concerns tho
quarrel between Congress and the President.
10 the people Of these ten unreconstruoted /
States their duty should bo plain. II we would
have peace, order, organization, government,
We. must adopt the measures presoribsd for us |
BY Congress. Congress alone has the power to |
enforce its deorees, and that power is even
now at our doors, and for this very purpose.
Where, then, is the wisdom Of opposition, OF Of |
! refusal to accept the proffsred terms. The |
question for us was settled on tho second day |
If Maroh last, when the frat Reconstruction |
Act was passed. Whatever wrangling there
nay have bcen on the subject since, between
he Executive and the Legislative departments |
II the Government, our status has not changed, |
md cannot change; and the sooner wo dis
'hsrse our duties, arising out Of such relation,
he sooner we shall be relieved Of our present |
disabilities, and the humorous and daily recur-
Ing difficulties Incident to . provisional, semi
'iVi', and ssrni.milItary government and from
hat unrest and anxiety eoneomitant With .
late y Of political transition, such "a we and
'gfselyes IN. .at present, Il