Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1867-09-17
HOW THEY TALK
Radical Opinion of the Amnesty Pro-
clamation,

On the day before the Proclamation was
issued, but after it had been very clearly out
lined, the New York Tribune said
This proposed proclamation, therefore. can
only be regarded as the boldest defiance OF
the people which the President has vet ut
tered. He assumes to exercise power which
was only granted him for time, and then
deliberately taken away. It is better for him
to understand that when the people through
their representatives, took that temporary au-
thOrity they meant to keep it in their own
hands, and there they will keep it, johnson,
Buckley, and all the rest of the nullifers to
the contrary Notwithstanding"
After the issuance of the Proclamation the
Tribune said:
ave were in favor of sweeping amnesty
when Mr.. johnson was raviug and roaring
thrice day that treason was u crime. and
traitors must be punished. We are in favor
OF it now, aud would gladly have every peace
able, well-dispose man in the South assured
that no harm will betall him because of his
snare in the Rebellion SO long as he departs
himself as good citizen should. Let those
who were Rebels feel and know that they
may plant aud till, build and trade, buy lands
and sell them, without fear of confscation or
moIestatiou. So far as President Johuson's
new Proclamation tends to secure this end it
has our hearty approval"
The Tribune then, at some length, recites
the language of the Reconstruction act, the
act supplementary thereto, aud certain words
OF Mr.. Lincoln, all to prove that Mr. johnson
is transcending his powers in thus essaying to
set aside the DEGREES of the Radical party-for
the Tribune does not interpose any coustitu-
tional barrier to the Proclamation 1t con.
cludes its structures with the following:
"The only thing he (the PresidonO is
likely to effect is to excite au autayunism and
conflict between Congress aud the leading
Rebels now excluded from the rotiug ,c,is.
tries. chich lciH tend TO proIOmg imGefmifeLy
the dtyrdMchiSememt of tie latter. This we
should most earnestly deplOre We hope to
see every seeded State restored and nearly
or quite every ex.Rebel enfranchised before
the impending choice Of President Mr.
JOhnsOn's Proclamation, whatever NAV be his
motive, tends to defeatthis. 1t the ex Rebels
are deudcd into completely with his schemes.
he will defeat it. Let them keep perfectly
quiet, and we trust the mischief may yet be
averted."
The vascilIating, many sided Times, that
sometime opposed the radical measures OF
Congress touching reconstruction, is more
violent, and says:
''FOr the issue of this proclamation there
Is no pretext, and there can lie no palIiaron.
1t Is demonstration OF unauthorized authority
for purpose at variance with the sworn durv of
the Executive as the administrator Of law.
''The proclamation is more than this. It
Is deliberate defiance of Congress and its
authority, n reputation of its enacted laws.
| and an assertion of the Presidents deter.rina-
ton to take the work of reconstruction into
| ms own hands 1t Is an attempt to abrOyate
| the condition of reconstruction prescribed By
| Congress, and to invest the rebel element
with the means of breaking down the restraints
which have been prudently imposed ON the
preliminary workings Of reconstruction. 1t
| Is an InS0Ient use OF power which Congress-
in December last, explicitly took away. Mr.
Lincoln sought aud obtained legislation to
authorize his PrOclamations of limited pardon
aud amnesty; Mr.. johnson dares to proclaim
almost universal pardon and amnesty. although
the measure under which Mr.. Lincoln acted
has been specifically repealed. Congress has
solemnly said that such proclamation shall
be issued; Mr.. johnson filings the opinions
OF Buckley and Black in the face of Congress
and the country, aud claims Tor his will the
authority of the supreme law. What more
fragrant form could Executive usurpation take
short of Dictatorship"
The Times concludes as follows:
CAS- proclaimed by Mr. johnson. it is \
premium on disloyalty and an incentive to
opposition. Instead OF paciiying the country.
1t will add to its disturbing influences instead
OF fastening Southern pence and PROMOTING
the reconciliation Of the sections. it will
encourage rebels to renewed disorder. and will
most likely delay the completion Of the task
winch Congress has undertaken. The peo.
pie will be satisfied with nothing less than
sure and thorough work, and they will have
1t, though Mr.. johnson send forth "A procIa-
nation daily until the meeting of Congress.
Thereafter. his sign manual will attract much
less attention"
The Washington Chronicle. the most Bit
ter and unpri.cipled of ali the Radical
Journals, sPIts out its venom in the iolowin.
Whatever popularity it brings. of course
the President will cheerfuly take. but he
wants more-he wants every available rebel
vote in the South to sustain his policy. Re.
bells are now his only friends. and he must
put them in position to support him by
giving them the ballot. Doubtless. Buckley
has already commenced the preparation of the
opinion which will now be required of him
to show that Acknowledgement as the necess0rD
cgect Of the proclamation. To be sure this
Will be IN direct conflict with the receDstruc.
ton act, which provides that no person shall
at any time be entitled to be registered. or ia
vote by reason of any Executive pardon or
amnesty, for any act or thing which. withou,
such pardon or amnesty. would disqualiiy him
IRON registration or voting"
but that consideration is now of no mo-
ment to the President. He has entered up.
on revolutionary policy, and proposes to bid
defiance to the laws and the Congress which