Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1867-05-29

WAsuNGroN, Nav p.
The Union Republican Congressional Commits
tee have to-day issued an address to the South,
preceded 5v copies Of the II constitution Acte.--
The address, which is brief has been wrtten by
GOV. Boutwell, member from Massachusetts,. Il
opens by declaring that che RsconstructIon Acts
are designed as measures OF benehcehce aud resto-
ration, and not OF revenge and punlshment. Ine
nation cannot hesitate at once to freely coneede
to the colOrcl race every political and public right
that is cnioyed b, any class of citizens Ihe me-
groes ON their side cannot hesitate TO support the
party ani principles by whose labors and influence
their redemption has been accomplished Upon
the basis of universal suffrage the address urges
the people of the South TO direct then efforts TO
the establishment and maintenance OF system of
public schools for the education OF children OF all
classes, and TO stimulate the lahOrlng people 90
become laudholders. The owners Of large estates
should divide and subdiyde their lands aad sell at
reasonable rates TO those who aced them and who
can improve them. Ia the South there is land
enough for all, aud all who desire should be per-
milted 20 obtain homes. In these measures OF
Justice we expecl aud shall welcome, tho aid OF
many who formerly were shareholders, and who
participated ia the rebellion. The address con
tinucs to declare thlt Congress reserves TO itself
the full aud unrestricted right Of judgment when
ever State presents iesslt for adnsslOn into the
Union. The right will be exercised fairly and
generously then, but vet in the interests of peace
laid down in the laws. These must be inst, but
beyond these conditions Congress must be satisfied
also that the people OF the proposed States respec
lively are, aud likely TO be, loyal 70 the Union
by decisive and Trustworthy maiorities; that the
instructions are framed upon the basis of equality,
and that they will from year to year, and from age
to age contribute TO the peace, progress and pros
perity OF the State and Of the country
There can be restoration, Cancellation, friend
ship aud prosperity for all, it the States lately m
rebellion rehuild their Institutions upon the pun-
cpes OF Justice, but II they dwell upon the past,
revive and strengthen the hatrsds that were engen-
dered by the contests about sayery-ii they deny
land, education or equality and rights ia ANY par
uculdr, TO any class of the citzens; then an soma
degree the mahgn influences of the past and the
present will be transmitted to the future,
Gen. Miles, slant commissioner oil the iroud-
men in North Carolina IN his report for Apnl
represents that there a satisfactory condition of
affairs, although much desttution still prevails
The farmers are working 10 the fullest possible ex-
tent their resources, and large tracts OF and-whch
have until now remained forests or have for years
been idle, have been taken up by the energetic
freedmen who with their operations show conclu-
Biyoly Dy the results already obtained, that the eX-
pertinent of free labor is a success. As general
rule the contracts strictly observed by both
parties, and complaints of wrongs or injuries are
seldom heard. Gen. Miles also says; "Ihu ini-
tiatory steps which have been taken towards CIV
ing the eolored people their nights Of representa-
ton, already give evidence OF their influence la
the development of their manhood, Ia a great
measure they indicate their appreciation oi Their
position, unattended by ANY evidence Of elated-
ness, but with an earnestness OF purpose charac'
terzed by moderation and proper reasoning