Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1867-03-19
Debates in Congress Upon Reoonstruo-
ton,


known ioyalists of the South, and was neces-
sary to just aud loyal reconstruction While
he was advocating the fifth proposition, he
was interrupted by Mf. Fesseuden, who in
CURED If he thought piece of land for each
man was necessary to republican form of
government.
Mr. Sumner did not think it was. But it
was necessary to give piece of land to each
freedman, in order to conclude the glorious
work ut emancipation.
Mr.. Grimes inquired where the Govern
ment would get the land?
sir. Sumner aaid there were several ways
OF getting it. He would say nothing now
about conhscstion, though he Thought it
would have been wise policy to have divided
the large landed estates of the rebels among
the freedmen. There were lands that had
been sold for taxes in the South that might
be used tor this purpose. But probably the
best way was that which the President could
have catrted out if he had been disposed to
do SO. 1t was that of requiring, as a condi-
ton of pardon, that the person pardoned
should assign a portion of his lands to his
freedmen.
Mr.. Dixon said that it was asserted that
the military reconstruction bill was to be
tnal measure. 1t was asserted, too, that it
was measure of paclfcation. This he did
not believe 1t now appeared from dir Sum-
ners resolutions that it was not fnality.-
The fifth proposition meant universal confis
cation IN the rebel States aud he wished to
call the attention of the Senate and the coup.
try to it.
Mr. Sherman regretted that this resolution
was being pressed at this time. He honed
no further guarantees, such as were proposed
in this measure. would be agreed to by anv
senator who voted in good faith upon the mil,
itary reconstruction bill. That bill was being
received and considered BY the Southern pco-
pie, and would be acted upon favorably hv
them. He Mr. Sherman had just received
letter from Governor Patton, of Alabama,
to this effect. He believed tbs terms of re-
construction already agreed upon received
the cordial endorsement of the country.
NIr. johnson said he rose to controvert Il
statement made by Mr.. Dixon that the policy
| of Mr. Summers resolution would sooner or
later be adopted by the dominant party in
the two Houses of Congress. Hc mir John.
son did not believe Congress would dennrt
from the conditions Of the bill recently passed.
lie had so assured many leading men of the
South with whom he had recently cores
pondcd on the subject. He believed that
b:i! gave ample protection to all citizens of
the South, and ample guarantee to the gov
ernment. lie implored the Senate to adhere
country, and not to think of adopting a poli.
cy of confiscation, which was certain to end
IN repetition Of the horrors of St. Dominuo
Mr.. FreiInghuyscn said that three of the
points in these resolutions were contained in
the supplementary bill Of Mr. Wilson. which
WIS now before the judiciary Committee Of
the Senate. Alter few remarks in oprosi>
ton to the resolutions, he moved to layL;hcm
on the table, but subsequently withdrew that
motion for the purpose of allowing Mr.. Sum
ncr to reply to some Of the arguments against
his proposition.
Mr.. Sumner said the mistake made BY those
who opposed his resolutions was that Of re-
Sardlng the conditions contained in then, rs
burdens. 1t was no bur.cn to require educa-
/ ton; it was no burden to give a homestead
to every freedman.
Mir. Howard, prefacing his remarks bv say
ing that he supposed the resolutions were IN
tended Us thesis for discussion while tho
Senate had nothing else to do, rather than as
Il measure of practical Legislation, proceeded
to state his opinions Of the different PROPOSE
tiOns contained in the resolutions. Some of
them were contained III Il bill now under con-
siderat'on in the judiciary Committee. He
did not agree to the third proposition All
that was requisite in that particular was con
tanned IN the reconstruction bill lately passed.
lie looked upon the nth proposition us en-
tirely impractcable.
The resolutions we're laid on the table, only
ten votes being cast against the motion
IN THE HOUSE ON Wilson'S BILL.
Mr.. Wilson, of Iowa, from the Judiciary
Committee, reported bill supplementary to
the act OF the I'd of March, for the more eff.
hc'ent government of the rebel States. and to
facilitate restoration. 1t directs the COM
| handing general in each district provided bv
that act to cause to be made before the first
of September next, a registration in each
county or parish Of the male citizens of the
United States over twenty one Years of aye
resident III each county or parish, which reg
lstratIon shall lnc!u, only chose persons who
are qualified to vote for delegates by the act
of the I'd of March, and who shall have ia.
ken and subscribed an oath that tley are sim
cerely and earnestly attached to the Union
and Government of the United States: that
they will steadtasty support the Constitution
and obey the laws Of the United States. aud
that they Will engage all others to such sup
port and obedience. When such registra>
ton shall have been completed. and comics
thereof returned to the commanding general
the general commanding shall within thirty
days thereafter. cause an election to be l.eld
Tor DELEGATES to frame State constitutions. to
re-establish civil governments loyal to the
Union therein, and to pass all needful ordi-
nances for putting such constitution and gov
eminent into operation. The constitution is
to be adopted by majority of the registered
voters, and, on its approval By Congress, sem
a;ors and representatives arc to be admitted
from such State.
Mr.. Wood declared that the bill contained
principles which no true republican could as
sent to: The existing laws gave to the pro-
visional governments, recognized as nov Cd.
Grating in the Southern States, the power to
initiate preparatory proceedings for calling