Nashville union and dispatch. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1866-1868, 1867-02-13
LOUISIANA.
Hanks RII for the decentralization of
fhe AfaIp.

HANKS NH tbt i've AAFSNAaTaA - al''a' -
fbe State.
WASHINGTON, Feb l0.-The following
are the provisions of the reconstruction bill
prepared 10y Gen. Banks:
The preamble recites that whereas q
form of government has been organized m
Louisiana, one Of the States lately in re-
bellion, which never has been recognized
by Congress, and having failed to secure the
rights Of loyal citizens or protection against
disloyal persons, cannot now be recognized,
without peril TO public interest; and
whereas, the condition Of the country inn
peratively demands a just administration
Of this and other insurgent States and
whereas, there is reason 10 believe that with
such prosection as the general government
NAV rightfully extend to the people OF
Louisiana, they will be able TO establish
and maintain for themselves the equality
Of rights affirmed by the Declaration of IN
dependence and guaranteed by the constl-
tution to all the people Of the United States
forever.
The first section provides, first, for the
creation of three commissioner, one to he
designated by the Senate, one by the House,
and an officer of the army, TO be designated
by the head of the War Department, 10
proceed Immediately To Louisiana and re-
establish the civil government in a renublI-
can form on the basis herein specified.
Second-PrOvides for the register of all
loyal male citizens, twenty-one years Of
age and upwards, without distinction Of
race orcolorand former condition ofslayery.
Six months a resident of the State, and
having heretofore exercised the right OF
suffrage, or having served in the army or
navy Of the United States, or possess real
or personal estate 10 the value Of 500, and
who are able 10 contribute by taxation TO
the support of the government, or write
citizens so registered shall have the right
10 vote for delegates 10 the constitutional
convention.
Third-EKcludes from suffrage all who
have taken the oath as members Of Con-
gress, officers of the United States, MEM
bers Of the State Legislature, or executive
OF judicial officer in any Stale, TO support
the constitution of the States, and subse-
quently engaged in the rebellion, have
given aid and comfort thereto, or voted for
any act Of secession; but Congress by a vote
Of two-thirds of each House, may remove
such disability
Fourth-The commissioners are en-
powered and directed TO call an election Of
registered voters, qualified under the act,
not less than thirty day S notice being given,
under such regulations "a they ahall deem
necessary or expedient, for the choice Of
delegates TO the Convention. The Consti-
utional Convention shall consist of the
same number of members as the most
numerous branch of the Legislature previ-
ous 20 the rebellion. The Convention shall
meet at the time designated 10y the COM
missioners.
Registered voters and all elected
20 Office under this act are required to take
the test oath. lf the commissioners or
officers Of registers be satisfied that any
person has falsely taken the test oath, his
name shall be taken from the registry The
Convention, when duly organized, shall
submit 10 its members
First-Question Of acceptance of this act
az a basis for the restoration of civil gov
eminent in Louisiana.
Seoond-The ratification Of the constitu-
tional amendment proposed TO the Legisla-
lures of the several States by the thirty
ninth Congress; and if the same be accept
ed and ratified, the Convention shall pro
coed 90 form a State constitution. The
constitution TO be submitted 10 the regis
tered voters under this act, if ratified hy a
majority of the legal voters, and be submit
ted 10 Congress, if approved, and be de
Clared the constitution Of the State of Lon
isiana
The military commander Of the depart
ment is authorized TO declare martial law
in certain contingencies and use the mill
tary force 20 sustain the action of the COM
missioners and maintain the public peace.
All public officers or persons in authority,
by Whomsoeyer appointed, aIe required 10
render TO the commissioners, or officers APP
pointed 10y them, or in pursuance of their
orders, such aid as may be necessary 10 Sc
cure the objects contemplated. Military
officers are authorized aud required, upun
complaint Of commissioners or officers app
pointed, etc, 10 punish by fine or impris-
onment any person who shall be guilty OF
any oaense against the public peace or per
sons in authority under this act. Expenses
10 be paid by the United States and reim-
bursed by the State
Section two appropriates the amount re-
quired 10 carry the act into effect.