The south-western. [volume] (Shreveport, La.) 1852-1870, 1867-03-20
No. . 33.
Speech Of Reverdy Johnson on the Recon

The following is full, l,report of the speech of Mr.
Rererdy Johnson delivered in tie Senate on the Goth
ult, the bill to provide for the more efficient GOV
ernment of the rebel States which passed the Senate
that night:
M.. President-I have felt a soeitude for the con
dton of the country consequent upon the exclusion
of the Southern States from their right of representa-
ton in this body, that want words to express Tho
view that have entertained is that in their present
condition, they are entitled to be represented But
the Congress of the United States from the termina-
ton of the rebellion the present time have taken
different view, and | have lost all hope of seeing
them at any early date if at any day with the consent
OF Congress- reinstated in their original condition "a
Besides, the interest, tie vital interest," which the
people of the South necessarily have in the present
state OF things the interest of the other States is al
hiost as great AS long it continues, more or less
VIII the reputation OF the country suffer. have BEEN
'herelofe 1remhe first ready agree to any propo
stIon which believed would result in bringing tho
Southern States back, however much NAV be on.
posed 20 thesconditions which might be exacted Of
them.
Nothing can be worse than the state in which they
are now placed. Desoation around them all rights
denied them OF political character and on the floor
OF the Senate tosay nothing of another branch of tho
government their character has been expressed
in terms which have caused me nothing but the deem
est regret. know that they are not deserving Of
such aspersion. think know that the descendants
OF the men OF the South who upon 30 many occasions
batted on the field for the honor and GLORY. of tho
country and contributed much to the success Of our
civil government not be such men as some Of the
members OF Congress have designated them
wish them to be here in our midst to show by
their presence that in all particulars moral and po
ical, intellectual and Christian they are our EQUALS
The very battles which they have waged in seeking to
destroy the government exhibited deeds of valor of
which Rome, in her proudes day. might have boosted
If had my own way, would receive them at onca
in this chamber with heart full of conviction that
tn thai.
and that they would promote its permanent interest
! But l nave not my way. l am obliged therefore
to acquesee in the decision of the majority Of Con-
gfess however erroneous or unjust may believe that
decision to be, provided believe thatit will end in a
| comparatively short time in restoring the Southern.
States to the brotherhood Of States am unwilling
that this Congress shall adjourn without the adoption
OF some measure that holds out hope however dis
ant that THIS may be the result of deliberations;
and believing at this will be done by the adovtion of
the measure as it stands before you, shall now
give it my vote, not because approve of it in the
ABSTRACT or IN the particular but because think see
In it mode of rescung the country from the perous
predicament in which it is now placed
MIR. PRESIDENT ii there be a feeling which should
animate the heart of every American should be one
OF generosity, inagnanimty and charity for the men
who although they sought to break asunder the cords
OF the Union, are now looking with solicude to their
being feinstated.
II there be a-feeling which shouds animate eye-y
American CITIZEN it is that we should be- and at the
earliest period, people and undvisble demon
stratlDS to the world that however alarming the few
last years may have been, and however they were
calculated to cause the lovers of constitutional free
dom to despond, the time has come, or the time will
speedily come when the feelings consequent upon
that effort will have subsded and shall be brought
together again and be in the undisturbed exer-
else OF duties imposed upon u.s. and exhibiting to the
world people great in war, and people capable of
oelng IN the end, the war terminated, as great in
peace