Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1867-02-22

What power has this Congress 10 say to future
Congresses that they shall admit the Southern
States when they shall have done certain things.
There was time when that good man, now no
more, Mr. Lincoln. carried his idea Of recon
struction TO an extreme beyond his Mr.. Stesens)
views, yet he proposed only to found loyal States
but this bill founded governments Of States
composed of robbers, traitors and murders. The
President has not only as far as he was able,
pardoned rebel traitors and restored to them
their property confscated under the law OF loOz; I
but, so far as he could ascertain, over two mil
lions Of United States property had been Illegal
" given to enrich traitors God willing, he /.
would soon submit to this House the question |
whether this confscsted property of rebels
should not give part to the payment Of the
claims Of loyal people He believed If this
House would order Committee Of Conference
that a bill would be reported which would meet
all objection.
Mr.. Blaine, of Maine, explained the de-
mands made by bis amendment, which IS IN
substance Incorporated into the Senate bill.
1t demanded of the rebel States:
First, That they should form a Constitution
conforming in all respects 10 the Constitution OF
the United States. Second, That the Constitu
ton shall guaranty the elective franchise With
out regard to race or color. Third, That the
Constitution shall be submitted for ratification
CT rejection to all the male citizens. except such
as may be DISTINGUISHED for participation in the
rebellion. Fourth. That if adopted by major
Ity it shall be submitted to Congress for examin-
alton and approval. Fifth, If Congress ap-
proves the Constitution the State may then elect
a Legislature, which shall gave It's assent to the
Constitutional amendment. Sixth, That after
that the State may elect Senators and Represen-
tatiyes to Congress who may tske their seats,
provided they can take the rest oath. Could
protection to loyal men be more absolute?
Could the guaranty OF suffrage 10 the colored
man be more impregnsble;
Generals Sehenck and Garfield, Farms
worth of H., Thayer Of Penn, and other
strong radicals, also supported the amend
ment
Mr.. Highly of California opposed the bill
and declared that all the Senates on
Garth could not force it down his threat.
Mr.. Woodbridge of Vt advocated the bill
as amended. lie had voted for the bill
originally. knowing at the time that it con-
taincd az unconstitutional provision when 1t
proposed TO transfer Executive power from
the President to tic General-in-Chic but
with the mental reservation that while lie
did not believe the House had Alright to pass
it he hoped for the best good to grow out Of
1t. The bill as amended did not entirely
suit his views, but be believed II to be the
best measure that this Congress could pro-
pose. The people demanded two things
one was the protection Of the loyal people oil
the South, and tie other was an early re-
tOration Of the Southern States. and he
believed this bill was calculated to accom-
llish both.
Mr.. Banks opposed the bill, because the
existing State governments were practically
recognized by 1t. True the preamble citei
that these governments are not legal; but
they are de tacto governments Of great
power. and are controlled by the most astutC
politicians that this country has ever pro
duced, and the bill says the military author
titles shall recognize the local tribunals. and
the fifth section speaks Of class to he dis
franehised who are made ielons at common
law. Now who is to declare these felons at
common law but the de facto government
then existing?
Mr.. Bingham said no de iacto government:
could make felOns of persons, whenever not
made so at common law.
Mr.. Banks said one OF these Southern
provisional Governors had said that he had
1000 State officers subject to bis appointment.
If this was SO the ten insurgent eommunI-
ties would give 10000 officers, all Of whom
are rebels. Nothing bot rebel Governments
could be expected when the Offices are all
held by rebels II the bill Is passed no loyal
voice will be heard IN the formation Of State
Governments from Virginia to Texas.
Many Others spoke on 10th sides. Finally
the question recurring on the motion to con
cur in the Senate amendments, it was rejected
by yeas %, nays 9S, tie democrats voting
nay with Stevens, Boutwell,, &c.
The Vermont members were not exactly
unanimous on the question, Mr.. Baxter
voting nay, and Mr.. Woodbridge yea.
Pending the roll call, Mr.. Baxter stated
that if his colleague. Mr.. Morrill,, were
present, he would vote nay, and Mr.. Wood
bridge made a counter statement, alleging
that he would vote aye.