Rutland weekly herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1859-1877, 1867-02-21
RUTLAND HERALD.
SATURDAY. FEBRUARY 10, 1851.
The Stevens and Eii"s Plans Tor
Hecons,ruetion.

These two measures, although pre-
scented to Congress separately, seem 10
nee, with favor so far as their applica-
zion TO Louisiana is concerned. The
stevens plan originally proposed to
place military surveillance, as II may
he termed. over the reconstruction OF the |
Southern States, under the Immediate |
direction OF the military authorities,
The plan OF Mr.. Eliot was drawn to
apply alone to Louisiana, and was sub
pitted with the report OF the committee
(of which he was chalrman) on the New
Orleans riot. The Stevens proposition
we do not propose to enlarge upon, but
rs Mr.. Rliots looks mainly to the civil
government OF Louisiana and, II neces-
ssry, to the military enforcement OF the
law by nearly the same method as the
former, and as they, in their passage
through the House of Representatives,
became In measure fused together, 'and
II is rumorod that other bills, OF like
character, are being prepared to suit the
peculIar situation of each State, and thus
sipgly reconstruct them it may not be
embarrassing to look more especially at
the features of Mr.. Elliots plan, which
seems to have grown out Of a personal
examination OF affairs in Louisiana.
The bill provides that the President
shall nominate Governor for the State
OF Louisiana, who shall be confirmed by
the Senate He must be a citizen OF the
State, who is not disqualified by any Of
the test oaths made against persons who
were engaged in the late rebellion.
The President shall nominate to the
Senate provisional council, consisting
of nine persons having the same qualiti-
cations as are made for the Governor
who shall with him have all the legisla-
tive power of the State, snd hold their
Offices until Legislature shall be duly
elected and qualified. The Governor
is to take immediate charge Of all the
property OF the State and appoint all
officers now provided for by the existing
Government of the State, who shall con-
tinue until others shall be elected by the
people.
The qualifications Of voters as defined
are that every male citizen Of the Uuit-
ed States without distinction Of race or
solor, who has resided In Louisiana one
wear and who can take the test oath, eX-
eept those who never voluntarily coun-
tenanced the rebellion or served it ex-
sept as a private soldier in open war
fare, may be admitted to the rights OF 8
voter by an order of any court Ofrecort
of the United States upon the prOduc-
tion of suitable proof An election Is tC
be held on the first Tuesday in June fol
Governor, Lieut.. Governor, and Senate
and House of Representatives, to b.
chosen from the several districts csnov
constituted Ia that State. The Secre
tary of War Is required to make AM
publish rules providing true registra
zion of voters, and the time and metho
Of holding elections.
Provision Is made for calling an
holding a Constitutional convention o
the basis of the representation in th
House OF Representatives, the electio
Of delegates to take place on the thir
TUESDAY of October, 1867, and the cor
stitution framed by them shall not PEI
NIT any distinction in the rights OF me
on account of race or color, and sha
recognize the power and duty OF II
Government of the United States
protect and enforce perpetual union I
the States under such government. tt
constitution SO framed shall be submitte
10 the people and II approved by q M
tority OF the electors, 1t may be pr
sented to Congress for the admission
the State to representation in Congre
under 1t.
The President Is TO designate an arm
ecicer, to act as Military Governor
and who Is to have force at his disp
sal to enforce and execute the laws
the State, IL the civil authorities refu
to do so. All the voters in the State
compose the militia of the State, WI
shall be equipped and under the dire
tion of the Military Governor,
laws passed by the Council, or Legis
tnre, shall be sent to Congress for th'
approval, and If disapproved Of, t
laws SHALL be returned to the Chief j
tiee OF the State, aud the date OF thu
reception endorsed thereon, and FRI
that date shall be void, until the ST.
shall be recognized as entitled to rep
sentation in Congress. Louisiana sh
have one delegate In the House Of R
resentatives having the same rights q
powers as delegates from the territor
Of the United States. The constitute
Is to prohibit the payment of any det
pensions or other liabilities contraC
or incurred in the support o. the rel
lion. All laws now 10 force not inc
sistent with the constitution, and la