Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1867-03-28

Special 20 the New Orleans Creseentl
W4sFIINGToN, March 24.--Gen. Tay-
Ior had an interview with the president
to-day, which lasted about an hour.
THE general stated that the object OF
his mission from the legislature was that
of obtaining frem the presidenth his views
IN the situation, and THAI be felt author
ized 10 say that the legislature proposed
passIu0 laws In conformity with the pro-
visions Of the military bin, and fully to
accept all the necessities Of the situation,
The president, in effect, confined him
self TO the proposition that the people OF
Louisiana should wisely consult their
interests, and act for the best and most
lasting protection OF them. Beyond
this he seemed disinclIned to commit
himself to any explicit opinion or
recommendation, either in references TO
the affairs Of Louisiana or 70 general
politics. 60
tod tn relieve Gems. Wade Hampton aud
Richard Taylor from their Political Dis
abilities. consequent upon their partiei-
patton in the efforts at secession, Is fs-
orabIv, received among the radicals.
President Johnaon is stated, on good
authority. 70 have expressed the opinion
the expectation of many.
The senate finsnce committee is au-
thoritatively stated to have unanimously
decided on reporting in favor Of the pas
sage of the bill guaranteeing six millions
of Louisiana levee bonds. ...r.
The chances Of Gen. Steadman for
confirmation as collector Of internal
revenue at New Orlesns are considered
good. The nomination il regarded with
favor by the Ohio senators-Wade and
Sherman.
THE president returned the supplement
tai bill with his objections, Of which the
following is.a synopsis:
The nil provides for elections In ten
states for the purpose Of making eonsti-
tutions, but all elections, while the origi-
nal bill remains in force, come within its
restrictions.
Preliminary to the elections comes
registration. The unregistered cannot
vote. Preliminary to registration, q
vague oath that the applicant is not dis
franchised by participation in the rebel
lion is required The applicant for reg
istration must decide for himself This
is a fearful responsibility, for though the
bill does not define perjury, nor nx the
penalty for mistaken swearing, yet We
must not forget that martial law prevails
and the affiant is responsible TO military
comm issioneIs, without previous present.
ment by grand jury. The military con-
mander determines what Is an oftense
and preseribes the punishment therefor.
The fourth section provides Jnat Jne
military commander shall appoint the
necessary boards Of registration, each
consisting OF three loyal persons who
l..
state or strangers. Exercising impor-
tsnt functions, and vested with unlim-
tied discretion, they decide questions
and make returns. Whatever errors or
frauds they commit pass unquestoned.
By such means are conventions OF dele
gates to be constituted. These delegates
are to speak for the people; Common
Justice requires that they should have
authority from the people. No conven-
ton so constituted will in any sense rep
resent the wishes of the people; for Vl-
der a law embracing exceptions ana
uncertainty, which the distranehise-
ment clause leaves openi the great body
Of the people may be excluded from the
polls.
1t is not deemed necessary to investi-
gate further the details Of the bill. No
consideration could induce him to ap-
prove such an election law for any pur-
pose, especially for the purpose Of form
ing a constitution for state.
The president argues the question at
some length, illustrating that the forma-
ton of republican governments aceord-
ing to congressional ideas may as well
commence in Ohio and Pennsylvania as
in North Carolina, and concludes:
II confidently believe the time viii
come when these states will again occupy
their true positions in the union. The
barriers which now seem so obstinate
must Weld to the force Of enlightened
and Just public opinion. Sooner or later
this unconstitutional and oppressive leg
islation will. be effaced from the statute
books. When this shall have been con-
summated pray God that the errors Of
the past may be forgotten and once
more we shall be a happy, united
and prosperous people, and that
at last. after the bitter and event.
full experiense through which the nation
has passed, we shall all come to know
that our only safety is in the preserva-
tion of the federal constitution, and IN
according every American citizen and
every state the rights which that consti-
tuition secures
WASHINGTON, March 24.-The supple
mental bill passed, veto notwithstsnd-
ing, by la to 25.
The house failed to fix a day for adj
iournment.
iSendte.-ThN supplemental bill passed
by forty msjOf.ty.
A concurrent resolution to adjourn on
Tuesday until the first Monday III De-
cember, passed.