Rutland weekly herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1859-1877, 1867-05-30
Republican Address to the South.

~ 49,
The Union Congressional Republican
Committee have issued an address to the
South, accompanied by copies Of the re-
construction acts. The document is a
brief one, but embodies much that Is Of
importance, and Is couched in concilia-
tory and kind terms. 1t opens by de-
claring that the reconstruction acts are
designed as measures of benehcence and
restoration, and not Of revenge anq pun
ishment. The nation cannot hesitate at
once to freely concede to the colored race
every political and public right that is
enjoyed by any class of citizens. The
negroes on their part cannot hesitate to
support the party and the principles by
whose influence their redemption has
been accomplished. The address urges
the people of the South, on the basis Of
universal suffrage, to Immediately direct
their attention to the establishment and
maintenance Of system OF public
schools for the education of the children
OF all classes, and encourage the labor
ing people to become owners OF lana.
The proprietors Of large estates should
make a division of their lands and sell
at reasonable terms to those who are IN
naed ~ them and who are capable OF
improving them. There is land enough
in the South for all, so that all who de-
sire can be permitted to obtain homes
They say that in these measures OF JUS
tice that 1--WE shall expect and welcome
the aid Of many who formerly were own
ers of slaves, and who participated IN
the rebellion" The address again de-
clares that Congress reserves to itself
the full and unrestricted right of judg-
ment whenever State presents itself
for admission into the Union, and that
the right will be fairly and generously
exercised but yet, in the Interests OF
peace and loyalty. The laws lay down
certain conditions precedent, which must
be met, but beyond these conditions
Congress must be satisfied and, also
that the people of the proposed States
respectively are and will remain loyal tt
the Union by decisive and Trustworthy
maiorities, and that the instructions are
framed upon the basis Of equality, and
that they will from year to year ant
from age to age contribute to the peace
progress and prosperity OF the State
and the country.
They fully and cordially assure III
Southern people that there can be res
toration, Cancellation, friendship an
prosperity for all, if the States lately
rebellion reconstruct their institution
upon principles of equality and justice
But if they dwell upon the past, reViV
and strengthen the hatreds that Wer
eppendered by the contests about SLAYER
and are unwilling to aid those in nee
of land, deny education or equality c
rights in any particular to every elias
of citizens, then in some degree the mi
Ign influences of the past and the pre-
ent will be transmitted as the heritag
of the future.
From this synopsis of the Republica
address, it is very evident the questit
recently raised in reference to the rigl
of prominent individuals, like Senat
Wilson to hold out to the South, certa
guarantees and conditions, is settled
the presentin the conditions set forth
the committee, as they stand in such
relation to the majority in Congre'
that their expression is almost
authoritative declaration of its int
lions representing as they do, varlo
sections of the dominant party in Co
gress.