The Cadiz sentinel. [volume] (Cadiz, Ohio) 1864-1911, 1867-04-03

well as in North Carolina. When L con
template the lllions Of our fellow F-citizens
of the South, with no alternative left but
TO impose upon themselves this fearful and
uutried experiment Of complete negro en-
franchisemoai, aud white disfranchisement
Lit NAV be almost as conplete-or submit
Indefinitely to the rigor OF martial law,
without single attsibote Of fIeedmen; de-
nriyed of all the sacred guarantee of our
Federal Constitution, and threatened with
even worse wrongs, If any worse are posi-
bic, il seems to me their condition is the
most deplorlble to which any people can be
reduced IL is true that they have been en-
gagged in rebellion, and that their object be-
ing n separation OF the States and disso-
luton of the Union, there was an obligation
resting upon every loyal citizen to treat
them as enemies, and 'o-wage war against
their cause. InAexibly opposed to any
movement impe' ling the integrity Of the
Government, / did not hesitate to urge the
adoption of all measures necessary for the
suppression Of the insurrection.
After a long aud terrible struggle, the ef-
forts OF the Government were triumphantly
successful. and the people Of the South,
submitting to the stern arbitrament, yielded
forever the issues of the contest. Hostili-
ties terminated soon after it became my
duty to assume the responsibilities of the
chief executive officer Of the Republic. l
! at once cndeavored to repress and control
the uassions wticn our civil strife and en-
xendcred, aud, no longer regarding these
erring millions as enemies, again acknowl
edged them az our countrymen. The war
ACCOMPLISHED its object; the Nation was sa-
we'd, and that seminal principle of mischief,
which. from the birth Of the Government
had gradually but inevitably brought on
| the rebellion, was totally eradcated Then,
It seemed to me, was the auspicious time to
commence the work of reconciliation; then,
when the people sought once more ouririend-
shin and projection | considered it our du-
ty Generously to meet them in the spirit of
charity and forgiveness. and to conquer
them even more effectually by the magma
ninity Of the nation than BY the force OF its
| arms
I vet believe that if the policy of reconcilia-
tinn then ipaueurated and which contem-
Mated an early restoration Of these people to
ali their political rights, had receil ed the
support of Congress, every one of these ten
States, and all their people, would at this
moment be fast anchored in the Union. and
| thte. great work which gave the war all its
sanction. and male it just and holy, would
have been accomplished. Then, overall the
vast and fruitful regions of the South, peace
a I'd its blessings would have prevailed, while
now millions are deprived Of rights
guaranteed by the Constitution to every
citizen. and after nearly two years Of
legislation, find themselves placed under ar
absolute military despotism. A military
republic-a, government formed on mock
elections, and supported only by the sword,
! was, nearly quarter OF century since, pro
nounced by Daniel Webster, when speaking
of the South American States, as "a move
ment indeed, but retrograde and disastrou
movement. from the regular and old-fashion
ed tnonarchical systems. ..s,i, I.s.
And he added: ''If men would enjoy tn
blessings ot~publican government, they mus
govern tn nlseves by reason, by mutua
4 counsel and consolation, by sense and feel
ing of general interest, and BY the acquies
cerce Of the minority in the will of the ma
iority, properly expressed; and above all, tn
military must be kept, according to the Ian
guage of our bill Of rights, in strict subordi
nation is the civil auth ority. Wherever thi
lesson is not both learned ond practiced, ther
| can be no political freedom. Absurd, pre-
S posterous is it scoff and satire on fire
S forms Of constitutional liberty, for forms {
$ government to be prescribed by militar
d leaders, and the right of suffrage to be exel
y cised at the point Of the sword. " Econf
! dently. believe that a time will come whe
n these States will occupy their true position
!, in the Union.
Il The barrels which now seems 50 obstina
o must yield TO the f,rce ofan enlightened ar
C Just public opinion, and sooner or later u
n constitutional and oppressive legislation "
st be eftaced from our statute book. Wht
II this shall have been consummated, / pri
lee God that the errors of the past may.
ID forgotten, and that once riore we shall be
e happy, united, and prosperous people; al
h that at last, after the bitter and eventf
Is experience through which the nation h
e. passed, We shall all come to know that O.
es only safety is IN the preservation of o
&c Federal Constitution, and in according
Id every American citizen and to every Sta
IS. the rights which that Constitution secure
~ ANDREW JOHNSON.
IL IHy ,c,,,s.,r.,y N,,.b % loe7