Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1867-08-13
An Able Letter.


v. JOHNSON for an expression of his views
with regard to the sO>called Reconstruction
measures of Congress, he has responded in
letter of considerable length aud masterly
ability. Mr.. j., it will be recollected, was
the candidate for Vice President, on the tick
ct with Stephen A. Douglas, in 1860. As a
sagaciOus statesman and profound thinker, he
has no superior, if an equal, in the whole
South, and whatever expression he may pre-
sent of his views, should be received with
great consideration. We give che following
extract from his admirable letter:-
To the suggestion that if we do not accept
the proposed scheme OF reconstruction we shall
not be allowed representation in Congress, l
am, il possible, more Indifferent. Who cares
for such representation as willb foisted upon
the people under its operation? They will
be representatives, in name, but misrepresenta-
tivcs in fact. Much as deprecate military
government, it is far preferable to such
government as will probably be iuaugurated
under the Sherman programme.
Entertaining these views, never will ap-
prove, consent to, or accept the poisoned
chalice offered to our lips, nor will | advise
my fellow citizens to do SO. If permitted to
vote, in view of the turn of events, should
register, and hope every man in Georgia
who can will do SO, with the view Of defeating
the scheme for our degradation and the over
throw OF republican government.
1t cannot fail to strike the mind ofeverv re.
Hecting man, that the consent of the people
to the proposed plan of reconstruction is de-
sired by the dominant party; for having OBJ
faiDnH Our cnnSpDf fhoy II
Is irregular is thereby cured, that whatever is
unconstitutional is thereby waived, aud they
absolved from their sins. Then the door of
redress, in every form, will be forever closed
Then all future remOnstrance will be vain, aud
its voice silenced by the retort upon US that
we consented to the scheme, and that the
State Government and Constitution, organ
lied in pursuance of it, are, in truth and in
fact, the Government Constitution adopted
by the people. Let US never consent. but
having the power, let US see to it that we re-
ject it. This we can do only by registration
aud voting against the proposed convention.
Therefore, let all register and WELD their
ballot to save the State from utter ruin and
degradation. This is the CLUB of Hercules,
by which we can, if united and true to our
selves, crush this horrid hydra that basks in
aud fattcns upon the slime of the Lernean
lake Of Radical corruption.
We are in great struggle for the right of
elf-GOvernment, which our fOrefathers intend
ed to secure, forever, to the people of the sew
eral States. We are asked to consent; nav,
it is sought to compel US, by appeals to our
fears, to consent to u fundamental change in
our system Of govcrnment-a change which
must prove fatal. II we consent our ruin is
inevitable we can be but ruined if we refuse
prefer the latter horn of the dilemma We
are atoat upon storm tossed sea in the
darkness and fury Of the tempest We have but
one plank-thc Constitution. Let us cling
to that, aud, if submerged, let us go down,
grasplng 1t with the desperate energy of death.
Property aud life are nothing without good
government. We bequcath to our posterity
"a heritage of woe if We surrender them to the
mercies Of despOtism.
Our oppressors can put chains upon US if
they will, seeing US impOtent and PROSTATE
at their feet; but let us consent to it never.
We are Overpowered, but not Conquered
They can rob us Of freedom, but let us never
agree to be slaves. They may overthrow con
stitutional liberty; but let US never embrace
their despotism.
despair Of redress by Executive intcrpo.
sitiOn. The President is powerless. des>
pair of redress by any appeal to the Supreme
Court. That tribunal is not equal to the oc-
casOn. 1t bows to the black surges of rad
ical fanaticism. My only hope, and that not
sanguine, is in possible reaction among the
people of the North aud Northwest. They
want the harmony of the Union restored
they, like us, at heart are attached to the
great rights of selfgovernment; they are in
passion now, but that passion may subside
in time to save the Constitution if. by reject
ing the Sherman scheme we afford them an
opportunity to rally. When freed from its
binding influence they will see the dargcr;
for that power which will crush us will involve
them in consequences fatal to all theirinterests.
This great issue must go before them, in
their next elections, and desire that it shall
not be closed against US by our consent to the
chains forged Tor US. If it can be fairly
presented, they may say to the angry sea
Thus far shalt thou go and no further"
They may cleanse the Augeau stable, purge
the statute books, and restore the administers
ton to its ancient landmarks. IfnOt, nothing
will be left us but acquiescence in the sad
necessity of our condition. Then and not till
then, may be inscribed upon the tomb of
constitutional liberty, "IUiUnl fitit"
Let us be firm, calm, self poised and united
prepared for every aspect of the future
trusting in God as our only wisdom, guide and
protection.
have the honor. gentlemen, to be your
friend and felow-citizen.
HERscHEL v. JOHNSON.
A n