The south-western. [volume] (Shreveport, La.) 1852-1870, 1867-02-27
Making Territories Of States.


We do not get INTO the whole secret Of the new
system of territoriasng the Southern States which
the RADICALS IN Congress propose, but may reasonably
infer that their invention is equal to all demands
as they arise. They we'll aware OF the unconsti-
nationality of their proposition and cannot but dread
II moments OF reflection ever to them, the con
sequences to the peace and welfare Of the country
And if the scheme be persisted in, it will disclose
recklessness which could have parentage blu. IA
naticism. Who is to appoint Territorial Governors
and other officials and what process is to be followed
in breaking down the State Governments already es-
tablshed questions vital to the plan that so far
have been neither raised nor answered.
Every department of the Government has already
recognised the existing State governments Of the
South. They appealed to by Congress itself to
adopt the constitutional amendment abolshng slavery
aud when the institution swept away by their act
its destruction officially proclaimed by the Exec
utive. Here then, the Legislative and executive
branches openly recognising the governments of the
Southern States. The Supreme Court of the United
States is regularly hearing cases from the South which
have been continued from period Just previous to
the rebellion; which is recognition by the judicial
branch Of the Government also. More than this; if
these State governments worthless, they were SO
when originally up, but not having then been dis
turbed, it is maxim in Jurisprudence that they may
become established by mere custom and consent. At
any rate they have acquired authority by the
lapse of time which in discussing a matter of the
kind would have to be allowed much additional weight
and force.
As Thaddeus Stevens is the father of this revol11-
tionary measure, it is safe say that he will push it
as far through Congress as it will 90; and as Mr.
Raymond comedies that the Radical resolution is
strung up to much higher pitch since the elections
than before, prepared to the plan become
law. How many men would have left home and
friends for the battle field, if it had been told them
that what they were asked to fight for was the &C.
strucon of the governments Of ten States and not
the preservation 0: tie integrity of the Union?
If this business is 60 on, thoughtful men are in
curing where it will end? With States eyeled to
Territories, and their governments parceled out
among party retaincrs the land abandoned of indus
try the social state melancholy wreck, and universal
gloom clouding the prospect, what will the South be
worth to the Union? How is it to be expected to do
its part in raising the needed revenues i'll supplying
commerce with its resources, in answering the demands
of manufacturers, and in giving impulse to tde
aspirations of labor and enterprise? Our people are
guilty Of fatal mistake if they forget that this is
Il Union not Il government of one section by
other section; not feudal establishment with out
lying dependencies; least of all practical tyranny.
But that is what the Radical theory is taking to with
headlong precip;tancy II the experiment pro-
ceeds however it is possible that the rights OF the
States may be indicated in a manner not now seri-
ously thought of by the Radical managers. There is
the Supreme Court 10 be overthrOwr, well as the
Executive Department of the Government to be ami
hilaed Both of these would be summoned to vim
dictate the elementary principles Of entire system,
by protecting local governments from usurpation
such az the fathers and founders never dreamed OF
nor feared.