The Charleston daily news. [volume] (Charleston, S.C.) 1865-1873, 1867-07-23
rrrE PRESIDENTS LAST VETO MES.
SAGE.

friends. .a-..-.-
TEE PRESIDENTS LAST VETO MES
SAGE.
We published yesterday the Message to Con-
gress, containing the objections Of the Presi-
dent to the second Supplementary Reconstruc-
tion Act, passed few days ago. This message
is mere formal protest; and although the
President asks Congress to reconsider its ac-
ton, for the reasons set forth in his message,
he knew very we'll that nothing whatever that
he could urge, from his stand point, would re-
ceive even patient hrsring, or would influence
Congress to recede from its position.
The present message, as q literary produc-
ton, or as State paper, in our opinion, falls
very considerably short Of several of the pre-
oeding Veto Messages of the President, and the
reason of this may be found in the fact that the
ground had already been covered in the pravi-
GUS documents. Mr.. JOHNSON this time con-
tents himself with pointing out, in general
terms, the unconstitutionality of the Bill. and
the inconsistency of which Congress has been
guilty in its cumulative legislation bearing on
the reconstruction Of the Southern States.
It is understood that the entire Cabinet, with
the exception of the Secretary of War conourred
in the views Of the President, as set forth in
this message. This we might have expected
from the known opinions Of the several men,
bers of the administration, as recorded and
published in the course of their deliberation on
the opinion recently given by the Attorney
General. l-,
That the President should not have signed
the Bill just passed will surprise no one who is
acquainted with the history Of the reconstruo-
tion question. There is radical difference Of
opinion between Congress and the Executive
regarding the status Of the Estates lately in re-
bellion," and while the course of the President
can, better lay claim to constitutionality and
consistency than that of Congress, the latter is
backed by the votes of q majority Of the North
ern people, with whom, at present, resides the
power of the Government of the United States.
Congress and the President, at the close of
the war, were the representatives Of the same
party. A difference Of opinion between them
was developed by the exercise on the part Of
MIR. JOHNSON of what he considered his legiti-
mate function. He thought reconstruction was
the duty of the Executive. Congress contend
ed that it lay entirely within the province Of
the legislative department of the Government.
This difference, at first small, with every sue
cessive step, grew wider, until it has
assumed the form Of an irreconcilable
quarrel. The President is content to
maintain his position, and record his protest
to what he considers the unconstitutional legis-
lation of Congress. But this continued and
persistent opposition on his part has urged
Congress on from one step to another, each
successive Act rendered necessary in its opin-
ion, by the failure of the President to execute
the one preceding; until now the Executive
Office is stripped Of nearly all its legitimate
functions When we consider, therefore, that
il was one Of the special objects of this last
Act to prohibit all interference with its e1ecu-
ton on the part of the President, we cannot
be surprised that Mr.. JOHNSON should protest
against such infringement upon what he deems
his rightful prerogative.
The present message, therefore, is Of no i'm
portance whatever. We have before been told
that the course of Congress is not in accord
ance with the Constitution; and, moreover, that
it is altogether inconsistent. Where, then, is
the reason for lengthy repetition of these
objections But, after all, it matters not, as
its nullity was foreordained. Some of the
Radical members of Congress pronounced it
"defant," but we do not see that its character
differs in any essential particular from other
veto messages.
The President, however, deserves vr. =. for
his continued hopefulness. He says there is
remedy "It is to be found in the ballot, and
is q sure one; if not controlled by fraud, over
awed by arbitrary power, or from apathy on
their part too long delayed" 1t will be re-
membered that Mr.. JOHNSON rested his cause
with the people one year ago; and notwith-
standing the carefully gotten up Philadelphia
Convention, was doomed to see his policy re-
jected by an overwhelming defeat at the ballot
box. That he is still hopeful of the future
speaks well for his good opinion Of the Ameri-
can people.
The whole subject of this message is one
entirely beyond our province; it concerns tho
quarrel between Congress and the President
To the people of these ten unreconstruoted
States their duty should be plain. If we would
have peace, order, organization, government,
we must adopt the measures prescribed for us
by Congress. Congress alone has. the power to
enforce its DEGREES, and that power is even
now at our doors, and for this very purpose.
Where, then, is the wisdom Of opposition, or Of
a refusal to accept the proffered terms. The
of March last, when the first Reconstruction
Act was passed. Whatever wrangling there
may have been on the subject since, between
the Executive and the Legislative departments
and cannot change; and the sooner we dis
charge our duties, arising out of such relation,
the sooner we shall be relieved Of our present
disabilities, and the numerous and daily recur-
ring difficulties incident to provisional, semi
civil, and semi-military government, and from
that unrest and anxiety concomtant with
state of political transition, such as we find
ourselves in at present.