The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1867-04-16

and colored, are desirous of sengaging
honestly in the work of reconstruc-
tion. =: t1fi
Address from Governor Jenkins.
Governor Jenkins, now in Wash
ington, has written an address to the
people of Georgia. After reviewing
the situation, he concludes his address
as follows:
The public discussions seem to re-
cognize only two alternatives: First,
prompt acquiescence in the already
rejected proposal for amendment of
the Federal Constitution, and in all
the requirements of the two Acts of
Congress aforementioned, together
with the incorporation of them all,
by our own acts, into our own consti-
tuition and laws; secondly, firm but
temperate refusal of such acquiescence
and adoption; and q patient, manly
endurance of military government,
until, in the efflux Of time, and on
the subsistence of the passions gene
rated by civil war, better counsels
shall prevail at the Federal 'oapital-
we, meantime. strictly observing law
and order, and vigorously addressing
ourselves to industrial pursuits.
AS between these alternatives, I
have no hesitation in advising the
adoption of the latter, but forbear, at
this time, to assign any reasons for
this advice, because, fellow-citizens,
l am far from believing that these are
the only alternatives. I have strong
faith that there remains to us m
available remedy. In the Federal
Government. there are three depart
ments. Two OF them hive passed
upon these measures, and are in di-
rect antagonism regarding their con-
stitutionality. But in that event, the
Constitution gives to the Legislative
department power to override the
executive, and they have 80 done.
There still remains, however, the
judicial department-the great con-
servator of the supremacy of the
Constitution-whose DEGREES, unlike
the Executive veto, cannot be over
ridden by the Congress. That de-
partment has not yet spoken. Should
it be found d in accord with the Execu-
tive, this usurpation will be arrested.
Then, although, for time, you may
be denied representation in Congress,
your State Government will remain
intact, and full restoration will not
long be delayed.
: Watching at home the progress of
these measures, 1 gave, as was my
duty to you, earnest consideration to
the question whether or not we had
any remedy against them. Treached
the conclusion that case could be
made, giving Jurisdiction to the Su-
preme Court, wherein the validity of
these Acts could be properly tested,
and whereby, if found invalid, they
could be arrested. Unwilling to trust
my own judgment or that Of any
Southern jurist, SO liable to be swayed
by the bias of Southern interest and
Southern feeling, Immediately upon
the passage of the first Act. I came
here for the sole purpose Of Submit
ting my views to, and consulting with,
jurists able and pure, who would view
the whole subject from n different
standpoint. I.have done so, and,
by such men, my proposed course has
been approved. Before you read this,
the cause of Georgia will be in that
august tribunal, hitherto true to the
Constitution-the bulwark of our
liberties. The great question of re-
lief from that quarter will be speedily
determined. Need I ask you to be
calm and quiet, committing your
selves hastily to no particular course
of action? Should we fail, las fail we
may,) there will remain nothing that
[ car do for you. Your destiny will
be in your own hands, and you must
choose between the alternatives first
presented. In making that choice,
you have my codnsel, perhaps erro-
neous, but certainly honest.
The colored Masons of Richmond,