The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1867-01-22
oopeFsss ana ono Amonamsnt.

lOOnBNub5 NAN sAAe amendments
From he Times.
The majority in Congress are no doubt riobt
in interpreting the recent verdict at the polls
as warrant for vigorous and eTectual mea-
sures of reconstruction, il the South persist in
its rejection of the proposed Constitutional
Amendment. But it would err if it assumed
that this indirect and anticipatory ap-
proval of strong Interior measures indicated a
readiness TO abandon the scheme of compro.
mise embodied in the Amendment until after
the South shall have had ample time for the
reconsideration of the decision already rem
dered. This view is presented by influential
Journals, in connection with the discussion of
the several plans of reconstruction before Con-
gress and it is corroborated by the prevailing
import OF the illusions to the subject which are
to be found in the messages of the Republican
Governors. 1t Is well stated by the Albany
EOeang journal, as iollows:-
'The loyal people of the North have demon
strated their willingness to accept the proposed
Constitutional amendment as a fnality; and
until the South shall have full and free oppor-
turnity to act upon that proposition, no other
should be proposed as an ultimaGum. 1t may
be SAID that they have had this opportunity
already. But thus is only true in part. They
have had sufficient time to act; but the attitude
and declarations Of the President have been
to believe that they could attain to complete
restoration without aCqmescing in any Interfe-
renee with the ancient barbafisms Of their Sec
tion. But for this interference on the part OF
the Executive there is reason tor the opinion
that the amendment would ere this have been
accepted, ana restoration under II accomplished.
IL this fact Is conceded II would show want OF
good faith on the part OF Congress if it should
make haste to take advantage OF the delay
which has followed this deusIon, and force
through proposition which ooKs 10 the total
atrogatOn OF the existing State organizations
at the South. The people should not only be
given time to act, DuJ time to reconsider their
action. They should not only be given to un-
derstand that Congress was in earnest when iC
proposed the Constitutional amendment, but that
there is no power in the Executive Department
OF the Government TO sHerve 1t from its pur-
pose"
The fact last mentioned by the Journal is one
which the South hardly yet realizes. But fact
it IS, nevertheless. Congress, sustained by the
loyal States, is master of the situation, and the
South Will commit an irreparablc blunder If it
act on the suppositiOn that il may with impa.
nifty spurn the profered terms of ofreStoraton.
should Congress push forward other and
more RADICAL measures, without atfording time
Tor rejection. 1t would not only be chargeable
with bad faith, but it would introduce elements
ol weakness INTO the Republican party, and
impair the moral force OF its policy The hesi-
fancy now felt by Union members touching pro-
posed measures of reconstruction arises in no
small degree from the opinion that the aban-
uOhhCuG vi lhe pGuuluG duleuulneQJ is not at
present warranted There is still chance-we
tear feeble one-that some OF the Southern
States Will reconsider their course ere the
period of grace comes to an end. 1t is also pos
sible that, on general and by no means IRA
tlonal review of the case, the ratification by
three-fourths of the represented States may be
held to invest the amendment with constitu-
tional validity, and thus to provide the guaran.
tees which must preCede restoration.
When these points shall have been disposed of
untavorably; when it shall be demonstrated
that the amendment is unavailable, and that
other measures are therefore a necessity-the
satisfactory discussion of the forms and princi-
pies that should govern reconstruction win be
greatly facilitated. Until the actual necessities
OF the case be settled it will be difficult to per-
suade the Republican party that radical
change OF policy is eXpedient. Let the neces-
sity be demonstrated by the final failure of the
amendment and the party will march forward
TO the further point of reconstruction with an
unbroken front. What Mr.. Speaker Col'ax said
last session as to restoration is applicable this
session to the programme of reCOustruction:-
We should make haste slowly that the intel
lgent judgment of the loyal States may keep
step with their Congressional Representatives In
every stage of their action upon this momcntous
question.