The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1867-08-30
GEN. POPE ON RECONSTRUCTION.

Gen. Grant received to-day letter from
Gen. Pope. dated headquarters Third Mill.
tary District, July "a.
Gen. Pope encloses a newspaper contain.
ing speech by b. Il. Hill, late a Senator
in The rebel Congress, saying, "This per.
son only few weeks since was pardoned
by the President, and, in common with nj
most every pardoned rebel, this is the use
he makes of the clemency Of the govern
ment."
"You cam" he says to Gen. Grant,
Readily see from the speech itself the
character of the man who is the represen.
ta,ive Of large class, and the hopelessness
of any satisfactory reconstruction OF tho
southern States while such men retain in.
fuence."
In his opinion, no reconstruction can be
satisfactory, or at all reliable to future re-
suits, unless these men are permitted to dis
cuss, openly aud according TO their nature,
issues presented. IL Is better that the co,in-
try should know the truth on this subject
now, than run the risk OF learning hereaf'
ter that an irreparuble mistake has been
made in the plan and execution OF the lie
construction acts. He need scarcely repent
that reconstruction, to be In The spirit OF the
acts Of Congress and to be permanent, must
be the act oil the people themselves, alter
tho fullest and freest discussion. Congress
has done wisely in enabling them to make
this fight by DISTINGUISHING the leading reb-
els, and at least making il impossible for
them to vote or bold Office. II would have
been still better to enforce their permanent
absence from the country. Tho personal
influence they might bring to bear if they
were candidates themselves is thus greatly
weakened, and they ap forced to discuss
issues, and not appeal to personal feeling in
their own favor.
The General gives lis views ut length,
concluding as follows: am confident thar
reconstruction will be satisfactorily accom-
plished in this district in spite Of the open
and active opposition Of tho disloyal reac'
tionists. can safely say that Alabamn
will give no less than ten thousand MAORI
ty of white votes for reconstruction, and
think Il may be said, with almost equal GER
tainty, that Georgia will give white ma.
jority in the same direction. Not less than
three .fourths of the colored vote in each OF
these States will be cast for reconstruction.
The same remarks are substantially true OF
Florida, and ir have so earnestly invited
your attention TO the danger Of opposite
results, Il has only been to furnish the data
necessary to meet the case, and to justify
the course have thought II judicious 10
pursue. All the facts that can bear upon
these questions shall continue TO report as.
they come to my knowledge. Ii is, how
ever, my duty to state that, in my judgment,
the condition Of affairs in the southern
States even should reconstruction be saiis.
faciorily accomplished, will Of necessity he
n reproduction in more or less modified
degree of what now exists in Tennessee,
unless some measures arc adopted to free
the country Of turbulent and disloyal lead.
ers of the reaciionary party. Whilst these
persons remain in the country to exercise
tho banofil influence they undoubtedly pos
sess. there can be no peace.
believe that in Florida and Alabama
the danger from this cause Is less than in
Georgia, but in all these States there is so
much danger Of the disorder and violence
which mark the daily history OF Tennessee,
that il would seem wise to udopt whatever
measures are practicable to remove from
the Suites in process Of reconstruction the
causes which now endanger loyal govern
mcnt in Tennessee. i do not venture tn
suggest a remedy for the evils that may he
developed. Such matters merit and will
no doubt command patient examination
and careful action, and having laid before
you the facts, and my own general views
upon them, ! consider my duty PERFORM
cd.
I am, General, very respectfully, your
obedicnt servant, JONI PaPE,
Brcvet Major General U. s. a., Command
ing.
Gen. u. s. Grant, General in-Chief, u. s.
A.. Washington, ID. T..