The Manitowoc tribune. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1866-1878, 1868-01-16
GOVERNORS MESSAGE,
CONCLUDED from first per.l


Concluded from first page.]
Congress is earnestly addressing itself
to the important work Of more completely
adjusting the financial affairs of the
country, and [ believe the people NAV
confidently expect that, within a reason
able period, a policy will be afopted
which, while commanding the entire. APP
proval of the nation creditors, will secure
the honest payment of the national debt,
| at such rate of interest," and at such time
in the future, as will relieve them some
what from the burdens of taxation now
pressing upon them. They NAV also
expect, and, I think, with no fear of
DISAPPOINTMENT that our revenue laws
| will be so amended and improved as to
secure greater equality of taxation to all
| portions OF the country; that taxes will
be assessed upon articles of luxury, ex-
emptlng as far as possible the necessaries
| OF life that all revenues will be prompt
| ly collected, and that every violation of
| the revenus laws will be severely and
| speedily punished. Taxation should be
| reduced to the lowest possible rate COM
| patlble with the perfect maintenance of
the public faith, and, to secuse this result,
the most rigid economy must prevail in
| every department of the government
Our representatives, recognizing the great
| Importance OF retrenchment, and their
| accountability to the people, WILL am
satisfied, discharge their full duty in this
| direction
The work OF reconstruction is progress
sing as rapidly and as satisfactorily as
could be expected when we consider that
great majority of those who were lead
ing traitors are opposing the pacifcation
| OF the country upon any basis which will
not insure to them full control of the
states lately in rebellion, and place under
subsection to them she Union men of that
sectlcl. Such have constantly sought
since the cessation of hostilities to save
from the ruins of their crushed confeder-
acy some OF the pernicious principles upon
which it was founded, aud have seemed
resolved to accept no terms which the
government might offer They have OPP
posed, and still bitterly oppose, all means
of reconstruction unless of their own die
tation. When the war was ended, and
the paroled armies of treason had return
ed to their homes, the people of the north
had a right expect from them obedience
to and acquiesence in the laws of the land.
In this Just expectation they have been
continually disappointed
Those who sustained this union and
who gave to its support freely of their
blood and treasure, have some rights
which rebels are bound to respect, and
which will be enforced. They have
right to an early restoration to the union
OF the states lately in rebellion upon
basis of equal and exact Justice to all
men. They have right to demand that
the local governments OF those states
shall be placed in the hands of men who
are neither forsworn nor unrepented of
their treason that union men of every
grade and condition shall receive that
protection to which they are entitled and
without which this government would be
but stupendous farce. They are salts
he'd with the congressional plan of recon-
structlon now being carried out, and will
| not materially change it, because it guar
antees these rights, and because they be-
lleve It's main features essential to the
future safety of the Republic The prin
ciples which unc erie it cannot be success
fully opposed, and those at the south
who are SO bitterly hostile to them are
proving themselves entirely unworthy Of
the generous forbearance received by
them at the hands of a people whom they
have so deeply injured. Nothing is de-
manded IN spirit of anger or revenge.
Seeking the safety of the MARION, we de-
mand only what is deemed essential to
It's future peace, and to the perpetuity Of
our free institutions. No one asks the
permanent disfranchisement of any class
OF people at the south, but simply that
those who, by their position and educa-
ton, controlled the southern masses and
led them into rebellion against the gov
eminent, and who are responsible for all
the precious blood which has been shed,
and the lives which have been sacrificed,
shall not be permitted to regain their
former. political power until they indicate
by their action willingness to acquiesce
in the principles, which pledge to all men
equality before the law, and ample pro-
lection in the enjoyment of all the rights
which belong to men and citizens Early
restoration to all forfeited privileges is
within their grasp. Let them, embitter-
ed no longer by sectional rancor and de-
feated partizanship, join hands with the
people OF the porth in redeemng the ma
tons pledges, and in placing the Re
public upon basis of justice and right
which shall endure through the coming
ages. and gladly will all extend to them
the hand of friendly, hearty welcome
! C0Iohg IN the CONSCIOUSNESS OF being
right and in the full faith that ultimate
" the right must and will prevail, united
by an honest devotion to the best inter
ests OF the entire country: and unfaiter
ing IN the holy determination TO hand
down to posterity, without a stain, and
stronger than ever before, the govern
ment which the Fathers gave them, the
Union men of this land, North and
South, will stand firm and undismayed
until the great work is done, and harmo-
ny relgns once more throughout our
whole domain.
LUCIUS FAIRCHILD,
Executive Chamber, JAN 9, 1868.