New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1868-06-22

THE LATEST JEIO.
Andrew johnson has 'profted little by his
narrow escape from ignomnious expulsion from
his high Office His latest veto is more mode
rate and guarded in terms than some of his
earlier fulminations but is surchargcd with
their spirit in all its bitterness. If he cannot
bite, he can still vcnomously hiss. He cannot
defeat the restoration of Arkansas 10 self
government and representation in Congress,
but he can delay it two or three days; and he
does his little utmost. His veto Is another
bid for the Democratic nomination for
President two weeks hence, and will be Spumed,
like its predecessors. Mr.. Johnson belongs to
a class who are used, but not trusted. The
Democratic party exults to see the Republicans
betrayed and outraged by this migrate, but
will take precious good care to lgiye him no
chance to repeat his treachcry
Let us see what this false Moses means by
this veto:
At the close of our late Civil War, Arkansas,
with nine other States, was left without a sub
sisting political organization. eve 20 back to
ground whereon we stand in common with a.
D., in order to show the utter futility Of his
present prctenses.) He now asserts that no
legislation is necessary to restore Arkansas
no other action than simple decision by each
House of Congress on the suicicncy of the
returns of those who may claim seats rs mem
bers from that State. But Mr.. johnson is pre-
Guided from holding this position, first, 10y his
own course in overriding the first captulation be-
tween Sherman and Johnston, which was based
on the principles he now asserts; secondly, by his
more precise action in debating TO several of
the Rebel States a recognition of the overthrow
of Slavery, Reputation of their debts con-
tracted in support of the Rebellion, &c, &c.
! These were fragrant usurpations, if what he
now prOpOunds is sound doctrine. The john
son of 1865 confutes and cOnfOunds the apostate
of 1868.
Now let us look directly at his present posi-
ton:
The State of Arkansas, acting through her
constituted authorities, seeded from the Union
and waged deadly war against it, True, she
had no right to do this-her action had no
validity in releasing her people from their
rightful allegiance to the Union-but the fact
remains; just as a murder is a fact, though
violation of law and right. She levied war
upon the Union by all the means known to
the civilized wOrld-taXed, borrowed con-
scripted, equipped, armed, and fed thousands of
her people, expressly TO subvert and destroy
the Union. After four years of bloody war,
the Rebellion was completely crushed out. Its
Generals, in suuendering, made terms for their
soldiers aud themselves but no conditions
affecting the civil status of communities or
individuals were conceded.
Now then, we revert TO the fact that the
people of Arkansas, as of other States, were
divided with regard to Secession and Rebellion.
majority of the entire Southern People were
anti-Rebel; but very large share of that ma
iority were held in slavery by the minority.
Shackled, gagged, they did not and could not
be heard nor felt until the Union was con-
strained to save itself by proclaiming them free
The triumph of its arms perfected and secured
their freedom.
Thus was the political center of gravity
changed in Arkansas, lin the South, in the
Union. Count the Blacks as cyphers, and those
lately at war to destroy the Union are q ma
jority in Arkansas and in all the South; and
this was clearly proved by Johnson's abortive
efforts at Reconstruction. Every State, as re-
organized under his policy" chose legisla-
tors sherifls judges, &c, whereof at least
three -fourths had exuted over the Rebel
victory at Bull Run and mourned the
surenders Of Vicksburg and Appomattox. And
the legislatures thus called into existence
passed acts which implied that Blacks had no
rights which Whites were bound to respect.
Every negro in the South would have been
this day serf had Jobnson's policy prevailed.
His veto of the Civil Rights bill showed that
that was in exact accordance with his purpose.
The question wherein Mr.. Johnson and Con-
gress-the Republicans and the DemocTats-arc
at issue, is markedly this; " Shall the loyal ma
"iolity or the Rebel minority of the Southern
people reconstruct and rule the Southern
Estates ~ Disfranchise the Blacks, and every
State reverts into the possession and control of
the aristOcratic faction which plunged it in
to rebellion. Maintain the enfranchisement of
the Blacks and nearly or quite every State
will be ruled by men who exulted over the fall
of Richmond and the surrender of AppomattOx.
We are fighting out the War Of the Rebellion
in its civil phase; and Andrew Johnson now
holds therein the blended positions Of Jefferson
Davis and Robert E. Lee.
Mr.. johnson makes special objection to that
clause of the free Constitution of Arkansas,
which pledges her voters as follows:
That accept the civil and political equality OF all
men, and agree not to attempt 10 deprive any person
OF any political or civil right privilege, immunity,
enjoyed by any other class OF men"
This happens to be the Malakof, the Glib
raltar. OF our position: and the affiliated Cop