Rutland weekly herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1859-1877, 1868-07-09
A Letter frsa Florida.
TAII.AuAssEE, Fla, June %. 1865

firm the welcome news that the "Omni-
bus Bill" has passed over the Presidents
veto. and | can to-day for the first time
within three years feel that am in fact
q citizen Of the United States.
Through much tribulation and embsr-
rassment, without much sympathy or aid
from their northern allies-denounced
there as schemers and adventurers-bran.
ded here as "carpet-baggers" and "scal-
lawags'-opposed by the whole force Of the
civil government Of the state-blooked Of
ten by the red tape" Of the military
decimated and OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES
in the light and Eu-kiax-ed in the dark,
the Union men of this State have come
out more than conquerors, 1t was to b.
expected tina, these lawless and dangerous
times would produce extreme and radi-
cal legislation; bat, Notwithstanding the
unkind criticisms Of Congressman Paine
and Farnsworth. the constitution OF Flor
ida will campare favorably with that Of
most Of the other States, and is in my
opinion far preferable TO that Of any other
reconstructed State. And this is not a
mere temporary victory. 1t viii be inn
possible for the rebel element to regain
any control Of the government for four
years IN any event, aud in that time pub
lie sentiment viii change its current in
conformity with public Patronage, and
immigration irun the North and from
Europe will complete the transformation,
| will not predict that Florida i 20 be-
strongly Republican, for | think it prob
able the name and some of the ISSUES of
the party viii >om change, but DO pre-
diet that within one year some party
having it, present ideas of equal rights
and manhood suffrage will rule predom-
mantly hcrc
At present the Legislature is meeting
and adiourning from day 10 day without
- quorum, most OF the members having
leave of absence until the proper author.
i;y is received to enable them 70 proceed
10 the regular business OF the session
1t seems the same problem was pre-
scented 20 the Legislature that the old
lady gave her young hopeful. when she
permitted him to "go 10 swimin," but
cautioned him on no account to "go
near the water" The reconstruction
acts made it specifically obligatory
On the legislature to meet and rat
ity the Fourteenth amendment
aS prerequisite 10 the admission OF the
State; and yet the whole tone of the said
acts Is that no action of the legislature or
of ony officer elected under the auspices
OF the reconstruction acts was TO be con-
~idcred valid until the State was fairly in
the | Mon. In this dilemma the conven-
ton decided To obey the specific require
mcnt. and directed in the body of the con.
stitution which it framed that the legisla-
ture elect should meet ON particular day,
the Sth of june and the Governor should
be inau2 tratcd Al this was done-the
18th and l4th amendments were ratified,
and I. :. Senators elected, when tele-
gram was received from Gen. Meade for
bidding the legislature to meet until spe-
ci1i authority was received from Wash
'ugton. However, it was impossible te
igaar, the fact that it had assembled, and
that our delegation was actually knocking
At the doors Of Congress for admission
and If Congress now sanctions the action
OF the legislature, Us We learn by private
source, i will, there is nothing TO regret
and some TING gained You may we'll
suppose that all who sympathize with the
reconstruction movement here are in jubi.
liant spirits, and if it were ever allowable
(which deny to partake I'D tjrioiatcm
just now would be the most appropriate
time possible.
The exact political sentiment OF several
members of both houses is not yet fully
known, but as nearly as am able to ascer
tain we have Republican majority o
eight in the Senate and twenty-five in the
House. The party, however, is composed
of three principal elements which are
very liable to collide on small provocation
viz: Northern men, Southern loyalists
and negroes. Besides the Billings O,
Richards wing, composed OF all these el
ements, is disappointed clique which
have fears will throw its support in favo
of the Democrats if sufficient inducemen
is offered. 1t is, therefore, source o
congratulation that we have succeeded il
electing our u. s. Senators without di
vision. OF these ] am personally ac
quainted with only one, Col. f. w. os
born, a Northern man, rising lawyer
and a staunch Republican.
He was the Register in Bankruptcy fol
the Northern District of Florida, and is
thorough gentleman and scholar, and will
do the State credit. He was elected fol
the four years term. Mr.. Walsh, for the
term closing in 1869, and his successor
Mr.. Gilbert, are both Northern men, ant
have an undoubted record ON the righ
side
1t is thought that orders will be re-
ceived to turn the State Government owe
to Gov Reed on the 4th of July, afte,
which the Legislature will make speedy
work of the few necessary organizing
acts, and adjourn till January, 1869.
A grand Grant and Colfax ratification
meeting will be held here July 4th, a
which some of the principal speakers o
the State will address the people.
grand picnic for our dark-skinned brother
coters is the order for the morning, and i
is thought they will be out in numbers. suf
ficient to make their transparancies show