New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1868-01-08

coporated by the State and subject to its super
vision
The predictions OF disaster to the country from the
fasfed by the event they have exercised the rights
of eemen; and they before proved themselves
faithful and willing lsborers, and peaceful and lawabd
I e sdensae s
OF human life and they have submitted patiently TO the
themselves OF the means OF education wherever the ef
forts OF humanity In their behalf have not been repesed
by violence they have vndicated the wisdom and justice
OF Congress- In admitting them to share with their late
masters in the exercise Of the feemans right Of suffrage
them In our armies during the war; became in the public
mind too obvious to be postponed It was however tho
men, 1t doubt desirable that those who exercise the
elective franchise under democratic form q govern,
of suffrage was restricted by such standard, 1t would
% 81 the hnmher nrde s comnn,v IL
cannot be doubted that most OF the privileged class thus
power deposited in their hands; and few Of them would
care to raise those below them to equality OF polSai
senaton its tendency secure The benefit Of just and
equal laws TO interest every citizen in the general wei
tom and hold out Inducements to honorable excrton
and the prospect Of advancement But stu more mpo
that OF loyal allegiance to the Government; and CON
dtion of things existed at the South which made thiss
1t is conceded that al the fall OF the Confederacy the
States which composed 1t were deprived OF clv gov
ernments" They were disorganzed communities. and
while they failed to escape from their obligations ny de
p SlGA9Y rights under tie coHsao and destroying
their local state organizations The President d0uptess
had authority TO hold them under military rule untI
provision could be made for their reorganization under
the authority Of public law but ne haa no rgnt 20 ri,
power to enact or to repeal an act OF Oongress
Clearly these were questions Tor me no ns
will but by the will of the nation expressed in the form
Was to assume the prerogatves of Congress aud
exercise in those States the powers relna9sheo py
e nj tbem bnt aso TO the nation and by rensas
the Rebel authority with increased political po"eruo
confer upon the vanqushed the fruits of victory hs
plan embraced less than immediate representation az
Washington the Congress at Richmond having Peea
%ho had been defeated to position
ing class ruling those whom tney aa Sc hey had
tried and failed destroy 1t policy revolving 70
accenabe onIy to those who loved power hated liberty
or sympathized with the Rebellion From the Wes VIZ
the work reconstruction entered upon by the law
making power to which it belonged a.. ,.,.o,,
The desire for early restoration or the insurgent
States practical relations in the Union led the
Rebels had not checked the returning spirit Of loyalty
which gaining ground In each OF the southern STATES
aes s e opUoany in noble spirit Of eoncaon and
fOrbeaance toward those who had risen IN arms aghs
smendmens conditions Of restoration both generous and
Just. did not doubt. expressed In my last annual
atey IN rebellion were ready to accept the results Of
war; and return to the support OF Government framed
promptly ratified by most OF the loyal states was ieecea
They thus but it beyond all question that they yet
animated by the spirit OF the Rebellion. IT equally
clear that there could be no restoration 50 lar az inc
the abandonment OF the unprotected Southern Unonss
cal power in the Government disloyal persons as
reward for their attempts TO overthrow H. ms pltl
quarters until at last the scenes Fort Pillow were
enacted Memphis and Neworlean in the butchery OF
unarmed Union men, under the shadow OF me federai
flag This method OF reconstruction being thus closed
Congress ayaied itself Of the only remaning opening TO
1t well known that there large body OF Union
electors distributed throughout the son'
and Of those who though numbered with the insurgents
their old allegiance These however mainly power
less because they were largely outnumbered by those
polls. There was also large body OF men, composing
equally true TO the Government and equally Poweriess
because they dsranchised III these two classes
10 es % be e that o OBJ
stacle peaceaby removed as together they outnum
construction. Therefore the question 70 be determined
sy G Se Highest wa 81 for wse
else Of political rights The question IN !, ms ms
actual condition of the country aud the Importance Of
early and complete reunion The end 10 be accomplished
involved the peace the honor and the interests Of the
Republic essential ~ the return Of order the
removal Of military authority and the renewal OF com
theater II promised to our future unity
and repose settle our public credit on firm ana Just
Of war and to bear their share OF the common burden
their pretended State organizations the local offices were
filed by those who deied the authority OF the nation,
Snre S Of legislative executive and Judicial officer
In all the States of the Union by the sixth article OF the
The loyal portion Of the population was reunion
acceptable basis and giving assurance OF our future
boldened by new hopes were arTayea IN hostility 70 the
ask on the part Of Congress to make these the arb
ters Of reconstruction Should have reconstructed
the insurgents into privileged class and DISTINGUISHED
he
norityi Should we have delivered over the white Union
sued and oppressed should we have remanded con
don OF serfdom the whole body OF the eoored race
entitled like ourselves the mmunities Of free czensf
In word should we have rejected the aid OF those who
ing armies at the peril OF their lives. and by fighting
and when the captive could look only slavery DEATH
To questions like these there could be but one response
work Of reconstruction has progressed though for
time slowly Constitutions have been framed, liberal
even from Rebel generals. Those who were arrayed
against the Government are coming over to It's support
welcomed in States exhausted by war; and, unless new
are R * aey @ nais e eSe
final While then we deeply deplore the loss OF
life desoations of this sad war; let rejoice, in
that has resulted in the recognition OF civil liberty
the common heritage OF humanity and In the establish
OF equality Of right before the law fundamental
principle Of free government. l do not oyerstate tho
patriotism OF the people in the remark that they vera
Res U been achieved as the results Of
causeless and bloody rebellion for the establishment OF
am that the obstacles inerposed IN the way OF
reconstruction have naturally tended to withdraw the
other matters Of vital and general interest to all.
Questions affecting the condition OF the currency the
and systematic rerenchment OF all our expenditures
appreciate the responsible duties which deyolve upon
you individually and collectively, as well IN council as In
legislation, and need not assure you OF my hearty CO.
operaton in all that may tend the honor and interest
Of the State, and to our common prosperity as people