The union Democrat., 1869-01-02
Trne Stnfssn,anship.


The official term of President Johnson is
almost ended and, notwithstanding some
faults. he is entitled TO the thanks OF the
American people for his uncompromisins OF
position TO the narrow-minded, and tyrahieal
rolicv Of the Radical majority in Congress.
Had his liberal views of public policy been
adopted and carried out by the legislative
department. the Union would isns ago have
been restored. not merely ir name, but IN
spiri, and in truth. The policy adopted by
Congress toward the South is not new. Ii
has been tried by different nations from the
earliest ages 10 the. present time and has al
ways produced burning hatred instead ct
.bra,herly !ose. And, judging from appear
auces. onr Congressional Solons are not ike
" to lind their etfrt produce results in any
way different frcm the experience of the past.
But, whatever evils may be in store TO. our
unfortunate country as the results oftae stu
pidly vindictive reconstruction policy OF Con-
gress President johnson can truthfully say
.shake not thy CORY locks at me,
Thou oansenot say did it;
As far as it has been in his power, he has
striven to '.bury the hatchet; - to blot out
the bitter memories of the late civil war and
foster, between the people of the North and
the Soath, that fraternal feeling, without
which u Union of territory is a mockery and
carse The annexed proclamation, in
which, he grants full pardon and amnesty to
all persons who participated, either directly
or indirectly in the late rebellion, is the
crowuing glosy Of his administration
WASHINGTON, Dec. 25.-the President S
amnesty proclamation. dated the 25th. was
issued to-day. After referring to his procla-
nation previously issued, extending partial
amnesty TO persons concerned in the rebellion,
the proclamation says:
Whereas, the authority of the Federal Gov
ernment having been re-established in all the
States and Territories within the Jurisdiction
of the United States, it is believed such Pres
idential reservations and exceptions rs stated
in several proclamations, which were deemed
necessary and proper, may now be justly re-
.inouished, that universal amnesty for par
ticpation in said rebellion is extended to all,
will renew fully and restore confidence and
fraternal feeling among the whole people,
and their respect for, and attachment to the
National Government designed by its patri-
otic founders for the general good.
Now. therefore, be it known, that |, An
drew johnson, President, by virtue of the
power invested in me by the Constitution,
proclaim and declare, Internationally and
without reservation, to all and every person
who, directly or indirectly, participated in
the late insurrection or rebellion, full pardon
and amnesty tor the offense of treason against
the United States or adhering to their enc
mics during the late war. with the restora-
ton of all rights and privileges and immuni-
ties under the Constitution and laws which
have beer made in pursuance thereof. In
testimony whereof. etc.
The full pardon and amnesty includes JEFF.
Davis, Breckinridge, Thompson, Sldell and
all others who directly or indirectly engaged
in the late rebellion.
For our part, we are sorry that Jefferson
Davis is included in the full pardon and am
nesty. We had hoped to see him have fair
trial before the Chief Justice of the United
States; knowing that ,ifsuch had been the case,
the constitutional questions involved in the
late civil war would have been passed upon.
We furthermore believe that, in that event,
Mr.. Davis could never have been convicted
of treason. The Gordian Knot, however, is
cut and none should feel greater relief thereat
than the Radicals.