Norfolk day book. [volume] (Norfolk and Portsmouth Va.) 1868-1880, 1869-06-09

any n0tlc9 OF them WnaGever-dO you think
they would see the error of their ways, &C
knowledge their shortcomings, humbly beg
our pardon, and take the back track imme-
dately, if not sooner? For fear of derision
l shall not try the experiment. They would
laugh at us and 60 on as before, if not
worse.
This being the state of affairs, fellow-citi-
zens, and finding that Congress contumacious-
ly refuses to reconstruct me in the way | like
best, l have determined to be reconstructed
II possible in the manner in which Congress
has prescribed. The mountain will not come
to Mahomet, and 80 Mahomet will 90 to the
mountain. If any of those who advise the
people of Virginia to adopt the "d0 .nothing"
policy in reference to the subject of restora
ton to the Union, will point out plan more
feasible than the one that is submitted to us
by Congress, whereby we can be RENTED to
our ancient rights and privileges and perma-
nent peace, prosperity and happiness be
restored to u.s. | am willing to follow his
plan but no such advice comes from any
source. The world is moving on, and we
are advised to sit still and wait for something
favorable to turn up. We have sat still, &C
cording to the fossil prescriptions of our do
nothing doctors of politics, until the seats of
our trowsers are worn out, and If a card now
and then turns up we wish it hadn mt for it
is never more than trey, and is generally a
deuce. If we expect ever to hold three aces,
or a full hand. it ia time we were taking our
turn at shutting and dealing the pack. |
will briefly draw your attention, telow-citi
zens, to the history of reconstruction in Vir-
ginia Our experience in the line of recon
struction should be lamp to our eet in the
present crisis. Let the past warn us as to
the future. On the 18th of June, 1866, the
Congress OF the United States, by a joint res
olution, proposed to the Legislatures of the
several States, an amendment to the Con
stitution of the United States, what bas
since been 40 extensively known as Article
XIV. An official copy of the joint resolution
and the proposed amendment was forwarded
by the Secretary of State to the Governor of
Virginia, and by him communicated to the
General Assembly at its next session. On
the 9th of January, 1867, the final action Of
the Legislature was taken on the proposed
amendment. Here it is; and | will b: fly
submit it to your consideration.
Mr.. Ellis read the joint resolution OF he
General Assembly in relation to ne consttu-
tional amendment, adopted January 9th,
1867, and proceeded with his remarks
Now | have no hesitation in saving, and |
believe that no unprej udiced man will deny,
that II the Legislature of Virginia had ratified
the 18th amendment the State would have
been Immediately restored to her proper
lations with the Union and we should have
remained forever in blisstul ignorance o! the
troubles OF reconstruction.
OF all the Southern States Virginia occupied
by far the most enviable position in regard to
the government. The restored government
OF Virginia had been specially recognized by
Presidential order, as far back May 9th,
1860, re establishing the authori v of the
United States and the execution of the laws
and confirming the administration OF Gover-
nor Pierpoint Representatives in Congress
had been admitted. Her egislaure had bern
reorganized by the admission of West Virgil.
MIA as new State in the Union; and Gov.
Pierpoint with an eye to business and always
open to the "man chance" withdrew from the
. Treasury Of the United States Vrginia's share
OF the proceeds OF the sales OF public lands
that had lain there for one or two generations
because it was thought by scrupuIpus, hair
splitting abstractionists that its acceptance
would be violation of one OF their ''cteraaE
political ''pranciples."
1t was perfectly understood at Washington
and everywhere, that the adoption OF the l4th
amendment by the Legislature of Virginia
would end all controversy as to her admission.
On the 18th of July. 1866, prior to the action
OF Virginia, the amendment was ratified by
the State of Tennessee, and IN less than
twelve days thereafter Congress passed joint
resolution, approved by the President on the
Oath restoring Tennessee to her relations to
the Union" But what did the Legislat ure of
Virginia do? The question is disposed of in
space of nearly two lines and half. "Be it
resolved by this General Assembly. That they
DO NOT RArIFY the said proposed amendment
to the Constitution of the United States |
am told that there was one man in the llouss
of Delegates who voted tor ratification lie
was in quite minority then but ii the vote
could be taken again | rather think he would
be on the strong SIDE Taking out the 3D.
VNf< I,o1 l. i L.
ing in it, even at that time, hat pol, ical
throat of ordinary power of digluli,ion could
not have swallowed with ease.
But the third section is " hat tia. mat.
ter then, and is what has been the matter ever
since, 80 Ear as rest, ration is CONCERNED. Let
me repeat it to you, for better information:
"No person shall be II Senator or K.,,rrsrnla.
tive in Congress- or elector of President and
Vice President, hold any Office. civil or mil
itary, under the United States, or and any
State. who having previously taken oath
rs u member OF Congress, or as an officer of
the United States, or as Il member OF any
State legislature, or as an executive or udi-
cial officer of any State, to support tie Con
stitution of the United States, shall have IN
gagged in insurrection or rebellion against lh,,
same, or given aid and comfort to the enc
mics thereof; but Congress may, by vote of
twO-thirds of each house, remove such dsa
bilities"
The question of citizenship, involved in
the LIST section, could have been borne
with some degree of equanimity. The
=" eternal principles of the bred Scott
case had already died natural death.
The provisions of the 4th section, at
least that part of it which prohibits any State
from assuming or paying any debt incurred
in aid of rebellion against the United States.
could be acquiesced in with dignifed compo-
sure under the painful circumstances of the
Case l believe there is no case reported in
any OF the medical journals where II man has
died of grief because the law threw obstacles
in the way of his paying his debts. There
has been "stay-law" i" Virginia for the last
eight years but the debtor class, insstend Of
having had enough of it, like Oliver Twist.
continue to ask for more. But it was n serious
business with the old Bourbon politicians