Norfolk day book. [volume] (Norfolk and Portsmouth Va.) 1868-1880, 1869-09-03
FRIDAY MORNING, Sept. 8, 1869
GEN. CANBY'S ULTIMATUM.

We publish below the reported con-
versation which brought out General
Canby's ultimatum in regard to the
test-oath. The Richmond Wing says
"In respect to the statement, copied
Wednesday, of what passed between
General Candy and a Walker Republi-
can, we remarked that it should pro-
badly be received with some allowance.
As to one particular of some import
that all the members who cannot take
the oath would be required to resign,
we learn from one likely to be informed
that that is a mistake. General Candy
would only require quorum of each
House, the rest remaining at home till
Congress acts and the State is adj
mitted."
The following is the substance of the
"Interview'' of Committeeman, (said
to be DR.. Gilmer,) with Gen. Candy
Committee. man-General,a las MEM
Der of one of the State committees of
the political combination which ratified
the constitution and elected Governor
Walker, I come to you to learn if you
have any suggestions to make that will
assist in leading to the speedy recon-
struction of Virginia.
General Canby.-Well sir, as far as
it lies with me, the way to reconstruc-
ton, and the only way, is for all the
Ineligible members elect of the Legis-
lature to resign, and will thereupon
order new elections to fill the vacancies
thus made. If then eligible men are
returned. I will promptly take every
measure necessary to the full restora-
ton of the State government.
G. M.-Whom do you consider in
elligle?
Gen. Gall who cannot or who re-
fuse to take the test-oath prescribed by
Congress.
@. M.--You have then determined
that the Legislature must not meet as
at present constituted?
Gen. C-Yes; the test-oath is sine
qua non, in my judgment, and | am
confident that a quorum Of the present
body cannot take it.
G. Mis- there no just reason to ex-
pect that the authorities at Washing
ton may relieve you of the necessity of
enforcing the test-oath?
Gen. C.-Quite the contrary, indeed.
I am persuaded that the cabinet will
either sustain me in my Interpretation
of what consider plain provision of
the law or will remain silent in the
matter.
q. M.-What do you intend to do if
the members unable to take the oath
decline to resign? "
Gen. C.-Nothing, until Congress as
sembles, when Twill refer everything
to that body for final adjudication.
G. M.-The views you have present.
ed to me, then, are your ultimatum?
Gen. C.--Positively | If the ineligi-
bles do not resign, or if, in new elections,
other ineligibles are chosen to fill their
places, reconstruction in Virginia must
pause till Congress gives further direc-
lions. But if the conditions offer are
promptly accepted and complied With
will do all can to facilitate the rr,,nahi-
litation of the State.
G. MI heartily t.l4ank you, General
for the freedom. with which you have
declared Jour views. I shall present
tnenci at once for consideration before
the committees concerned and the peo-
pie. l hope that harmony will result
from this understanding of your posi-
ton.
Gen. C.-You are atsliberty to give
as great publicity as you choose to what
I have said to you, and join in the hope
that harmony will result. am as anx-
ious as any man to have the reconstruct
ton of Virginia properly and happily
consummaTed.
We admit, when we read this report,
and fully realized its meaning, we did
not feel in the most amiable mood inn
aginable, Notwithstanding our great
amiability since the success of the new
movements Dub tnOu q ilo'io "'esiAh "
Election took possession of us, and we
subsidized.
We see several of our Bourbon cotem-
poraries in the State, have 'riled up at
this matter, and swear they won't; but
as it is not exactly in their keeping, we
don't know but what they may just as
we'll be INDUCED little in their feelings.
The fact is, we have our hands in the
lions mouth yet awhile, and EASY is the
best plan for us.
We feel confident, however, if the me-
cessity of the case is made apparent to
the excellent gentlemen who have been
elected and cannot take the oath, that a
sufficient number of them will readily
lay the people of Virginia under lasting
obligations to them by stepping aside
and allowing the car to move on. Eve
nv one of them that we are acquainted
with personally are high-toned, honora-
BILE gentlemen, and we feel that we can
almost say for them at once, that not
one of them but what will readily make
the sacrifice by handing in their resigs
nation, and thereby allow the work OF
reconstruction to move along.