The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1870-12-16
POLITICAL DISABILITIES.


The questions involved il the maintenance
or removal of political disabilities do not
seem very difficult of solution. The disabli-
ties are not the product of vindictiveness or
hatred, but arose out of the exigences of the
situation consequent upon the suppression of
the Rebellion. They are precautionary, not
penal, in their character. They were called
for by the circumstances through which the
country was required to pass in consumma-
ting the policy of reconstruction. At no pc
riod has there been any general disposition to
uphold them day longer than they appeared
to be essential to the application and success
of a broad national policy. The most influ-
ential Republican Senators and Representa-
uves have again and again affirmed their de-
sire to remove all disabilities. so soon as the
condition of the country rendered the pro-
ceeding safe. The convention which nomi-
mated General Grant for the Presidency
placed the whole question on that ground.
Itaffirmed the wisdom and Justice of amnesty,
leaving the matter of time for the considera-
tion OF the party in Congress.
1t is idle, then, to dwell on the abstract
merits of amnesty. The Senators and Rep
resentatives who discuss pending PROPOSE
tlons as though some great favor were to be
conferred, forgot that the Republican party
has already proclaimed the expediency of the
course sustained in one branch by Mr.. Schurz
and in the other by Mr.. Farnswotth. The
resolution offered by Mr.. Schurz covers the
whole ground:-
"ReS0lUed That the qualifications and disabilities
imposed upon persons lately in Rebellion against
the Government OF the United States were dictated
by imperative public necessities and not by a spirit
or hatred or vlndictiveness and that as soon as
such public necessities cease, due regard for the
fundamental principles OF our system of govern
ment, as well as every consideration OF sound
craftsmanship, demands the removal OF those dis
qualifications and disabilities"
When the time comes for action, the con-
siderations which dictate the removal of dis
abilities also dictate the doing of it in the
most acceptable manner. 1t is possible to
spoil measure in itself intended to be beue-
fetal by exacting ungenerous conditions, or
by displaying grudging, vindictive temper.
at all, let it be granted graciously.
Reservations and provisos aimed at particular
classes of influential men take from the pro-
ceeding all semblance of magnanimity. If it
is not prudent to restore the entire South to
the full privileges of citizenship, let the case
be so understood. Those concerned must
abide the advent of more auspicious day.
On the other hand, if we have reached point
at which danger to the Union may be con-
sidered passed-if we conclude that the con-
dition of things anticipated by the Chicago
Convention has been reached, and that am
nesty may therefore be conceded without
fear-then let the belief be so rendered that
it shall help to obliterate the remnants of ill
feeling, as well as to perfect the restoration
| of the Union.
Judged by these standards, General But
lers bill is most Objectionable. Either il
| goes too far, or it does not go far enough.
Practically it acknowledges the expedlency of
amnesty. It's operation, however, is so fet-
tered by conditions that it will aggravate the
irritation it is intended to allay, and so frus-
trate the very purpose of the policy to be
applied. 1t will infict more wounds than
| it will heal, and will be regarded by large
body of the Southern people as an insult
rather than as pledge OF reconciliation anC
peace.
Has the time arrived when any Legislation
on the subject ID desirable? 1t is for Con
| gress to supply an answer. Missouri, which
more than any other State has tested the eff
cacy Of disabilities, has pronounced in favol
Of their removal. We believe that the pre-
vailine opinion throughout the North an
West, even among Republicans, sustains thai
decision. The conviction gains ground tina
prescription is no longer necessary, and tina
the South, having been restored to its place
in the Union, should be made to feel that the
animosities kindled by the Rebellion are fas
dying out The Union is safe now, withou
the aid of disabilities. Those who still SUITE
from them are not thereby divested of in
fiuence. The status which marked them on
for prescription eonfers upon them social an,
political weight, whether there be amnest,
or not Shall We provoke these men int
unrelenting enmity by excluding them from
the privileges of citizenship, or constitut
them living examples of the generosity an
conscious strength OF Republican statesman
ship?
NTW JFRSEY