Year: 1866




heretofore existing in the Southern
;tates would still he strongly exerted
% prevent peaceful emigration into
boring population of the n orth from that
soil of exuberant fertility and friendly
climate, that productive region embrace
ing the eight or nine States nearest the
Gulf of Mexico, and that hence civil
rights in those States should be vigil
antly protected by Federal laws and
Federal tribunals. Although the mea-
sures enacted by Congress for this pur-
pose failed to receive the Executive
sanction, yet having been adhered to
by two-thirds vote in each house, they
have now passed to the statue book
and ceased to be the subject of debate.


Another measure or series of meas
ures Of prime Importance, now pending
before Congress, merits brief remark,
viz: The plain of restoration OREGON
struction, as it is sometimes called. To
the plan reported by the Joint Commit
tee l have not been able to give my as
sent. 1t contemplates an amendment
to the Federal Constit ution, the third
section of the proposed article being in
these terms


''SEC. 3. Until the fourth day of J u
ly, in the year one thousand eight ham,
dred o,ad seuenty, all person who volun-
tarily adhered to the late insurrection,
giving it aid and comfort, shall be ec-
ctatded from the right to vote Tor repre-
sentatives in Congress, and for electors
for President and Vice President of the
United States" 1t is urged by the ad
vocates of this plan that this third sec
tion is the vital one, without which the
others are of no value. Its exclusive ac-
ton will no doubt commend it to the
feelings Of. many as wise and just
provision. But / am unable so to re-
gard it, because for four years it binds
Congress to exclude from voting for
representatives for Presidential electors
call persons who voluntarily adhered
to the late insurrection, giving it aid
and comfort


No matter what may be the condi-
tion of the country, nor what proofs Of
present and future loyalty may be given,
an absolute constitutional bar is to be
erected for four years against large
class of persons. Change of circum-
stances and condition often work rapid
change in party or political sentiment
and nowhere with more marked results
than in the South. 1t is believed that
elements of change are now at work
there, stimulating on one side to loyal
ty, and on the other tending to contin-
ed hostile feelings. In my Judgment,
every proper incitement to Union feeling
should be fostcred and cherished, and
for Congress TO limit its own power, by
constitutional amendment, for the peri
od of four years, might be deplorable in
its result. To those who differ, accord
the same honesty, and perhaps greater
wisdom than | can claim for myself
AS the proposed plan now stands [ am
unable to perceive the necessity, justice
or wisdom of the measure, but having
no place nor voice in the body before
which the measure is pending, l disclaim
any purpose to interfere beyond the
expression of my own opinion.


Having thus declared my views, as
they have heretofore been declared to
those who had a right to know them,
on the material questions that have late
ly arisen, or are now pending, l trust
that your purpose on this occasion is
answered and l shall be glad if their
expression may have any beneficial
influence on questions the right DISPOSE
ton whereof is matter of solicitude to
every patriotic man, and is deeply i'm
portant to the peace and tranquility Of
the Union. Recognizing the constitu-
tional power of all the coordinate
branches of the Government-legisla
tanning for each the respect which is
due from every loyal citizen, they are
entitled to and shall receive, according
to my best judgment, the support which
is required by that Constitution which,
after an uneXampled conflict, has been
upheld and sanctifed by Divine favor,
and through the sacrifice Of so much
blood and treasure.


Speech of Postmaster General DennisOn.


FELLow-CITIzENs Il am not the less
cr ,tetul to you for this call because of its be-
ing made on me in my official capacity, and
as a member of the Cabinet and yet L am
admonished by this fact, well as by the
lateness of the hour, not to discuss many
topics of public interest upon which. under
other circumstances, 1 might be glad to ex-
press my views. l may say, however, that
we have much reason to felicitate ourselves
on the general condition of the country, in
view of the perils through which we have
so recently passed, and to congratulate
ourselves upon the promising future that
awaits us.


1t is true that the restoration of the South
ern States to all their constitutional relations
to the general government is not yet accom-
plished. So far as that duty that
summation has devolved on the Executive
branch of the government. it has been fully
performed. [Applause.] 1 cannot now re-
call any failure in this regard. With all
these things you familiar, and the coun-
try knows what has been done and what is
doing.


Tie close of the war brought with it the
necessity of re-establishing the Federal
thority in the insurgent States as rapidly as
possible, and connected with it the duty OF
encouraging the reorganization of local gov
ernmen,s in each of these States. To this
subject, my fellow-citizens, the attention of
the President and cabinet was early directed,
with what success l need not point out to
you. think venture not too far in saying
that history furnishes no parallel to such
success. The Federal authority has been
established, recognized, and obeyed in every
State south of Mason and Dixon's line
[Applause.l The local governments in those
States have been reformed substantially to