Year: 1866

of the slaveholding monopoly heretofore ex-
listing in the Southern States, would be strong


" excited, to prevent peaceful emigration
into those States, and would exclude the Ia
boring population Of the North from that soil
of exuberant fertility and friendly climate,
that productive region embracing eight or nine
States nearest the Gulf Of Mexico, and that
hence civil rights in those Ststes should be
evidently protected by Federal tribunals.
Although the measures enacted by Congress
for this purpose failed to receive the Execu-
tive sanction, yet having been adhered to by q
two-thirds vote in each House, they have now
passed to the statute book and ceased to be q
subject of debate.


Another measure, or series of measures, OF
prime Importance, now pending before Con-
gress, permits brief remark, namely: The
plan OF restoration, or reconstruction, as it is
sometimes called. To the plan reported by
the Joint Committee, have not been able to
give my assent 1t contemplates an amend
ment to the Federal Constitution-the third
section of the proposed article being in these
terms. [Quoted.


1t Is urged by the advocates of this plan
that this third section is the vital one, with
out which the others are of no value. It's
exclusive action will no doubt commend it to
the feelings OF many as a wise and just pro-
vision, but am unable so to regard it, be-
cause for four years it binds Congress TO ex-
clude from voting for representatives or Pres
idential elections, all persons who voluntari-
ly adhered to the late insurrection. giving it
aid and comfort. No matter what may be
the condition of the country, nor what proofs
OF present and future loyalty may be given,
an absolute bar is to be erected for four years
against large class of persons


Change of circumstances and condition
often works rapid changes in party and poll
cal sentiment, and nowhere with more marked
result than in the South. 1t is believed that
the elements Of change are now at work there
stimulating on one side to loyalty and on the
other tending to continued hostile feeling
In my Judgment every proper incitement to
Union should be fostered and cherished, and
for Congress 70 limit its own power by con-
stitutional amendment for period Of four
years, might be deplorable in its results


To those who differ accord the same hon
esty 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 hav-
ing No place nor voice in the body before
which the measure is pending, disclairn 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 right to know them, on the material
questions that have lately arisen. or are now
pending | trust that your purpose on this
occasion is answered, and | shall be glad if
their expression may have any beneficial IN
fuence on the questions, the right disposition
whereof is matter of solicisude to every pa
trio,ic man, and is deeply impor,an, to the
tranquility and peace OF the country. Recog-
nizing the constitutional power of all CO.
ordinate branches of the Government. the
legislative, judicial and executive. and enter
tanning for each the respect which is due from
every loyal citizen, they are entitled to and
shall receive, according to my bes, judgment,
the support which is required by that Consti-
tuition which after unexampled conflict. has
been upheld aud sanctifed by divine favor.
and through the sacrifice of so much blood
and treasure. y


The Secretary of the Treasury was next
called on and responded in support of the
Presidents policy.


lhe serenadlng party mex; proceeded 70 the
residence of Postmaster General Deoison.
who also made short speech