31 upon the basis of allegiance to this Government. Considered as political communities, thej still exist. They still exist. True, their public ofiicers have been traitors ; yet the jpeojple remain, and the State-boundaries remain. Kow, to the people of these States I vfould propose, or from them accept, just and honorable measures for their early return to the Union under loyal Governors, loyal Legislatures, and by loyal Representatives in both Houses of Congress, in the meantime giving them distinctly to understand that they must respect the national authority, either willingly or unwillingly. All resistance I would put down by force of arms, and administer a military government in the name of the nation, until the people supersede its necessity by the creation of loyal State Governments. I would deal wisely, carefully, generously, with these State organizations, in the true spirit of conciliation: [ would not displace State Legislation by Federal, orin any way invade the real rights of the States : I would do nothing to add to the mortification of defeat ; yet I would insist upon the full recognition of the national authority, not as a gratuity to be bargained for, but as a right to be maintained. It should be this, or military subjection. I hence admire the recent conduct of General Sherman. He has planted himself in the very heart of Georgia ; he has turned Atlanta into a great military post for war-purposes ; and thus virtually said to the people of Georgia, that the United States Government is here, and means to stay here, and means to exert all the force necessary to have its flag respected here. This, while wise as a military measure, has also the ring of the true doctrine. Looking at the people considered as individuals, I would meet the masses with a general anmesty for oifenses past, provided they would desist from the rebellion, and accept the Constitution as the supreme law of the land. This must be done, unless you inflict the penalty for treason upon nine-tenths of the people in the Rebel States. If the system of gxierilla war-fare be kept up by wandering hordes of banditti, I would dispose of that in a way to make its career very short. And in respect to the prominent leaders of this rebellion, I take the ground that no amnesty should ever be extended to them, Agoodly number of
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTM4ODY=