timely and tragic death of Abraham past has added so much to the wealth Lincoln, and regret the accession of An- and increased the resources of this nadrew Johnson to the Presidency, who tion-the asylum of all nations-should has acted treacherously to the people be fostered by a liberal and just policy. who elected him and the cause he was 12. This Convention declares its sympledged to support; has usurped high pathy with all oppressed people who are legislative and judicial functions; has struggling for their rights. refused to execute the laws; has used Resolved, That we recognize the great his high office to induce other officers to principles laid down in the Declaration violate the laws; has employed his ex- of Independence as the true platform of ecutive power to render insecure the lives, democratic government, and we hail with property, peace, and liberty of the citi-gladness every effort toward making these zens; has abused the pardoning power; principles a living reality on every inch has denounced the National Legislature of American soil. as unconstitutional; has persistently and habitually resisted, by every means in his power, every proper attempt at the reconstruction of the States lately in rebellion; has perverted the public patronage into an engine of wholesale corruption, and has been justly impeached for high crimes and misdemeanors, and properly pronounced guilty thereof by the votes of thirty-five Senators.

9. The doctrine of Great Britain, and other European powers, that because a man is once a subject he is always so, must be resisted at every hazard by the United States as a relic of the feudal times, not authorized by the law of nations, and at war with our national honor and independence. Naturalized citizens are entitled to be protected in all their rights of citizenship as though they were native-born. No citizen of the United States,, native or naturalized, must be liable to arrest or imprisonment by any foreign power, for acts done or words spoken in this country; and, if so arrested and imprisoned, it is the duty of the

Government to interfere in his behalf.

Resolved, That we highly commend the spirit of magnanimity and forgiveness with which men who have served in the rebellion have now frankly and honestly co-operated with us in restoring the peace of the country, and are reconstructed. They are received back into the Union of the loyal people. We favor the removal of the restrictions imposed upon the late rebels as soon as the spirit of rebellion has died out.

General Grant's Letter of Acceptance.

The following is General Grant's reply to the nomination of the Chicago Convention:

WASHINGTON, May 29, 1868. To General Joseph R. Hawley, President National Union Republican Convention:

In formally accepting the nomination of the National Union Republican Convention of the 21st of May instant, it seems proper that some statement of views beyond the mere acceptance of the nomination should be expressed. The proceedings of the Contion, and patriotism, and, I believe, express vention were marked with wisdom, modera

the feelings of the great mass of those who 10. Of all who were faithful in the sustained the country through its recent tritrials of the late war, there were none en- als. I indorse the resolutions. If elected titled to more especial honor than the to the office of President of the United States, brave soldiers and seamen who endured it will be my endeavor to administer all the the hardships of the camp and cruise, the view of giving peace, quiet, and proteclaws in good faith, with economy, and with and imperiled their lives in the service tion everywhere. In times like the present of the country. The bounties and pen- it is impossible, or at least eminently imsions appropriated by law for these brave proper, to lay down a policy to be adhered defenders of the Union are obligations to, right or wrong, through an administranever to be forgotten. The widows and orphans of the gallant dead are the wards of the people—a sacred legacy bequeathed to the United States' protecting

care.

11. Foreign emigration, which in the

tion of four years. New political issues, not foreseen, are constantly arising; the views of the public on old ones are constantly cer should always be left free to execute the changing, and a purely administrative offiwill of the people. I always have respected that will, and always shall. Peace, and

universal prosperity, its sequence, with econ-
omy of administration, will lighten the bur-
den of taxation, while it constantly reduces
the national debt. Let us have peace.
With great respect, your obedient servant,

U. S. GRANT.

He does not mention the Constitution once.

Speaker Colfax's Letter of Acceptance.

The following is the reply of Speaker Colfax to the Committee announcing his nomination by the Chicago Convention :

WASHINGTON, May 30, 1868.

Hon. J. R. Hawley, President of the National
Union Republican Convention:

and vindicates the rights of the poor and the powerless as faithfully as those of the rich and the powerful. I rejoice, too, in this connection, to find in your platform the frank and fearless avowal that naturalized citizens must be protected abroad, at every hazard, as though they were native-born. Our whole people are foreigners, or descendants of foreigners; our fathers established by arms their right to be called a nation. It remains for us to establish the right to welcome to our shores all who are willing, by oaths of allegiance, to become American citizens. Perpetual allegiance, as claimed abroad, is only another name for perpetual bondage, and would make all slaves to the soil where first they saw the light. Our national cemeteries prove how faithfully these oaths of fidelity to their adopted land DEAR SIR: The platform adopted by that have been sealed in the life-blood of thoupatriotic convention over which you pre- sands upon thousands. Should we not then sided, and the resolutions which so happily be faithless to the dead if we did not prosupplement it, so naturally agree with my tect their living brethren in the full enjoyviews as to a just national policy, that my ment of that nationality for which, side by thanks are due to the delegates as much for side with the native-born, our soldiers of forthis clear and auspicious declaration of prin- eign birth laid down their lives? It was ciples, as for the nomination with which I fitting, too, that the representatives of a party have been honored and which I gratefully which had proved so true to national duty accept. When a great rebellion, which im- in time of war, should speak so clearly in periled the national existence was at last time of peace for the maintenance, untaroverthrown, the duty, of all others, devolv- nished, of the national honor, national credit, ing on those intrusted with the responsibili- and good faith as regards its debt, the cost ties of legislation, evidently was to require of our national existence. I do not need to that the revolted States should be readmit extend this reply by further comment on a ted to participation in the Government platform which has elicited such hearty apagainst which they had erred, only on such proval throughout the land. The debt of a basis as to increase and fortify, not to gratitude it acknowledges to the brave men weaken or endanger, the strength and power who saved the Union from destruction, the of the nation. Certainly no one ought to frank approval of amnesty based on repenthave claimed that they should be readmit- ance and loyalty, the demand for the most ted under such rule that their organization thorough economy and honesty in the Govas States could ever again be used, as at the ernment, the sympathy of the party of libopening of the war, to defy the national au- erty with all throughout the world who long thority or to destroy the national unity. for the liberty we here enjoy, and the recog This principle has been the pole-star of those nition of the sublime principles of the Dewho have inflexibly insisted on the Congres-claration of Independence, are worthy of sional policy your convention so cordially the organization on whose banners they are indorsed. Baffled by executive opposition, to be written in the coming contest. and by persistent refusals to accept any plan of reconstruction proffered by Congress, justice and public safety at last combined to teach us that only by an enlargement of suffrage in those States could the desired end be attained, and that it was even more safe to give the ballot to those who loved the Union than to those who had sought ineffectually to destroy it. The assured success of this legislation is being written on the adamant of history, and will be our triumphant vindication. More clearly, too, than ever before, does the nation now recog nize that the greatest glory of a republic is, that it throws the shield of its protection over the humblest and weakest of its people,

Its

If the

past record can not be blotted out or forgotten. If there had been no Republican party, slavery would to-day cast its baneful shadow over the republic. If there had been no Republican party, a free press and free speech would be as unknown, from the Potomac to the Rio Grande, as ten years ago. Republican party could have been stricken from existence when the banner of rebellion was unfurled, and when the response of "No coercion!" was heard at the North, we would have had no nation to-day. But for the Republican party daring to risk the odium of tax and draft laws, our flag could not have been kept flying in the field until the long hoped for victory came. Without

recent order of the President to accompany | whatever he does as right, and will be application, does not accompany this, for guided to a great extent by his example. the reason, as I am informed by General Headquarters Armies United States, Ord, the order requiring it had not reached July 18, 1867. Richmond when this was forwarded. Official copy:

U. S. GRANT, Lieut.-General. Headquarters Armies of the United States,

July 18, 1867.
Official copy:

GEO. K. LEET,
Ass't Adj. Gen.

RICHMOND, VA., June 13, 1865. LEE, GENERAL ROBERT E.-Understanding that he and other officers are to be indicted

GEO. K. LEET,

Ass't Adj. Gen.

WASHINGTON, D. C., March 12, 1865, PICKETT, GEN. GEO. E.-Presents history of his case, refers to surrender and agreement of April 9, 1865, and asks for protection from prosecution for treason.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY UNITED STATES,
March 16, 1866.

by grand jury at Norfolk, Virginia, states Respectfully forwarded to his Excellency, his readiness to be brought to trial, but had the President of the United States, with the supposed the terms of his surrender pro-recommendation that clemency be extended in tected him; therefore prays, etc. this case, or assurance given that no trial will take place for the offense charged against George E. Pickett.

HIS OPINION ON NEGRO SUFFRAGE.

[Extract from Senator Doolittle's speech at Milwaukee, October 2, 1865.]

HEADQUARTERS ARMY U. S., June 16, 1865. In my opinion, the officers and men paroled at the Appomattox Court House, and since, upon the same terms given to Lee, can not be tried for treason so long as they observe the terms of their parole. This is The other day, when Gen. Grant was my understanding. Good faith, as well as here, spending several hours with him in true policy, dictates that we should observe free conversation upon this subject, among the conditions of that convention. Bad others, he expressed to me the same opinfaith on the part of the Government, or a ion. Said I, General Grant, I never quote construction of that convention subjecting private conversation without express perofficers to trial for treason, would produce mission. Am I permitted to state what you a feeling of insecurity in the minds of all now state to me?" Said he, "Certainly, the paroled officers and men. If so dis- there is no concealment on my part." posed they might even regard such an in- he stated to me in the conversation that a fraction of terms by the Government as an considerable portion of the troubles between entire release from all obligations on their the whites and the blacks that had already part. I will state, further, that the terms occurred, was in consequence of the unwise granted by me met with the hearty approval attempt to force negro suffrage in those of the President at the time, and of the States. He said further, that if the Federal people generally. The action of Judge Underwood, in Norfolk, has had an injurious effect, and I would ask that he be ordered to quash all indictments found against prisoners of war, and to desist from further prosecution of them.

U. S. GRANT, Lieut.-General. Headquarters Armies of the United States, July 18, 1867.

Official copy:

GEO. K. LEET,
Ass't Aaj. Gen.

[Cipher.]

HEADQUARTERS ARMY UNITED STATES, WASHINGTON, May 6, 1865. Maj. Gen. HALLECK, Richmond, Virginia. Since receipt of your dispatch of 3d, I think it will be advisable to leave Hunter alone for the present. Although it would meet with opposition in the North to allow Lee the benefit of amnesty, I think it would have the best possible effect toward restoring good feeling and peace in the South to have him come in. All the people, except a few political leaders in the South, will accept

And

Government were to attempt to do it and enforce it, it would undoubtedly produce war between the two races there.

GEN. GRANT ON ARBITRARY ARRESTS. [Cincinnati Telegram (Oct. 3, 1867,) to the Chicago Times.

*

There was much excitement in Newport, yesterday, at the arrest of Rev. L. D. Huston. * * Gen. Grant immediately telegraphed Gen. Palmer, at Louisville, di recting the unconditional release of the distinguished divine. Subsequent to this action by Gen. Grant, Rev. Geo. Maley, an old acquaintance of the General and his family, called upon Gen. Grant, and after a brief interview in a social character, Father Maley inquired: "General, what can you do for Dr. Huston?" "I have already ordered his unconditional release. It is time that military arrests and military commissions were at an end. We are now at peace, and if any citizen commits any political offense he should be taken before the civil courts and there tried for his crime."

REPORT ON THE CONDITION OF THE SOUTHERN want and require protection from the Gov

STATES.

HEADQUARTERS ARMIES OF UNITED STATES,
WASHINGTON, D. C., December 18, 1865.

* * *

ernment; that they are earnest in wishing to do what they think is required by the Government, not humiliating to them as citizens, and that if such a course was pointed is to be regretted that there can not be a out they would pursue it in good faith. It the citizens of the two sections, and particgreater commingling at this time between ularly of those intrusted with the law-making power.

With your approval, and also that of the Honorable Secretary of War, left Washington City on the 27th of last month for the purpose of making a tour of inspection through some of the Southern States, or States lately in rebellion, and to see what changes were necessary to be made in the disposition of the military forces of men's Bureau that attention I would have I did not give the operations of the Freedthe country; how these forces could be re-done if more time had been at my disposal. duced and expenses curtailed, etc.; and to Conversations on the subject, however, with learn, as far as possible, the feelings and officers connected with the Bureau, lead me intentions of the citizens of those States to-to think that in some of the States its affairs ward the General Government. * * Both

ment or economy, and that the belief, have not been conducted with good judg widely spread among the freedmen of the Southern States, that the lands of their former owners will, at least in part, be divided of this Bureau. This belief is seriously inamong them, has come from the agents terfering with the willingness of the freedmen to make contracts for the coming year.

in traveling and while stopping, I saw much and conversed freely with the citizens of those States, as well as with officers of the army who have been stationed among them. The following are the conclusions come to by me: I am satisfied that the mass of thinking men of the South accept the present situation of affairs in good faith. The questions which have heretofore divided the * * In some instances, I am sorry to sentiments of the people of the two sections say, the freedman's mind does not seem to -slavery and States' rights, or the right of be disabused of the idea that a freedman has a State to secede from the Union-they re- a right to live without care or provision for gard as having been settled forever by the the future. The effect of the belief in highest tribunal-arms—that man can resort division of lands is idleness and accumulato. I was pleased to learn from the lead-tion in camps, towns and cities. In such ing men whom I met, that they not only accepted the decision arrived at as final, but, now that the smoke of battle has cleared away and time has been given for reflection, that this decision has been à fortunate one for the whole country, they receiving like benefits from it with those who opposed them in

cases 5 I think it will be found that vice and disease will tend to the extermination, or great reduction of the colored race.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

U. S. GRANT, Lieut.-General. His Excellency A. Johnson, President of the

United States.

SUPPRESSION OF NEWSPAPERS.

the field and in council. * * There is such universal acquiescence in the authority of the General Government throughout the portions of the country visited by me, that HEADQUARTERS ARMIES OF THE U. S., the mere presence of a military force, without WASHINGTON, Feb. 17, 1866. You will please send to these headquarregard to numbers, is sufficient to maintain order. The good of the country and econ-ters as soon as practicable, and from time omy require that the force kept in the to time thereafter, such copies of newspainterior, where there are many freedmen pers published in your department as con(elsewhere in the Southern States than at ports upon the sea-coast no force is necessary), should all be white troops. The reasons for this are obvious, without mentioning many sistent publication of articles calculated to of them. The presence of black troops, lately slaves, demoralizes labor, both by keep up a hostility of feeling between the their advice and by furnishing in their poeple of different sections of the country can camps a resort for the freedmen for long not be tolerated. This information is called distances around. White troops generally excite no opposition, and therefore a small

tain sentiments of disloyalty and hostility to the Government in any of its branches, and state whether such paper is habitual in

its utterance of such sentiments.

The per

for with a view to their suppression, which will be done from these headquarters only. By order of Lieut.-Gen. Grant.

T. S. BOWERS, Asst. Adj.-Gen. GRANT'S SPEECH AT CINCINNATI, IN SEPTEMBER, 1866.

number of these can maintain order in a given district. * * My observations lead me to the conclusion that the citizens of the Southern States are anxious to return to self-government within the Union as soon as A foolish person named Baker protests in possible; that while reconstructing ty the Cincin ati Gazette against the outrageous