The Middlebury Register

RECONSTRUCTION.
The bill reported by the reconstruction Committee in the House some days since, providing for a half military government of the "so called" southern states by military commanders who are to supersede in some measure the civil officers, laws and courts has passed the House by more than a two thirds vote and gone to the Senate. Whether it will pass the Senate by the two-thirds vote, necessary to override a veto is yet doubtful. There is a growing need of such a provision. The effort of Mr. Blaine of Maine to engraft on this bill a provision that each southern state shall be admitted to representation when it adopts the pending constitutional amendment and establishes equal suffrage, was defeated by the union of the democratic with the radical members. We cannot see the propriety of tacking on reconstruction to a bill designed only for the government of these states during the pendency of the reconstruction question. The provision in the amendment is not a bad one by any means, though it is doubtful if it is wise to make any more offers, which are only made to be rejected. Let the South show a disposition to meet Congress, and then it will be time to make proposals. The country will not mourn over the rejection of the Blaine amendment.
It is a question to be considered whether the true method of reconstruction is not that pursued in the reconstruction of Louisiana. This bill passed the House by a large majority. It establishes a provisional government, consisting of a governor and nine councilors, to be appointed by the president and confirmed by the Senate. It orders an election in June next for a Legislature and state officers, and in October for delegates to frame a new state constitution. No one is to vote, hold office, or sit on a jury, who will not swear that he has not been a voluntary rebel since March, 1861, and there is to be no distinction on account of color. Sufficient military force to carry through the program is provided for. It seems to be safe and proper to provide for each state separately as occasion may require. Whether the exact method proposed in this bill is practicable, is more doubtful. The oath to be imposed upon all voters may not be more effective than it was in Maryland, and the presence of the large military force which will be necessary to prevent violation of the provisions of the bill may be misinterpreted or shunned. Besides, placing this matter in the hands of the President as it does necessarily, is providing in the law itself for its own failure. Some modification of this plan however, ought to be successful.