itself into a spirit of nationality; that
representation, connected with a properly adjusted system of taxation,
will result in a harmonious restoration of the relations of the States
to the National Union." He transmitted the report of Mr. Schurz
and also invited the attention of the Senate to a report of
Lieutenant-General Grant, who had recently made a tour of the
inspection through several of the States lately in rebellion.

The President evidently desired that General Grant's opinions
concerning the South should be spread before the public. From the high
character of the General-in-Chief and his known relations with the
prominent Republicans in Congress, the Administration hoped that great
influence would be exerted by the communication of his views. His
report was short and very positive. He declared his belief that "the
mass of thinking men of the South accept the present situation of
affairs in good faith." At the same time he thought that "four years
of war have left the people possibly in a condition not ready to yield
that obedience to civil authority which the American people have been
in the habit of yielding, thus rendering the presence of small
garrisons throughout these States necessary until such time as labor
returns to its proper channels and civil authority is fully established."

It was General Grant's opinion however that acquiescence in the
authority of the General Government was so universal throughout the
portions of the country he visited, that "the mere presence of a
military force, without regard to numbers, is sufficient to maintain
order." He urged that only white troops be employed in the South.
The presence of black troops, he said, "demoralizes labor" and
"furnishes in their camps a resort for freedmen." He thought there was
danger of collision from the presence of black troops. His
observations led him to the conclusion that "the citizens of the
Southern States are anxious to return to self-government within the
Union as soon as possible;" that "during the process of reconstruction
they want and require protection from the Government;" that "they are
in earnest, and wishing to do what they think is required by the
Government, not humiliating to them as citizens;" and that "if such a
course were pointed out they would pursue it in good faith." "The
questions," continued General Grant, "heretofore dividing the people
of the two sections--slavery and the right of secession--the