The Richmond Resolutions

The íbllovving are tbe resolntiona adopted at the inass mecí ing in liichmond, Va., on Tuesdfly. We, the peoplo of the city of Ilichmond, in mam meeticg assembled, to expresa our opinions in tbe present exigenc.y of public affaire, do Mesohe, That we have witnessed with just indiguation the persistent ar.d wicked effui t of a portion of tbe press and peopleof the Northern States to brand the people of the South with perfidy and nsincerity ia the honests attemps they have made, and are making to resume tbeir former relations with the Union, by questioning their fidelity and truth in the oaths of allegiance whicb they have taken, aüd by vague and unsupported charges, that they desire if they do not conteraplate, further resistanoe to i its authority. Such imputations are not oí ly faise, but misebievous, being calculated to retará, if they bo not deeigned to defeat, that perfect aud constitutional restoration ot the Union wh'ch the war was professedly waged against the seceding States to effoot, and wliich good rm;n and patriots in all sections of the country earnestly desire to accomplish. And it being of the last importance that the minds of the whnle people be disabused of these errors, and partioulary that the authorities at Washington be truly iuforined of the temper and disposition oí the Southern people, we do solemnly pronounce these and all othor itnputations upou them of a kindred character, no matter frorn what source they come, lo be utterly ungrouudod and false. Resolved, That the general temper and dispositiou of the Southern people including our own, are to accept and acquiesce in the results of the late sanguinary struggle, and to resume the duties of citizenehip in the Union. TLat the men ot charaiter and ability who have hitherto iuüuenced public sentiment neither advise nor inteod anything different from the discharge of their duties as citizens of the United States, aud are setting an example oï full and ready eubmission to the authoriry of its governruent, and counsel a full reengnitior. oí the facts of the actual situation, including the accepted and irreversible abolition of slavery. Resolved, Tbat we, tlie people of Richmond, iully and thoroughly comprehending and accopting the results of this struggle in all their force and significance, and as one of the most important, the abolition of slavery, already effected by the restored Coustitution of thu State under which we live and whieh we arn eworn to support, do pledge ourselves to support the reeonstruetion policy oí tbc President, which purposes a restored equality of rights and privileges to all the States, including the power in eaoh to regúlate the nght of Buffrage for itself, as distinguished from the reckless and poruicious theories of the so-called radical party, which propose to the Southern States the alternative of negro su ff rage or an indefinite exclusión from the benefits of a commou and equal Union ; aud tbat we will support the national authority and the supreme rule of law and order everywhero, as the only sure guarantee for the re establishment of the rights and privileges of our own and of the Southern States, under the Constitution, in the Union. Resolved, That we earnestly recommend to our fellow-citizens throughout the State to hold meetings as soon as practicable in their respective counties and towns, and adopt suitable resolutions expressive (aa we do not doubt they will be) ol their entire sympathy in the motives, purposes and objects herein declared ; that no cloud of doubt, no shadow of suspicion may rest on the integrity, honor and good faith of their expressed desire and honest attetnpts to resume the duties of allegiance to the United States. Resolved, That it is no less a pleasure than a duty on our part to give public expreseion to the esteem and respect which we feel for the present Ohiel Magistrate of our State, whose concillatory bearing, frank and manly manners, and well considered statemansbip, have enabled him to grapple succesBÍiiüy with the unusual difficulties of his position. With the opportunity to see us face to face, as we are, he has the wisdom to appreciate the true character oi our people. He has thrown hiinseli without reserve on their candor, truthfuluess and conscientiousness, and they have met, and will continue to meet biin in a like spirit of cordial confidence.