The President’s speech on this occasion was largely devoted to the impending problem of Reconstruction in the South.  The problem was complex and difficult, with no recognized principles or precedent for guidance.  Said Lincoln:  “Unlike the case of a war between independent nations, there is no authorized organization for us to treat with.  No one man has authority to give up the rebellion for any other man.  We simply must begin with and mould from disorganized and discordant elements.  Nor is it a small additional embarrassment, that we, the loyal people, differ amongst ourselves as to the mode, manner, and measure of reconstruction.  Let us all join in doing the acts necessary to restoring the proper practical relations between these States and the Union.”  The problem thus touched upon was one that had long occupied the thoughts of Lincoln, especially since the downfall of the Confederacy had been imminent.  His practical and far-seeing mind was already addressing itself to the new issues, duties, and responsibilities, which he saw opening before him, and which he well knew would demand all of his wisdom, firmness, and political sagacity.  As was to be expected, a great diversity of views prevailed.  A powerful faction in Congress, sympathized with by some members of the Cabinet, was for “making treason odious” and dealing with the insurgent States as conquered provinces that had forfeited all rights once held under the Constitution and were entitled only to such treatment as the Government chose to give them.  Lincoln’s ideas were very different.  His mind was occupied with formulating a policy having for its object the welfare of the Southern people and the restoration of the rebellious States to the Union.  His broad and statesmanlike views were outlined, the day after the public address just referred to, in discussing Secretary Welles’s plans for convening the legislature of Virginia.  Says Mr. Welles in his Diary:  “His idea was that the members of the legislature, comprising the prominent and influential men of their respective counties, had better come together and undo their own work.  Civil government must be reestablished, he said, as soon as possible; there must be courts, and law and order, or society would be broken up, the disbanded armies would turn into robber bands and guerillas, which we must strive to prevent.  These were the reasons why he wished prominent Virginians who had the confidence of the people to come together and turn themselves and their neighbors into good Union men.”  Lincoln had no thought of leaving any of these questions to the military authorities.  In March he had directed a despatch from Stanton to Grant, saying:  “The President wishes you to have no conference with General Lee, unless it be for the capitulation of his army, or on some other minor and purely military matter.  He instructs me to say that you are not to decide, discuss, or confer upon any political question.  Such questions the President holds in his own hands, and will