Whatever may have been the opinion of the President at one time as to 'good faith requiring the security of the freemen in their liberty and their property,' it is now manifest from the character of his objections to this bill that he will approve no measures that will accomplish the object.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The quote claims Johnson will not support measures that protect freedmen's rights despite previous claims.
- In plain terms
- It says he won't approve bills that help freedmen keep their liberty and property.
- What can you take from it?
- Stated intentions may not match actual policy actions.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How do we judge if a leader is acting in good faith?
- What signals policy shifts in government?
Another view
The quote assumes bad faith without direct evidence of intent.
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