General Pope's political convictions were of a very positive character, and they were not at all in sympathy with the National Administration.

He administered the Reconstruction laws, therefore, in their full spirit and with an entire belief in their justice and equity.

He insisted on fair dealing, and suppressed all interference with voters by violence or threats of violence on the part of the late rebels.

He would not permit the menace of military organizations, and expressly refused to allow any parading of armed men, except of United-States troops.

It was General Pope's opinion that the South had seen quite enough of men in arms within the past four years, and he believed that safety and order would be best maintained by having no uniform worn except that of the Army of the United States, and no other flag shown than the flag of the Union.