22 FEBRUARY 1868, Page 2

We learn by Atlantic Telegraph that the new State Constitu-

tion has been defeated in Alabama, and so ends the hope of a speedy reconciliation between the South and the North. Had it been ratified, the intention of the Republicans was, we believe, to admit Alabama, under her new constitution, at once into Con- gress, and this would have opened the way to a reconstruction of the Union. But as the " Conservatives" have defeated the State Constitution, it is probable enough that Congress will have to put in force for a considerable time longer its recent provisional mea- sures for the military government of the South. For our own part, we believe that the military government of the South for a term of years long enough to let a new generation of voters attain political influence, would be the wisest of all policies for the Union.