The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1861-08-31
Ole Uefil >1)bie.
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ELKTON, AUGUST 81, 1861.
Andy johnson on the Suspension
of the Writ Of Habeas Corpus.

Although we have heretofore published a
synopsis Of the Hon. Andy Johnson's speech,
which was delivered in the Senate of the U.
s.. ward the close of the recent Session
this part of the Senator's speech. in which he
discusses the hGbe0s carpus, is so pertinent Ia
the time, tina. we place it before our readers,
in the author S own brave, strong language
The Senate having under consideration the Joint
resolution to approve and confirm certain acts OF
the President Of the United States for SURPRISING
instruction and rebellion
Mr.. JOHNSON, Tennessee, said !:
MIR. PRESIDENT When | came from my
home to the seat of Government, in com
pliance with the proclamation of the Prcsi-
dent OF the United States calling us together
in extra session, it was not my intention to
engage in any Of the DISCUSSIONS that N ght
translirc in this body; but since the session
began. in consequence of the course that
things have taken, feel unwilling to allow
the Senate to adjourn without saying few
words in response to many things that have
been submitted t" the Senate since it's session
commenced. What little | shall say to-day
will be without much method or order. |
shall present the suggestions that occur to
my mind, and Shall endcavor TO speak Of the
condition of the county AS ii is.
On returning here. we find ourselves, as
we were when we adjourned last spring, in
the midst ola civil war. That war is now
progressing, without much hope or prospect
Of a speedy termination. /. seems to me.
MIR. President, that our Government has
reached one of three periods through which
all Governments must pass. A nation, or Il
people, have first to pass through fierce
ordeal in obtaining their independence or
separation from the Government to which
they were attached. In some instances this
is a severe ordeal. We passed through such
an one in the Revolution we were seven
years in checing the separation, and in
taking our position amongst the nations OF
the earth as Il separate and distinct Power.
Then after having succeeded in establishing
its independence, and taken its position
among the nations of the earth. a nation
must show its ability to maintain that posi-
ton, that separate and distinct independence
against other Powers, against foreign foes
In 1872, in the history Of our Government.
this ordeal commenced, and terminated in
1915.
There is still another trial through which
a nation must pass. 1t has to contend
against internal foes; against enemies at
home against those who have no confidence
in its integrity, or in the institutions that may
be established under its organic law. We
are in the midst oCthis third ordeal, and the
problem now being solved before the nations
of the earth, and before the people of tn {
United States. is whether VIC can succeed in
maintaining ourselves against the interna
foes of the Government; whether we can
succeed in putting down traitors and treason
and in establishing the great fact that we have
n Government with sufficient strength tc
maintain It's existence against whatever com.
binatlon may be presented in opposition tc
it.
This brings me to proposition laid dowr
by the Executive in his recent message t,
the Congress of the United States. In tina,
message the President said:
This is essentially peoples contest. On tn,
side Of the Union, it is struggle for maintaining
in the world, that form and substance of Govern
ment. whose leading object is to elevate the ond
tien of men to lift artificial weights from al
shoulders to clear the paths of audable pursui
for all 10 afford all unfeltered start, and fai
chance in the race of life Yielding to partial an,
temporary departures, from necessity, this is the
leading object of the Government, for whose exs
tcDce we contend
think the question is fairly and properl,
stated by the President, that it is q strugglt
whether the people shall rule whether the
people shall have a Government based upor
their Intelligence, upon their integrity, upoi
their purity of character, sufficient to govern
themselves. l think this is the true issue
and the time has now arrived when til,
energies OF the nation must be put forth
when there must be union and concert on tn,
part oil all those who agree In mans capa
bility of self-government, without regard tt
their former divisions or party preiudices il
order to demonstrate that great proposition
Since this discussion CONNIE need, it ha,