Rutland weekly herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1859-1877, 1862-06-19
Qhs &atlaad 4eca.A.
THURSDAY, JUNE 10, 1862.
RESTORATION" AND "RE-CON-
STRUCTlON"


STRUCTlON"
A great deal is said in relation to the re-
.ora.ion of the Union as it was" and of its
restoration as it should be-" We have an
aea ,is not every one that makes use of
these phrases, who precisely understands
heir import. Some seem to suppose that all
hose who advocate the restoration of the
UpOn Is ii was to intend thereby restor-
siOn of the supremacy Of the pro-slavery
rue. and a re-inauguration of the pro-
slavery policy under the corrupt administra-
dous OF Pierce and Buchanan. Nothing
could be further from the truth. That would
imply the restoration of policy, which pre-
vailed in direct antsgonism to the best inter
ests of the Union, and actually subversive of
i, as the present situation Of the country
proves To restore the Union as II ,cas, is
10 restore the constitutional supremacy OF the
Genera! Government. That is all that is
nesnt by those who favor this policy, al
any rate among the Republicans, 1t does
not mean the adoption of the pro slavery plat
form of the Slave Democracy, or the endorse
neut of the extra judicial decision of the
Supreme Court in the case of Dred Scott.
We are in favor of the restoration of the
Union as it was" but OF the policy and prin-
Gples which prevailed in the early days of
he Republic.
Those who profess to be in favor of the
restoration of the Union as it should be-"
mean by it, we suppose, Union in which
slavery shall not be allowed to exist. But
evidently those who use the term in that
sense, make choice of language exceedingly
napt and inappropriate. There can be no
because we cannot "restore what has never
existed. Those, therefore, who favor such a
sheme go rather for q q construction" of
Union. They are in favor OF throwing
side the present Union as it was founded
upon the old Constitution, and of recon
aructing 1t upon the basis OF new or i'm
proved constitution, which shall empower the
General Government to abolish and prohibit
slavery in the States.
Now let us examine this proposition for a
moment. To proclaim the present constltu-
ton failure,-to say that 1t is "played
out" to use common expresslon,-to say
we will no longer De bound by its landmarks,
but will make war and conclude peace
with our enemies upon what we as indi-
Vlduals, conceive to be the broad principles
of eternal right and justice, and human
Inequality, and after that is accomplished. will
make new constitution and new Union,
(which shall greatly transcend the old IN
Edazzling goodness, may sound very finely In
the ears of men who have become impassion-
t1 by the events OF this wicked rebellion
put it is the language OF the widest frenzy.
No Fifth Monarchy man, no denizen OF
Utopia itself, could suggest wilder scheme
tore-orgsnize government, and improve socl-
ETY.. 1t breaks down the dykes OF all govern
mental restraint, and launches US upon a
pea Of anarchy. The question is not whether
The object aimed at by those who advocate
Ibis coarse of procedure be good. 1t doubt
ess lss good and lofty one. 1t is rather
whether the means proposed are such as
Would conduct to the end desired? A given
end never can be reached except by the log
zeal sequence of events following the use q
appropriate means.
Let US see what would be some of the log
Val and inevitable results of adopting sucl
scheme of reeonstruc tion," as is involved
IL tearing down the present constitution ant
'uldlng up new one.
l. 1t would be IN itself breaking up o
He On'on Of the States, for the Union exist
Oniy oy virtue of the constitution. 1t is tn,
lsatures of the constitution which bind th,
''ates together. Break them assunder an,
'u9 Union is gone, perhaps never to be re-
ftored. .-....
z If the Northern States have a right t
'y The constitution must be supplanted b,
que which they deem better, then the South
Ffn states have the undoubted right to sa
ue same thing. at is poor rule that wi
VI work both ways" IT this proposition b
rue then Is secession justified. 1t is th
'YG Gnger board tchich led 10 the secession O
southern Safes. If the constitution il
prayed out" then the Southern people whit
In arms, are no longer "rebels," what,
yer We may think of their cause, for ther
ssn De no revolt from constitution that ha
passed away.
D. If the constitution is played out,
nd Wa assume to no M Ioncar r,,,:J.1 L. :.