Bedford inquirer. [volume] (Bedford, Pa.) 1857-1884, 1862-03-14


entertained by Democratic politicians that the
difficulties of the country are but temporary,
and that they must take care of the party in
the meantime or else the cooperation of abe
south would be lost to them when the war is
over. They argue that MIR. Bright is Dem
ocrat and friend of the South, and if mat
teFa become quieted down the Democracy of
the North will require tn aid of the South ia
order to obtain possession of tbs reins OF gov
ernmeut Members of the Legislatare would
be a great deal better off if they acted frank
ly in these matters and either came out boldly
against traitors or against the government
These party arrangements to 60 before the
people next fall, are subjects which frequently
engross the attention of representatives of the
people ia these halls; and l would suggest TO
those gentlemen that there is no use in LDincing
the marter. 1t presents question upon which
We must go before the people of the nation
There is not man here who does not be-
lieye that Senator Bright wrote the treasona-
bic letter with which he is charged. ! ask
how can sensible man couscientlously believe
that person writing letter at the time at
which this one was dated-three or four days
before the present President of the United
States was iDaugurated under froWning Bate
ries of easnon, ranged for the defence Of the
capital, (which preparations wers rendered ne
eessary because of rnmored attempts to take
possession of the government by a lawless
band of rsbels)-hoS can any man under such
circumstances, refuse to believe that that letter
furnishes evidence of treason2 | have already
put the question 10 ths Senator from Berks,
tMr. Clymerl whether be believed that letter
was genuine-Whether il was written by Mr..
Bright. He admitted the authenticity of the
letter; and yet with all these facts before US,
the members of tho opposite party talk about
the Senate of the United States being judi
cial body, sitting for the trial of the case of
the Government IS. Bright; and therefore
upon that question We should not instruct our
Senators. Sir, you may readily find an ex-
cuss even for a bad case, aud that excuse may
satisfy us as partizanss though il never can as
conscientious and responsible men. When cur
consciences aud Judgments are appesled to, the
aspect Of case which 20 our heated partizan
prejudices may appear proper, will become
great IL ebauged. l think the time has arry-
ed when we should take action upon this sub
ject, and thereby render precedent for the
punishment of traitors in all departments of
the government; for there are many employees
Va tuo PA66SuA nbOsO
thiss are in favor of the rebels. have no
dosbt that such is the case; but how are they
to be found outl They do not write letters,
or it they do they are not detected as has for
tunately been the case Ia the present instance.
The real question at lssue is not as to the ls
gal or technical settlement OF this question;
it is higher than that. The point is whether
Mr. Bright is ft adviser of the President of
the United States, whether be has the interests
of the loyal people at heart. In that view
there should be no hesitation on tho part of
| any Senator here to vote in favor of this res5-
luton of instruction for bis expulsion. | re-
pea, the question is not whether he can be le-
gally convicted Of the crime of treason, but
it is whether the imperative requirements of
| the hour do not demand that the necessities Of
| the natien shall be placed above ali doubt or
| dlsloyalty In their councils. Why was that
great writ Of habeas corpus suspeudedl The
object was to catch such men as could not be
convicted of treason or nnfrendliness to the
government Of our country, that they nigh /
do 40 injury; that is the reason Rhy We have
so many men at present confined in prisons
| Their Incarceration is necessary IN order to
prevent them from doing vast Injury to the
welfare Of the country, by giving information
! 10 the rebels and traitors of the South. AS
al illustration of the injury which such men
| have caused our country, would refer to the
/ fact that upon the occasion OF military ex-
| p1dltIon leaving our shores, the rebels always
knew the destination and purposes of that ex
pedirion, " bile loyal people had not the slight
est information as to where their fellow coun-
lrymen were destined. So long as We have quib-
bling here in Penusylysn la amongst loyal men,
this state of things will continue to exist.
The Senate resolution requests our Sena-
ators in Congress, in presise language, TO do
just as you or |, Mr.. Speaker, would be like
ly to ask representative to act upon quss.
sion affecting cur private interests. Ii con-
templates no other than a direct answer.
la regard to the amendment of the repre-
tentative from Bedford, Mr.. Uessns,j think
it may be safely olassed In the category Of
little party arrsngem ents for the next fall
campaign; to which have already alluded
It has very much that appearance, at least
After presumiDg to instruct our Senators in
Congress, the resolution says that if certain
state OF things is found TO exist, certain ac-
ton shall be taken, and then as if alarmed at
It's own strength the resolution SAYS in the
most amlable terms, 'proElded there is no difS
hculty 10 the Constitution" This latter SEN
ten ce 10 added for fear thai those who are to
be instructed might find something In the
Constitution. that would not exactly allow
them, on constitutional grounds, 70 expel q
fellos member from the Unitsd States Senate
II will be perceived that Mr. Cessna is man
Of policy, land | know him 90 be q man of
sense,l Tor Dy bis resolution be places himself
on both sides OF t5e Question. If Mr. COwsu
votes for shO expulsion Of Jesse ID. Bright,
ihcn the member from Bedford may consist.
emily tell him be has done right; aud il be