The weekly Butte record., 1862-06-14
Republican Reputation of the Consti-
tuition.

The following article appears in the New
York Observer, a standard religious paper
Every day makes it more and more apparent,
that the Constitution is of no consideration
with the Republican party where its provi-
sions conflict with their party policy Their
gun-irap here il California is the " Union
and Administration. 1heF will tolerate the
Union" if the Administration can be
forced into the adoption of their ultra sec
tional policy, regardless of Constitution and
laws
What is wanted nov in Congress is spirit
of devotion to the Constitution, laws and priu-
cip.es of the Government a spirit Of patriot
ism. rising above the behests of sectional
preiudices. aud ignoring all schemes of Presi-
dent making, or unmaking, while the energies
of mind and material resources of the country
are summoned TO the single purpose OF restoring
the Union on the basis of the Constitution
The Observer says:
In the Senate of the United States last
week. when the arrest and Imprisonment OF
General Stone were under discussion, Senator
Wade's reply TO the argument that General
Stones rights, under the Constitution, the
common law and the military law of the coun-
try. had been violated was, that the Govern
ment. in this great exigency, is bound TO
protect itself. and that the Constitution Is
virtually repealed until the Government has
become able TO restore its authority in tie re-
bellious States.
We find this in the report Of the debates iG
Congress it has been before the public for a
week or more without contradiction ; we copy
it to fasten the eyes of the nation upon it, as
the highest avowal vet made of doctrine that
is working a radical change in the theory of
cor Government, and rapidly Transforming it
into a despotism of the worst possible type and
form. If this doctrine, so distinctly set forth
by Senator Wade, and which has been avowed
with equal boldness by Senator Sumner aud
other distinguished Republican leaders, be-
comes the policy and creed of the country, our
Government, like the baseless fabric of a
dream. is gone, and only miserable wreck is
left behind.
Before this theory of Senator Wade is sub
mitted to, we would do well to Try the question
before the Supreme Court, and if that judicla.
tory affrmS il as the law of the land, it will be
cur privilege to choose between submission to
il. and voluntary exile to Siberia or Japan
We frankly confess that we would prefer the
deSpotism of pagan prince TO that of mob.
II Mr.. Wade'S doctrine is sound. We have no
Government but the will of the man who wields
the army and navy, regardless of the ConStitu-
ton which be is set and sworn TO support by
those powers.
Mr.. Thomas, of Massachusetts, has ably and
nobly risen up. in the spirit and with much Of
the power of Webster to throttle the heresy
He has maintained the supremacy of the Con
sttuton and the subordnation of the govern.
ing power to that sovereign and sacred instru-
ment; and with equal eloquence and truth be
significantly points to the authors Of this new
revolutionary doctrine, and declares In
seeking to change the Constitution by force of
arms we become the rebels we are striving to
subdue"
The Constitution was not made for fair
weather only. 1t is good for time of peace
and better for time of war. There is little
need of law when men are willing TO obey !;
but when war breaks the peace and security Of
society; when the passions of men are lashed
into rage, and the nation is suddenly plunged
into the vortex of civil strife. then the rights
of communities and individuals are in danger,
and the only protection which the loyal citizen
enjoys is in the Constitution of his country.
1t is grand mistake, which even good men
sometimes make that the apparent necessity of
he hour iustifes a ruler in the usurpatlon of
Illegal power. This fallacy is the universal
apology which tyrants plead BY this abuse
of power the liberties of nations have been
blotted out, and the lives of thousands sacri-
feed.