North Branch democrat. [volume] (Tunkhannock, Pa.) 1854-1867, 1863-04-08
Political.
SPEECH OF
HON. HESTER CLYMER,
OF BERKS COUNTY,

In lHE SENAlE OF PENNS1LFA ANlA,
March 9Th, 1868.
On the amendment Gnviting General Mcclellan to
visit the Capitl } to the joint Resolution ten
dering the use of the Senate Chamber to Ex-Gov-
enor johnson and Wright.
MR. SPEAKER: On this day, at this hour,
in this place, great issue is on trial, fraught
with the interests, not only of tic present,
but of the future and ifI, in tie decision
of this issue. have acted part, however IN
important, | shall hereafter look back to this
day, to this hour and tc this place, with feel
ings of no little qualification.
The issue involved is not one of persons
it is one of high principles going back to the
foundation of this government. It is, sir,
whether the loyalty of the citizen is to be
judged of by his fealty and adherance TO an
administration, oF whether it is to be deter
mined by bis fealty and adherance to tie
Government of the United States.
In order to decide this question, it is nee
essary to present this brief exposition Of the
situation of affairs-that without Coastitu-
liOH LuCIC SOuiu uofC UCCu uO
and no Union, and that unless there is fealty
and adherance to the Constitution, there can
be no true loyalty TO the Government and
Union based on it. That is the issue to be
tried to day. Disguise it as you may-at-
tempt to confuse it for party purposes, party
reasons, and by party chicanery--the issue
presented by every Republican Senator who
has preceded me in this discussion, is that
my loyalty is to be tested not by my adher-
ence and devotion to the Constitution of the
United States, but by my adherence to the
administration of Abraham Lincoln, the pres.
ent occupant of the Presidential chair
| say to you, sir, | say to every Senator,
say to the people whom represent, say
it to the people of this State, that there is
no such test known to the Co Institution, nor
to any tribunal before which /, you, or any
one can ever be summoned to answer. re-
peat it that the Government is founded upon
the Constitution that the administration is
mere creature of the Constitutio and the
Government; and where, in defence of that
Constitution and the Government erected
upon it, an administration strays from its
ples-strays from the pathway cut by
our ancosters through the rock of uncertain
ty and danger-then he is onl y truly loyal
manwho uses every effort to bring back the
administration to the old beaten path which
avoids the dangers of fanaticism and error.
That is the question to be tested here and
now, in the vote upon the resolutions. That
is the question to be decided and the peo
pie of this State, outside of these halls, will
so consider it; and now, as heretofore, ap-
peal to the people from whom springs all
power to sustain me, and those who may
vote with me in deciding this question as
best BELTS our judgment under our aths
What is the question presented 1t is
proposition to invite Andrew johnson, the
so-caled Governor Of Tenne3se 9, to address
the people of Pennsylvania from the senate
chamber of this State. | have various rea-
sons for opposing this proposition. In the
first place here boldly proclaim that he is
not at this hour and never has been, by the
Constitution or under the laws, the Govern
or of the State of Tennessee, except when
years ago he was elected to that office BY the
people. I say, sir, that his appointment by
the President of the United States to that
position was a usur patton of power on the
part of the President, and that there is no
warrant under the Constitution, no authori-
ty in the laws for his appointment and that
every act which he has assumed to perform
by virtue of his unconstitutional and illegal
appointments has been in dsrogation of the
rights of a sovereign State, and in fat viola
Of the Constitution Of the United