The Plymouth weekly Democrat. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1860-1869, 1863-01-15

people must reform themselves as well as
the conduct of the government and the
policy of our rulers. There is DOT ca
lamity we are suffering which was not
clearly foretold by our fathers as The result
of the passions and local prejadices which
have grown up during the past titteenyea
1t is not too late to save our country, if we
will enter upon the sacred duty in the
right spirit and in the right way. When
we do so. the effect will be seen and felt
throughout our land, and by the civilized
world. We shall then strengthen our gov
ernment; we shall weaken the rebellion; we
shall unite our people. The world viii
recognize our capacity for self government
when we show that we are capable Of sell
reform.
In the first place we must emulate the
conduct of our fathers and show our ODE
dence to constitutional obligations. The
very idea of the power and right OF the
people to establish government presuppos
es the duty of every individual to obey the
established government; yet spirit of dis
obedience has sapped the foundation OF
municipal, State, and national authority
in every part of our land. 1t is not only
The underlying and persading cause of the
war,-it is also the immediate occasion OF
our calami.ies. Wh>n the leaders Of the
nsurrcction at the extreme South say that
free and slave States cannot exist together
in the Union, and when this Is echoed
from the extreme North by the enemies OF
clr constitution, both parties simply say
they cannot, because they will not respect
the laws and the constitution. This spir-
it of Gisloyalty must be put down. 1t Is
Inconsistent with all social order and SO
cial security, with safety of persons and
property.
Ii order ts uphold our government. ii
Is also necessary thai we should show re-
spect to the authority of our rulers. While
acting within tie limits of their jlriSdc-
tions and representing the Interests, the
honor, and dignity Of our people. they ale
entitled to Difference. Where it is their
right to decide upon measures and policy,
it is our duty to obey, and to give Il ready
support to their decisions. Tins is a vita
maxim of liberty. Without this loyalty
no government can conduct public affairs
with success, no people can be safe in
the enjoymen. Of their rights. This duty
is peculiarly strong under our system
which gives the people the right at thei'
elections 10 sit in judgment upon their ru
ers; to commend or condemn them; tc
keep them in or expel them from official
stations This war should have been
averled; but, when is flood gates were
opened the administration could not grssI
its dimensions nor control It's sweep
Government, IVES borne along by The cur
rent, snd struggled as it best could viii
comprehend It's military or financial prob
! lens hence we are not 10 sit in harsh
Judgment upon errors IN conduct OF policy
Bnt while we concede all these excuses fol
mistakes, we are not to adopt errors MOI
sustain violation Of principle. The same
causes which sxtenuate their faults il
Jadgmert must make Us more yigilant Il
guard ageinst their influences. Ulusua
dangers demand unusual vigilance. = =
Not only must the national constitution
be held involate, but the rights of State
must be respected not less sacred
There are differences OF opinion as to tl
dividing line between State and Nationa
Jurisdictions; but there can be noHe as t.
the eXstance of such seperate jurisdiction
each covering, subjects Of legislation ant
jurisprudence essential 10 the public secu
rity and welfare. a consolidated govern
ment in this vast country would destro
the essential home rights and liberties c
the people. The sovereignties OF tn
States, except as they are limited by tn
constitution. can never be given up. With
out them the government cannot stand.
was made and can be changed by Stat
agency. This is shown by the followrn
: provisions of the instrument itself; ''Th
ratification of the convention of nine State
shall be sufficient to the establs hment
this constitution between ibe States so rat
Q flying the same" Again Three forths {
I the States can add to or take away fror
r the powers of the general government. b
t demanding convention. in which amerc
t ments can he proposed. which, if ralfi
D by three-forths of the States become part
of the constitution. While they can thu
D take away or add to its power, the gener'
/, government can in no way touch one rigi