Dayton daily empire. [volume] (Dayton [Ohio]) 1850-1865, 1864-02-12

urlrA, O. Jannnrr 30. 1864.

EDIToRs EM'IRE: 49, May we not, as Tree
men, enquire, 'Watchman, what ofthe nightf
when we take view OF the acts of the party
IN power2 They promised, with solemn pledg-
es, that the var should be for the Constitution
and the Unbn; but who I oday is so blind as
not to see thnt their claim was nothing but
hypocrisy Ind fraud, practiced upon the PEG.
pie for tie purpose Of raising an army to
place atthe will and control of q despot to
destroy American liberty
Let ne ask the honest Republican if Mr.
Lincoh did not say that he bad no purpose
directly or indirectly, to Interfere with the in.
stitutpn Of slavery in the States where it ex-
listed and that he had no lawful right to do SOP
ana il this same doctrine was not advocated
~ the supporters Of Lincoln, both in Congress
and ont Of in But what has been the result2
Abolition reigned supreme, and like all their
acts, promises are nothing with them, law
nothing, Constitution nothing, American lib
erty nothing. Mr.. Webster, who lived among
them, and knew them well, has left upon re
cord his opinion Of their fitness to rule the
Government. "lf," says he, "ihe Internal
Abolitionists ever get the power in their hands
they will override the Constitution; set the
Supreme Court at defiance; change and make
laws to suit themselves; lay violent hands on
those who differ with them in their opinions
or dare question their iniallibility and finally
bankrupt the country and delugo it with
blood
No prophecies have been more clearly YER
fled, The President has issued his Enamel
patton Proclamation and pledged the powers
Of the army and navy to execute his mandate,
and to protect and aid the negroes in the main.
tenanee Of their freedom, all in the face of
his promises and declarations that he had no
right to do so. Then | ask, where does he
get his authority 1t is assumed, and nothing
the Constitution. But Fessenden, of Maine,
said for the President, in 1862, that he was
not sworn to obey the Constitution, but simp-
ly to protect and defend it,. Ifthis be true, it
disposes of our constitutional Chief Magis-
trate, aud gives us an absolute Sovereign in
his place. 1t is fair to infer that the same
rule which is applied to the President is appli-
cable TO all the other officers under the Gov
ernment, Now the usual oath of office is to
support the Constitution, which does not ap-
pear to differ greatly in meaning from an oath
to protect and defend. II, therefore, the fail
ure of the promise to obey, or the promise to
r.1tnoA,.,l l,E,,l EGnH1L,, n....Ju.4 49,.
the Constitution, does it not do the same for
Congressman, Judges, Governors, Jurors,
Sheriffs and Constables2 And with this sell.
elevated position, what a beautiful set we
would have to rule over usl But we might
carry this to the private citizens, who, not be-
ing sworn TO protect and defend it, are in a
better position than Lincoln, leaving them to
do as they please, thus making the Constitu
lion worse than a farce. But this has ever
been the plea of tyrants and despots, and only
shows to the honest, rejecting mind that they
are the offspring of 1898. When the party,
under the lead Of the elder Adams, saw the
terrors of an alien aud sedition law threaten
ing the liberties of the citizen, the freedom of
speech and of the press, our noble sires we're
awakened to the duty of freemen. Their
voice was heard by the Democracy of the ma.
ton, and the usurpers hurled from power by
an indignant and outraged people. SO / be,
lieve the people of the present day win-yes,
are now-taking counsel of that faithful and
ever to be esteemed Waterman on the walls of
American liberty, C. L. VALLANDIGHAM. Yes,
%tyrants, take w%arningl the lion has awaked
from his sleep, shook his name, and is now
trying his nerves for the fierce and terrible
struggle between Liberty and Dsspotism -
For, mark you .eVery violation Of the Consti-
tuition aud of the rights of the citizen should
and shall be promptly punished. u..
While it ia the duty OF every citizen to rem.
der prompt obedience TO all the lawful aud
constitutional demands Of the National Gov
erument, it is their imperative duty and nm
doubted right TO see that their rights aud
privileges are not invaded or destroyed by
usurpers and tyrants; and there is no misia'
king these rights, for they are distinctly pro
claimed in that sacred charter which is the
bond Of our Union. congress shall make no
law respecting an establishing Of religion, or
prohibiting the free exercise thereof, or abridg'
ing the freedom Of speech or the press, or the
right Of the people peaceably to assemble and
petition the Government for a redress Of gritv.
anees.H 'The rights of the people to be Sc.
cure in their persons, houses, papers and e(