The Portland daily press., 1864-01-21

tot. Bramlette on teDcf-sy mPdthtscis'
A few months since the copperheads were
claiming Gov. Bramlette Of Kentucky, as one
of their friends: one of those who oppose the
vigorous measures of the government TO vim
dictate its authority and to put down treason
and traitors. Since that time Gov. u. has de-
livered his first message to the legislature Of
his state, and now no word Of cheer for him
comes from any copperhead source. Indeed,
while the copperhead journals are filled with
extracts from and fulsome- commentators of
the equyoeal, doubtfally patriotic and fault
finding message of Gov. Seymour, not word
do they copy from Gov. Bramlette; not a
word of commentator do they expend upon
him.
To show the temper Of the Kentucky Gov
ernor, and thus TO exhibit the probable reason
for his ceasing TO be the object of copperhead
Qualification, we copy from his recent mes
sage the following extracts. He declares that
while the right to hold, express, and advocate
any form of policy for conducting the govern
ment is political right which cannot and
ought not 10 be abridged, however much
abused, whoever commits treason, or advo-
Gates it, or in any encourages or promotes it.,
does what he has no right to do, and that
which is at war with the perfect political
freedom secured by our government, and
should not be tolerated therein. This he pro-
oses TO make a practical matter, as follows
Every man who henceiorth remains in Ken
lucky or shelters here, should be loyal to our
held to a rigid responsibility for disloyaty.
Those who rejoice or exult over rebel inva-
sions and guerrilla raids should be held ac-
countable for all the injuries inflicted by their
fellow aeeonplices in treason.
therefore recommend that our penal code
be amended so as to provide proper proven
tive as well as punitive remedies, for every
form of reasonable action, whether it consists
in acts or words which tend TO promote or en-
courage rebellion.
further recommend that the laws be so
amended as TO give to any loyal man who sus-
iers in person or property from invasions or
raids a right of action against any or all per-
sons who, after the passage of such act, may
aid, encourage or promote the rebellion, Ell
Their by acts or words of encouragement, or
by approval, or by manilestiug an exultant
and joyous sympathy upon the success of such
raids. 1t is right that those whose avowed
sympathes encourage and invite invasion and
raids should be made to bear the expenses for
the entertainment of their friends.
But not content with securing the loyalty
oil his own fellow citizens, Governor Bran
lette proposes to look after the trcason-mon-
gers who have come in upon them from other
States. lie says:
Eebelions persons are fleeing TO Kentucky
as Il city of refuge. This is becoming so COM
mon that it is worthy of consideration how
far and upon what terms this is to he permitted.
The citizens Of each State" by virtue of the
Federal Constitution, "slall be entitled to all
the privileges and immunities of citizens in
the several States But to enact or promote
treason is not one OF the privileges" or sim
mnnlties OF citizens OF any State. So long
as those refugees deport themselves as good
and loyal citizens, they should be. so far as
our laws are operative, left unmolested But
those who bring with them the infection of
treason, and who by words or acts, endeayor
TO incite reasonable acts, or promote treason
able sentiments in our communities, should
be restrained by proper penalties sufficient TO
reach and eradicate this evil.
Although differing with the policy of the
administration on some points, Gov Bramlette
holds that such difference is no excuse for re-
laxing efforts TO sustain the government and
suppress the rebellion. The chief source of
irritation he says is the negro, aud this SUBJ
jeet, he adds, he is "well assured will be left
wholly TO the disposition of the people of
Kentucky, without any interference by the
Federal authorities.