New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1865-06-26
FROM WASHINGTON.
A Dead Lock-Ths Test Oath.
Correspondence Of Tho N. Y. Tribune

n AICo0 GOs V1sns
Correspondence Of Tho N. Y Tribune.
WAsHrsoToS, June %, 1859
The following act of Congress, prescribing
stringent test OATH has just been brought to light and
has played havoc amcng the Southern aspirants for
office under the Government. 1t will doubtless %
bar to many good men, especially in North Carolina
where the State Government during the first tnros
years Of tho Rebellion in the hands OF the an'foe
cessonists The effect Of tie discovery OF TINS ess
OATH beneath the accumIiited legislation OF snro'
eveptful years. has produced quite sensation amoos
our Southern reconstructioniss Not Of Governos
Holden's nominees who were promptly appointed
rbe places for which they were recommended can pass
the ordeal; and the Governor himself Is In the same
box he having voted for the Secession ordinance. aud
held the Office of State Printer during the war Tho
appointment Of Provisional Governor s however. ons
not known to the law; aud if he draws pay may es
cape the ordeal Mr. Robert p Dick, who is regarded
as one OF the most sincere aud consistent Uncniss in
North Carolins, has declined to qualify United States
District Judge in consequence OF having in somc way
compromised himself with tho "Confederacy" If the
righteous cannot be saved where shall the ungody
Rebels and original Seoessonsts appear' 1t is to DO
regretted that such excluded from Office under
tho General Government at such time. but there
NV utip iof ~ Whaic tuo IA" te""''" w. - -
book There is consolation In the reflection, however.
that 1t will keep all the guilty authors Of the keoe'e
out in the ooId The act is as follows;
Be it enacted &c. that hereafter every person slesd
or appointed or office ol houor or profit uLder the
Governments If the United States either in the civil
cepns The President OF the United States shall eore
sntriag upon Tie duties Of such ctcs and before eeis3
entitled s salary other eotsmeHis fAert3j take ao
subscribe the following oath or affirmation:
\ do sU,smnlY swear cor auTmI tnht
have never voluntarily borne arms against the nitea
States since have been citizen tbereof that havs
voluntarily given AID, countenalce counsel or en-.
coursgemcnt 70 persons engaged in armed hostility
tbcreo that have neither sought nor accepted nor a.
.cspted srei's he Jsns a., any gy,..n PC
authority in kosiiity 10 The United States that
have not yielded voluntary support TO any preenoeN
Goyernr,ent authority power or constitution within
the Unitsd states, hostL or irimicsl thereto And
do further swear Tor airm) that TO the best OF my
knowIedgc and ability viii support and defend the
foreign ard domestic tina, viii bear trne faith and
allegiance to tae sane; that take this obligation
freely without any mental reservation or purpose OF
And any person who shall falsely take the said orth
sLa be lily OF perjury and on conviction IN additon
to the other pen allies nov prescribed Tor that ouense
forever after Of holding any office or place under tho
United States.
Approved July 9. lse2
Fortunately there will be found in nearly al the 10
Rebel States worthy and loyal men, nee 10 Ill the om
ces appcrtanng to tho general Government; and the
asss Of good men who have compromised Themselves.
but who are now ready and anxious to return 70 ale.
ssnce can cooperate in the reorganization OF the state
Governments 1t 10 not probable that tho act imposing
Ii oath will be repealed II Is TOO good drag net TO-
catch Rebels in 70 thrown away; but the President
and each House 81 Congress may be empowered 70
waive its application when cIesriy convinced that u
would operate unjustiy. and exclude gccc men IRON
Office But for the present Il must take etect and. a.
learn Il has produced deadlock il the southern sp
pointEents OIL O.