Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1865-12-16
Proceedings of Congress.

keU possessiOD VI 'ic io"@' Aio'''' -"
the Senate appears TO offer some Tesls.
lance to its course. President Johnson
in his message says The adoption Of
the amendment, 10 the Constitution, abul
ishing slavery, re uniles Us beyond all
power of disruplion.' The Southern
States have adopted that amendment, and
in obedience to instructions from the
President they have regularly elected
men 10 represent Them in the National
Congress, but they ere excluded from
any participation in The proceedings by
the dominant parry, whose acts on the
subject present strange anomaly. These
States are. according TO their legislation,
both in The Union and out Of the Union.
In The Union and entitled 10 all privileges
wien their U0teS are necessary 10 ratNy
the amendment 10 the Constitution abol.
fishing slavery, but ont Of il when they
desire 10 be represented in Congress.
They are equals Of any Stale North when
their votes are needed TO modify the or
ganic law Of the Union and to CONTROL
the Constitution, but under the Const.
tuition they are moi equal. They can
modify the instrument that makes Con-
gress, but cannot form part Of lhs, Con,
gress themselves. VIVA, strange pro-
ceedings 7 The Southern States mere,
seeded they say, yet are out Of the Union
and must be held as conquered PrOvln-
ces, except when their votes are needed
10 add some radical amendment 10 the
Constitution.
The President further says, 1.-The
snendmen, 10 the Constitution being
adopted, it would remain for The States,
whose powers have been held in obey
,nce, TO resume their places in the two
branches Of The National Legislature"
The Southern members elect have .hcre-
fore presented their credentials and calm.
~ and with dignity await The action OF
Congress. In HE nesn time the country
suffers from the hindrance offered TO The
restoration Of that fralernal feeling and
harmony which had commenced under
the Presidents policy, and which is so
essentially necessary 10 the peace and
Of both sections. Taxation
without representation, may do under
hut u III not do in Republic.
Messr.. Sumner aud Wllcun seem TO
nave Tie "negrO on the BRAIN and have
presented several bills in Congress tend.
ing 10 give lin equal rights wuh, and
make hi's an equal. TO tie white man.
The bills presented are so dscordani with
our experience aha, il would be far better
10 legislae 10 give the poor African iord
and clothing than The rights Of citizen.
ship.
Our foreign relations are also receiving
,ome attention, and lhe beIicuse Con.
gressmen are offering resolution after res
Dluiion in reference to Maximi!ian. Some
want the President TO send the army TO
Mexico and drive the French away per
lorce, while others expect TO Brighten Ma
poleon with paper "bulls" like the fol-
owing:
Resolved by the Senate and House Of
Of the United States in
Congress assembled.
lst. That we contemplate tie present
of affairs in the Republic OF
Mexico with the most profound solicilude.
I'd, That the attempt 10 subvert one OF
the Republican Governments Of this con-
linenl by foreign Power, and 10 estab-
lish on It's ruins a monarchy sustained
solely by European bayonels, is opposed
10 the declared policy Of the United States
offensive 10 our people, and
contrary TO the spirit of our institutions.
ResOlusd, That the President, of the
United States be requested 10 take such
steps conceraing this grave matter as will
sindicale the recognized policy and pro-
lecl the honor and interests of our Gov
eminent -...
But we hope that mild, generous and
peaceful policy will prevail, and that after
the new members get the "wirsy edge"
rubbed off by knocking against tue heads
Of older and more discreet Legislators.
they will look more to the Interests Of The
whole country, and not so much to party