Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1865-10-19

For the Free Press.

TUT UC IICC Il TCSSs
MEssRs. EDIroes, Sirs: The same questions which
were propounded to Messrs. Koonce and McCurdy,
have also been asked me repeatedly that en-
brace this public opportunity of saving to my fell
lOw-citzens that far as the TEST Oath requir-
ed by the State of West Virginia is concerned am
opposed to requiring any voter, who has already
taken the Amnesty Oath, take it for the following
reasons:
lst 1t is contrary to, and comes in direct conflict
with, the Presidents amnesty proclamation, in
which he said all persons who would comply with
that proclamation should be restored to all the
rights privileges and immUnities of citizens Of the
United States, and hence must become 30 in the diff
ferent States in which all such reside. IT. then, we
restored to ali the rights, &C., before this cruel
was inaugurated, why then, require man 10
swear before he is allowed to VOTE that he has never
aided or abetted the Confederacy or its army?
I'd Because it is an &c post fdciO lac. The con-
sttutiOn Of all Governments f0rbids both in spirit
and letter, the passage of any law to punish crime
which was committed before the statute was en-
acted. And where there is no law there surely can
be no sin. Laws only be passed TO punish crime
which is done after the enactment of the law; hence
that law can only infct punishment upon those who
have aided and abetted the South and its army since
the passage of that statute. | therefore conclude
that this law is unconstitutional and hence null and
void
3d. Because it is both oppressive and inexpedient
to enforce such law. Our object should be to keep
the past as much out Of view possible, and labor
to bind the whole country together in the bands of
one great and common brotherhood. Hence, then
let all labor to repeal all laws which will estrange
our fellow citizens from the Government, and LET
all labor to make every citizen feel that he is not
only in the great brotherhood, but that he is actu
ally at home again in the good old government and
enjoys all the rights and privileges of a citizen
thereof In my judgment this is the only sure mode
of success. Let, then, this test oath be repealed
noe and forerer.
am equally as much and indeed more opposed
to the next Legislature of West Virginia passing
the proposed amendment to the State Constitution.
In my opinion such legislation would be most I'M
WISE shameful and disgrdcefNl Shameful, because
it would be tyranical and oppressive in the extreme
DisgrGeefai, because it would be uncvil discour-
teous, unkind and violation of the trust and con-
fidence repOsed in the Legislature of this or any
other State in government like ours. And hence
in my opinion, such amendment, would be un-
WISE and il would be contrary to the Constitution
of the United States. And surely it would be the
very worst policy which could be pursued if we de-
sire to have our State prosper and take its true po
stion in the great family of States. say, then
let this proposed amendment be tabled now and for
ever.
And with regard to the now existing law of West
Virginia debarring the collection of debts: Honesty
and truth compel me to say that | regret exceed
ingly its enactment, and would most earnestly
council the Legislature, and all others in authority
10 labor ncessanty for its repeal at the earliest hour
Il
lature, would leave no honorable means untried
TO. repeal Il at once.
Now, fellOw-citizens, believe have responded
to all your questions honestly, clearly, truthfuy
and in as few words as perspieuity would allow. If
you desire to have my views any other questions
of interest PROFOUND your Undergraduates and YOU
will find me at all times ready to give answer for
the hope that is within me.
In conclusion, / would simply say that | am
wholly opposed TO the confiscation of any property
until men are tried and convicted of crime; and
then, if l have read the Constitution and laws of
the United States right, only mans life estate, in
property can be confscated, and hence all proper
ty confscated, must revert, at his demise to bis
heirs again.
If Therefore, l should be your choice as a Dele
gate to the next Legislature of West Virginia
will do nv utmost to carry out these principles
Here is where stand, and may God help me-
Yours truly and fraternally.
II. SHAULL.