Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1866-06-06
Political.


The President and various members of
his Cabinet were serenaded on wednesday
night by the National Union Club. There
were several thousand persons in attendance,
but very little enthusiasm was manifested.
The President, contrary to his custom, had
but little to say. Mr.. seward was not at
home, and the compliment was acknowledg-
ed by his son, F. W. Seward. Secretary
Wells made paragraphic speech in which
he fully endorsed the Johnsonian policy.
Secretary Mccullough and Postmaster Gen
eral Dennison spoke at length, and also sus-
tanned the President The greatest anxiety,
however, was to hear Secretary Stanton,
because there has been such diversity of
opinion in regard to his views on the recent
Constitutional amendment as it passed the
House. He spoke at length, giving his
views freely, and refusing his assent to the
proposed amendment Speaking of the Sd
section of the proposed amendment, which
DISTINGUISHES all who.participated in the late
rebellion, he said:
1t is urged by the advocates of this plan
out which the others are of no value. Its
exclusive action will no doubt commend it
to the feelings of many as just and wise
provision. But [ am unable so to regard
it, because for four years it binds Congress
to exclude from voting for Representatives
or Presidential electors all persons who vol
unfairly adhered to the late insurrection,
giving it aid and comfort. No matter what
may be the condition of the country, nor
what proofs of present and future loyalty
may be given, an absolute bar is to be erec-
ted for four years against large class of
persons. Change of circumstances and con-
dition often works rapid change In party
and political sentiments, and nowhere with
more marked result than in the South. 1t
is believed that elements of change are now
at work there stimulating on one side to
loyalty, and on the other tending to continu-
ed hostile feeling. In my judgment, every
proper Indictment to Union should be foster
ed and cherished, and for Congress to limit
its own power by constitutional amendment
for the period of four years might be deplor-
able in its results. To those who differ [
accord the same honesty, and perhaps great
er wisdom than | can claim for myself. As
the proposed plan now stands, L am unable
to perceive the necessity, justice or wisdom
of the measure But having no place nor
voice in the body before which the measure
is pending, disclaim any purpose to inter-
fere beyond the expression of my own opin-
ion. Having thus declared my views. as
they have heretofore been declared to those
who had right to know them, on the ma
terial questions that have lately arisen or
are now pending | trust that your purpose
on this occasion is answered and [ shall be
glad if their expression may have any bene-
fcial influence in questions, the right dis
position whereof is matter Of solicitude to
every patriotic man, and is deeply impor-
tant to the peace and tranquility of the coun-
try. Recognizing the constitutional power
of all the coordinate branches of the Govern
ment-the legislative, judicial and executive
and entertaining for each the respect
which is due from every loyal citizen, they
are entitled to and shall receive, according
to my best judgment, the support which is
required by that Constitution which, after
unexampled conflict, has been upheld and
sanctltied by divine favor and through the
sacrifice of blood aad treasure.