Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1866-09-28

not only to the rebel States, but to all
alike.
The third section disqualifies from
the privilege ofholding Office, all who
have once sworn allegiance to the
United States as offic ers, and after
wards engaged in rebellion against
the United States. This principle IS
laid down as applicable not only to
this rebellion but all which may come
hereafter.
The fourth section provides that
the national debt shall never be ques-
toned: and declares that the United
States will never assume any portion
Of any debt incurred in rebellion
against the United States.
The fifth section gives Congress
the power to enforce by appropriate
legislation, the provisions of the arti-
Gle.
The above amendments have been
proposed by Congress, in accordance
with the constitutional right Of that
body, and it has been insisted by them,
that no rebel State should be again
admitted into full fellowship in the
! Union, until the legislature thereof
had adopted those amendments, and
that when they had done so, and would
send up loyal men as Representatives,
that then they should be admitted to
seats.
The above in substance is the plan
of reconstruction agreedupOn by both
| Houses Of Congress and no prudent
thoughtful man, will for a moment
contend that it is in the least unfair
or will work any hardship to the con
quered States. Is it unfair to SO alter
the constitution, that the South 10y
their rebellion shall not actually gaiZ
, strength in the councils OF the nation
This question is especially signifcan
when it is remembered how for mau,
years, previous to the rebellion Their,
, was, between the South and North, {
5 constant struggle for the Supremac
= in the administration of the affairs Q
the government; and how, when tn
: North obtained the control Of th
f government, the South seeded. Nov
/ if they are allowed to come back wit
: increased power, tie very object c
4 their rebellion is in part accomplished
Besides, the Congressional schem
f has the advantage of Offering Undue,
f ments for extending the elective fran
, chise to all intelligent citizens, will
out regard to race or color.
Again, is it unfair to insist as
+ condition precedent to an admission {
\ these states, The rebellion of which Ina
e cost the government millions of treas
9 ure. and clothed its entire populatio
in mourning, that in no case shall til
=, national debt thus incurred. be que.
toned: and in no event shall til
/ rebel debt be assumed? No man VIII
: looks at the subject dispassionatel
y will for a moment claim that there
y any thing extravagant or unfair
. the guarantees which Congress thu
D. insists that these States shalt emu
d into, before they are fully readnIittC
/ to a participation in the affairs of tt
~ government. Yet. the President al
" his supporters denomce Congress
e radical and revolutionary, in havil
proposed the above plan. The Pre-
nc ident claims that the reconstruct
~ Of those States belongs to him, a
or not to Congress; that they have
nd business to be "tinkering the Cons
. tuition as he calls it. He insii
ny that there is no necessity for the p
~ posed amendments; and that the II
al resentativeS from those States shot
in be admitted at once to their sea
all provided they have been elected
ms, conformity with his various proclar
tions, and will take the oath of a
W. glance 20 the United States.
IS Such, in brief, is the substance
ion ing poIicy.' Between that, VIII
ties opens wide the door for a league,
hin Of old, between the Southern chiya
emf and Northern doughfaces, and
Congressional plan, which equal
hat ICpl GpCuUdIlOli, dllIi IuclhCS IL lDlDO
,au BILE that the national war debt be
mo pudiated, or the rebel war d
# if assumed, it is for the people to cho,
,om The one is full of danger for the
ion ture Of the country. The other !
ion vides, to a good extent, for the p
no ervation Of the fruits of the war;
nor if adopted will again establish the
rior public in the way OF her early p
en- perity and renown. Thus far, W
ress ever the people have spoken, h
MIA. have pronounced against "my poll
MIA. and i'll favor Of the plan proposed
has Congress.
bic,
~ The Temperance Cause.
nta- MeSsrS Editors AS the cause
hich Temperance is commanding atten