Marshall County Republican. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1856-1878, 1866-12-06

persons who are disloyal will be clothed
with the powers of legislation; for this cod
not happen when the constitution and laws
are enforced by vigilant and faithful con-
gress. Each house is made the judge of
the elections, returr5 and qualifications OF
its own members, and may, with the con-
currence of two-thirds, eXpel a member
When Senator or Representative presents
his certificate of election, he may at once
he admitted or rejected; or, should there
be any question as to his eligibility, his
credentials may be referred to the appro-
pirate committee. If admitted to a seat, il
must be upon evidence as satisfactory 10
the house ofwhich he then becomes mem
Der, that he possesses the requisite eonsti-
tutional and legal qualifications. If refus-
ed admission as member for want OF due
allegiance to the Government, and returned
to his constituents, they are admonished
that none but persons loyal TO the United
States will be allowed voice in the legis-
laiive councils of the nation, and the polit-
ical power and moral influence of congress
are thus effectively eXertcd in the Interests
of loyalty to the Government and fidelity
TO the UaiOn. Upon this question, so vital
ly affecting the restoration of the Union and
the permanently of our present form of gov
eminent, my convictions heretofore eX-
pressed, have undergone no change; but on
the contrary, their correctness has been
confirmed by reflection and time. If the
admission of loyal members to their seats
in the respective houses of congress was
wise and expedicnt a year ago, it Is no less
wise and expedient now. il this anOma-
lous condition is right now; If in the exact
position of these States at the present time
il is lawful 10 exclude them from ropresen-
tation, | do not see that the question will
be changed by the influence of time. Ten
wears hence, il these States remain as they
are, the right of representation will be no
stronger; the right o. exclusion will be no
weaker.
ADVANTAGE OF ADMITTING LOYAL soUTnERN
MEMBERS.
The Constitution of the United States
makes ii the duty of the President To re-
commend TO the consideration of Congress
such measures as he shall judge necessary
or expedient. know OF no measure more
imperativcly demanded by every cOns;dera-
ton of national interest, sound policy and
equal Justice. than the admission of the 10y
al members from the now unrepresented
States. This would consummate the work
of restoration. and exert a most salutary in
fiuence in the establishment of peace. har-
mOny and fraternal feeling. 1t would tend
greatly to renew the confidence of the
American people in the yigor and stability
of their institutions. 1t would bind us more
closely together as a nation, and enable Us
to show the world the inherent and recu-
perative power of a government founded
upon the will OF tie people, and establish
ed upon the principles of liberty, justice
/ 4.
and enhanced prosperity would irreiragably
demonstrate the fallacy OF the arguments
against free institutions. drawn from our
recent national disorders, by the enemies
of republican government. The admission
of loyal members from the States now eX-
cluded from Congress, by allaying doubt
and apprehension, would turn capital now
awaiting an opportunity for investment in
to the channels of trade and industry. 1t
would alleviate the present troubled condi-
ton of those States, and by inducing immi-
grants, aid in the settlement of fertile re-
gions now uncultivated, and lead TO an in
| creased production of those staples which
have added SD much To the wealth of the
nation. and the commerce of the world
New fields of enterprise would be opened
TO our progressive people, and soon the de
vasiati0ns of war would be repaired, and
all traces ofour domestic difficulties eifaccd
from the minds of our counirymcn.
In our efforts to preserve the unity OF
government which constitutes us one peo-
pie. by restoring the States to the condition
which they held prior to the rebellion, we
should be cautious lest. having rescued our
nation from pcrils of threatened disintcgra-
ton, we resort to consolidation, and in the
end absolute despotism, as a remedy fer the
recurrence of similar troubles.
The war having terminated. and with ii
all occasion for the exercise Of powers Of
doubtful constiiutionality. we should has
| ten TO bring legislation within the bounda-
rics prescribed by the Constitution, and TO
return to the ancient landmarks established
by our fathers for the guidance of future
generations. The Constitution which at
any time exists, until changed by an explicit
and authentic act of tic whole people is
sacredly obligatory upon all If, in the
opinion of the neoplc, the distribution or
modification of the constitutional powers
be in any particular wrong, let il be correct
ed by an amendment, in the way in which
the Constitution dcsignates: but let there be
no change by usurpaiiOn, for il is the Gus.
tomary weapon by which free governments
are destroyed" Washington spoke these
words to his countrymen when, followed
by their love and gratitude, he voluntarily
retired from the cares of public life. ITO
keep in all things within the pale of our
constitutional powers. and cherish the Fed
eral union as the only rock of safety" were
prescribed By Jefferson as rules Of action
to endear to his countrymen the true prin-
ciples of their Constitution and promote q
Union of sentiment and action equally aus
picious to their happiness and safety Jack
son said THAT the action of the General
Government should always be strictly con-
fined to the sphere of It's appropriate du-
ties" and Justly and forcibly urged, THAT
our Government is not TO be maintain ed
nor our Union preserved by invasions o.
the rights and powers of the several States.
In thus attempting to make our General
Government strong we make it weak Its
true strength consists i'm leaving individu-
ais and States as much as possible to the n
selves In making itself felt. not in its
power, but in its beneficence; not in binding
the States more closely to the centre, but
leaving each to- move unobstructed in its
proper constitutional orbit"
These are the teachings of men whose
deeds and services have made them illus
trious, and who. long since withdrawn from
the scenes of life, have left to their country
the rich legacy of their council, their wis
dom, and their patriotism. Drawing fresh
inspirations from their lessons. let us emu
late them in love of country and respect fol
the Constitution and laws
THE MEXICAN. QUESTION.
In the month of April last, as Congress is
aware, friendly arrangement was made
between the Emperor of the French and the
President of the United States, for with
drawal from Mexico of the French expcdi-
tionary military forces. The Withdrawal
was 10 be made in three detachments, the
first of which it was understood would
leave Mexico in November now past; the
second in March next, and the third and
last in November, 1867. Immediately up
ON the completion Of the evacuation, the