Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1866-07-27

God faith. They have declared no
,ood faith in the government, or good
will towards it. We cannot trust that
which is not seen, by showing our
selves the silliest dupes.
Your rights, your liberties, your
are all restored. Every
prison door is opened. every indict-
nent quashed. Every punishment re-
nitted." Why? what reason can be
given for taking such a course? We
can think of only two possible reasons.
One is that there is no guilt in trea-
son and rebellion. That all law
against them is wrong, and therefore
not to be administered. Whoever
dislikes the law of the land is not
bound by it, is at liberty to resist it,
and whatever destruction of life and
property his resistance occasions: is
to be considered right and proper,
has full immunity from punishment
even deserves our perfect trust "good
faith," 'love and respect" The eth
er reason is, that no law against trea
son should be made, or administered.
This must be as reasonable in respect
of other crimes. So we should let 'he
criminals 90, all criminals. We can
best overcome their evil propensities
telling them that we trust, respect, and
love them. Now we humbly thlnk
this is neither the human, nor the di
vine way of treating the disturbers OF
the peace and the violaters of human
rights. At least God or man has
never yet tried it, so far as we know.
| Thenearest approach tot IS the gospel
of grace to those who repent, confess,
and obey. And since these acts can
be simulated by those who retain the
guilty mind and purpose, no govern
ment, save that which is administered
| by the OmIiscient One, has ever at
2 tempted to run its administration on
this principle This could only make
treason respectable, safe, and encour-
age it to other and viier deeds. Then
Indeed would the Union be restored
on basis which would defy assault
from within OF without Yes, that is
true; but it IS worth while for us tC
enquire what that basis would be, OF
which the Union would be restored
The rebels would be all at large
Those who have eXiled themselves fol
fear Of punishment under the law
would be invited back; their acts o
secession and rebellion would be es
teemed not wrong, but commendable
the government and all loyal mel
must respect, trust, and love them
They would be returned and admit
ted to their old places and seats o
power. with their dominions extended
over the whole land. All their rights
liberties and property, restored. Thi
must give them back slavery, ant
every cOlored man who has Tough
against them. We know what the
have claimed as their liberties, rights
and property. Restore these, ant
they would plant slavery i'll every tel
ritory and in every state; and tn
l corner stone of A. II. Stevens Con
| federacv would become the foundation
: stone of our whole government. Sue
, is the basis that "Quondam" plead
= for. Such is the stuff that the Ne1
2 York Times admits into its column.
/ to aid it in sustaining the President
r policy. The consolation is, that thos
), who do not approve the policy, an
J. who regret the course the Times ha
y taken since Congress met, will fe,
assured that such advocacy will ca
It suspicion and disgrace, before OF
" loyal people, upon any methods (
e reconstruction it attempts to supper
e We do want the Union restored, an
Q to this end we must have the Supr
e macy of the political party, and Il
1t political principles, which have p1
= down the rebellion. There is no OF
n er way to a restored Union.