The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1866-12-08

22l day of September, 1862. 1t was then
solemny proclaimed and declared that here
after, as heretofore, the war will be prosecu-
ted fol, the object of practically restoring the
constitutional relations between the United
States aud each of the States and the people
thereof, in which Staas that relation is or
may be suspended or disturbe d.
The recognition of the States by the judi
cal Department of the Govern ment has also
been clear and conclusive in all proceedings
affecting them as States, and i'll the Supreme,
Circuit and District Courts.
QUALIEICArIoNs OF MEMBERS.
Tn the admission of Senators and Repre-
sentatives from any and all of the States,
there can be no just grosnd of apprehension
that persons who are disoyal Will be clothed
with the powers of legislation ! for this could
not happen when the Constitution and the
laws are enforced by vigilant and faithful
Congress. Each House is made the judge
Of the elections, returns, and qualifications i
it's own members (; and may, with the concur
renee of two thirds, expel member" When
Senator or Representative presents his GER
tifcate of election, he may at once be admit
ted or rejected or should there be any ques'
ton as to his eligibility, his credentials may
be referred for investigation to the appropri-
u
be upon evidence satisfactory to the House
of which he thus becomes a member, that ne
possesses the requisite constitutional and lie,
gal qualifications. If refused admission as n
member; for want OF due allegiance to the
Government, and returned TO lis constituents
they ara admOnishel that noae but persons
LOYAL 10 the United States will be allowed a
voice in the Legislative councils OF the nation,
aud the political power and moral influence
of Congress are thus effectively sxerLcl in
the interests of loyalty to the Government
and fidelity to the Union. Upon this ques-
ton, so ytslly affecting the restoration OF the
Union auG the permanently OF Cur present
form Of Government, nv convictions, hereto>
fore expressed, have undergone no change,
bat, on the contsry, their correctness has
been confirmed by reflection and time. 1T
the admission OF loyal member. to seat, in
tho respective houses of Congress was wise
and expedlent year ago, It is 40 less wlse
and expedent now. If ;lis a loma!ous cons
dtion is right now if in the exact condition
OF these States AZ the present time il is law
ful 10 exclude them from representation, do
not see that the question Will be Changed W
the influence OF time. Ten years hence, II
these Ststss remain rs thcy are, the right OF
representation will be no stronger the right
OF exclusion viii be no weaker.
ADVANTAGE OF ADMITTING LOYAL SOUTHERN
MEMBERS.
The Constitution of the United Safes makes
It the duty of til. President to ec0mmend
10 the consideration Of Congress such meas
ures as he shall Judge necessary or cIpedient.
| know of no measure III ore imperative
i demanded by svery consideration Of ma
tional Interest, sound pslicy, and equal jas
iice, Than the I'D mission Of TIE loyal mem
bers from tho now uurepres-nted States.
This would consgnmate the work Of rrsiOra>
ton, aad exert mos. sslatary influence in
the ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF peace, harmony, ami
fraterrsl feeling. |. would tend greatly II
rsncw TIE confidence @: tie American people
in the vig3r and sab .iiy Of their Institutions.
Ii would bind Us more closely together rs &.
nation, and enable Il, 10 show Tie world the
inherent and recuPerat>Te power % a govern
men. foIa;ed upon The will Of the people, and
established upon the principles OF liberty,
justice, and Intelligence. Oar increased
Stren9- h and enhanced prosperity would irr.
fra .i3ly demonstrate the f.llacy o: the argu-
mems against free institutions, drawn fr5rl
our recent national disorders by To. e.-ules
Of republican government. The admission
of loyal members from the States now ex>
cUdef from Congress, aiiayIng doubt and
apprehension, would turn capital. nos AZ ~
ing opportunity for Investment, .Hta the cha.n-
nels of trade and nIuslrv. II would alternate
the presen. troubled condition Of .Hus- S,ate'
and, by inducing emf grafton, all n The 81 =,
mrnt of fertile regions nos uaculIlFs' Il. and
lead to an increased production e mos, .ta;
les which have added 50 great t. the real;i
OF the nation and the comr.eree o eworll
Mex fields OF enterprise "oall be oj.nei t.
cur progressive pcor'J aud soon the Geyast,
lions OK war would ne repaired and Al! tr.cri
Of our domestic differences etTAced from IL,
minds OF our counTymsn. IN our efforts Il
preserve the unity OF the Gorrrnment Nl.ct
constitutes u one people, By restoring tie
States 70 TIE condition which thsy he'd prior
- the rebellion, we should DE- ~cIu.!su- i.sf.
having rescued our nation from the pc5iis Vi
threatened disintegrttion, we resur. - con
s0liiatiOu, and IL the end absolute icSpo, IN
As = remedy for the recurrence 0; sinII.si
troubles The war having Terminated. ard
with it all occasion for the exercise OF pJ-ert
Of doubtful constituiionalitr, we should hast
en- 10 bring legislation within the bOunl,rie,
prescribed by the Constitution. aud 10 return
to the ancient landmarks established By oul
fathers for the guidance of Succeeding gcner
atoms. The Constitution, which a, any tim,
exists until changed by an explicit uui auth,
cntic act Of the whole people, IS Saeredly OBJ
hgatory upon all. IF, in the opinion of the
people. the distribution or modification of.h,
constitutional powers be In any particular
| wrong, LET it lie corrected BY an amendment
| i'll the way in which the Constitution desig
mates but let there be no change by nsurpa'
ton, for it is the customary weapon by witch
t.a.a r.
Washington spoke these words 10 his
countrymen when, followed b. their love and
gratitude, he voluntarily retired from the
cares of public life.
To keep in all things within the pale o.
our constitutional powers, and cherish the
Federal Union the only rock Of safety
were prescribed BIZ Jefferson as rules O
action to sndear to his countrymen the true
( principles of their Constitution, and promote
| union Of sentiment and action equally
suspicious to their happiness and safety.
Jackson declares that the acton of the
General Government should always be strict
ly confined to the sphere of its appropriate
duties, and lastly and forciby. urged that our
Government is not to be maintaincd nor our
Union preserved by ilvasioni Of the rights
aud power: OF the several States In thu:
aitem otitig to make our General Government
strong, We make it weak. Ia true strength
consists in leaving individuals and States Il,
mu.h as possible to themselves. It's rAakine
itself felt, not in its power, but in It's beneti>
cence II t in binding the States more close
y to the center, bu; leaving eoch 10 more
unobs:ructed action in its proper constitu.
iional orbit
! These are the teachings CT men Whose
| deeds and services have made them illus,
! trious, and who. long since withdrawn fro 4
the scenes of life, have left to their country
TIE rich legacy of their counsel, their wis
dom, and their patriotism. Drawing frcst
inspirations from their lessons. let us emulate
them in love Of country and respect for tn;
] Constitution and the laws.
| TsEAsURER's REPORT.
| The REPORT of the Secretary OF the Treas
ury affords much information respecting tn,