The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1866-12-11

cant, that the war as not "aged, upon our part,
in any spirit ofoppression, nor for any purpose of
overlhrowing interfering with the rights or es-
tabised institutions of those States but to defend
and maintain the supremacy of the Constitution,
aud all laws made in pursuance thereof, and to
preserve the Union with all the dignity, equality,
and rights of the several States unmpared and
that soon these objects" were accomplished
the war ought to cease" In some instances, Sen
ators were permitted to continue their legislative
functions, while in other instances Representatives
were elected and admitted 10 seats after their
States had formally declared their right 10 with
draw from the Union, and were endeavoring to
maintain that right by force of arms. All OF the
States whose people were H. Instruction, States,
were included in the apportlonment of the direct
tax of twenty millions of dollars annually laid
upon the United States by the act approved 5th
August, 1861. Congress, by the act of March 4,
1862, and by the apportionment of representation
hereunder also recognized their presence as Sta
the in the Union; and they have, for judicial pur-
poses, been divided into districts, as States alone
can be divided. The same recognition appears
in the recent Legislation in reference to Tennessee
which evidently rests upon the fact that the func
tons OF the State were not destroyed 10y the re-
belllon, but merely suspended; and that principle
is of course applicable to those States which, like
Tennessee, attempted to renounce their places in
the Onion. The action Of the Executive Depart
ment of the Government upon this subject has
been equally definite and uniform, and the pur
pose OF the specifically stated in the Pro-
clamation issued 10y my predecessor on the 22d
day of September, 1862. 1t was then soemnly
proclaimed and declared that thereafter, as here
totore, the war will be prosecuted for the object
of practically restoring the constitutional relation
between the United States and each of the States
tba IL. II i'll hat
ton is or may be suspended Or disturbed"
The recognition Of the States by the Judicial
Department of the Government has also been clear
and conclusive in all proceedings affecting them
AS States, had in the Supreme and other Counts.
In the admission of Senators and Representa-
tiyes from any and all of the States, there he
no just ground Of apprehension that persons who
are dsluya will be clothed with the powers of
legislation; for this could not happen when the
! Constitution and the laws enforced by vigi
laut and faithful Congress. Each House is made
the ud re Of the elections, returns, and quaiti-
cations OF It's own members, and may, with the
concurrence of two-thirds, exrel a MEMBER
When Senator or Representative presents his
certificate of election he may at once be admitted
or rejected or should there be any question as to
his eligibility his credentials may be referred for
investigation to the appropriate committee. If
admitted TO seat, 1t must be open evidence sat
istactory to the House of which he thus becomes
a member, that he possesses the requisite consli-
tutional and legal qualifications. Ii refused adj
, mission a member for wan: of due alley lance
to the Government, and returned TO his constit-
uentS, they are admoni>hed that none but persons
loyal to the United States will be allowed a voice
i'll the Legislative Councils of the Nation, and the
political power and moral influence of Congress
thus effectively exerted in the interests of 10y
atty to the; Government and fidelity to the Union
Upon this question, vitality etfecting the res
toratlon of the Union and the permanency of our
present form of government, my convictions.
heretofore expressed. have undergone change;
but, on the contrary, their correctness has been
confirmed by reflection and time. If the adms-
sion of loyal members to seats in the respective
Houses of Congress was wise and expedent one
year ago, it is no less wise and expcdient now
If this anomalous condition is ri ght now if, in the
exact condition Of these States at the present
! time, it is lawful to exclude them from represent
taton. do not that the question will be chan
ged by the tf!ux of time. Ten years hence, if
| these States remain they the right of rep
resentation will be no stronger-the right of ex-
clu>ion will be weaker.
The Constitution of the United States makes it
the duty of the President to recommend to the
consideration of Congress "Such measures as he
! shall Judge necessary or expedient." | know of
measure imperativey demanded by
| every consideration of national interest sound
policy and equal Justice, than the admission of
loyal members from the now unrepresented Sta
/ ties. This would cousumlnate the work of resto-
ration. and exert most Statutory influence in the
re establishment of peace, harmony, and frater-
! nal feeling. 1t would tend greatly to renew the
confidence OF the American people in the vigor
and stability of their institutions. 1t would bind
US more closely together As a nation, and enable
US to show to the world the inherent and recup-
, eratiVe power of Government founded upon the
will of the people, and established upon the prin
ciples of liberty. justice and integtI ce. Our
increased strength and enhanced prosperity
would i:refragably 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 excluded from
| Congress, by allaying doubt and apprehension.
| would turn capital, now awaiting opportunity
for Investment, into the channels of trade and iu
dIstry. 1t would alleviate the present troubled
condition of those States, and. by inducing emf
grafton, aid in the settlement of fertile regions
now uncultivated, and lead to All increased pro-
ducon of those staples which have added 80
greatly to the wealth of the nation aud the COM
mcrce of the world. New fields OF enterprise
would be opened to our progressive people, and
soon the devastations of war would be repaired.
and all traces IF our domestic differences effaced
| from the minds of our couutrymen.
In our efforts to preserve 1.-THE unity of Gov
eminent which constitutes one people," BY
restoring the States to the condition which they
held prior to the rebellion we should he cautious
lest having rescued our nation from perils of
threatened disintegration we resort IN cnpS,l;da
ton, and In the end absolute despotisn as q
remedy for the recurrence of similar troubles-
having terminated Mill