The New era. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1865-1871, 1866-09-06
Ten i1.t= NEW ERA, SEPTEMBFTa 6. 1866.

y
wouldbe Nel in the end. My country
men,We all know that, in the language
Thomas Jefferson, tyranny and despot
ism can lie exercised and eXerted more
et1ectually by the many tnan the one.
We have seen Congress gradually en-
croach step by step upon constitutional
rights, and violate, day after day and
month after month, fundamental princi-
pies of the Government Cries of
THAT'S 500 and applause. We have
have seen a Congress that seemed to
forget that there was a limit to the
sphere and scope of legislation. We
have seen Congress in a minority as
sumo to exercise power which if allow
despotism Or monarchy itself. Enthu-
siastic applause. This is truth, and be
cause others, as we'll as myself, have
seen proper to appeal to the patriotism
and republican feeling o. the country,
we have been denounced in the severest
terms. SANDER upon SANDER. vitupera-
ton upon vituperation Of the most viru-
lent character, has made its way through
the press, What, gentlemen, has been
your and my sin? What, has been the
cause of our offendingo ! will tell you:
Daring to stand by the Constitution OF
our fathers.
Mr.. Chairman, | consider the proceed
ings of this Convention equal to, if not
more important, than, those of any con-
vention that ever assembled n the Uni
ted States. Great applause. When
look upon that collection Of citizens
coming together voluntarily, and sitting
in council with ideas, with principles
and views commensurate with all the
States, and co-eXtensive with Congress
whose policy, if persisted in, will de-
stroy the country, l regard it as more
important than any convention that has
sat-at least since 1887. Renewed APP
plause. l think may also say that
the declarations that were there made
are equal to those contained in the dec
laration OF independence itself, and |
here to-day pronounce them second
Declaration of Independence. Cries of
GLORIOUS" applause. Your addres
less than reatfirlnatfon of the Consti
tuition of the United States. Cries Of
''Good," and applause.
Yes, will go farther, and say that
the declarations you have made, that
the principles you have enunciated in
your address, are second proclamation
Of emancipation to the people of the
United States. Renewed applause.
For in proclaiming and reproclaiming
these great truths you have laid down a
constitutional platform on which all.
without reference to party, can make
common cause, engage i'll a common
effort to break the tyranny which the
| dominant party in Congress has so re-
lentingly exercised, and stand united
! together for the restoration Of the States,
and the preservation OF the Govern
ment. The question only is the sal
! xyntinr, of fhn far
rises above all party consideration or
| influences. Cries Of "Good," and APP
plause. How many are there in the
! United States that now require to be
| free? They have the shackles upon
their limbs and are bound as ri9iuly by
the behests Of the National Congress as
though they We're in fact in slavery. |
repeat, then, that your declaration is
| the second proclamation Of enamel
patton to the people of the United States,
and offers Il common ground upon which
all patriots can stand. Applause.
In this connection, Mr.. Chairman and
gentlemen. let me ask, what have to
gain more than the advancement Of the
public welfare? l am as much opposed
| to the indulgence OF egotisni as any one;
| but here, in 4 conversational manner,
while formally receiving the proceedings
VI tlilS SoHNeIltiOli, liieey VIC PSiH'AeteN
again to inquire, what have to gain,
consulting human ambition, more than
l have gained, except one thing-the
consummation of the great work of res
toration: My race is nearly run. l
have been placed in the high office
which | occupy by the Constitution of
the country, and may say have held,
from lowest to highest, almost every
station to which man may attain in
our Government. have passed through
every position, from Alderman OF a
village to the Presidency OF the United
States. And already, gentlemen, this
should be enough to grati1ya reasonable
ambition.
If had wanted authority, or ii l
had wished to perpetuate my own power,
how easily could ! have held and WELD
ed that which was placed in my hands
| by the measure called the treedmen's
Bureau Bill Laughter and applause.
With an army which it placed at my
discretion could have remained at the
capital OF the nation, and with fifty or
sixty millions of appropriations at my
dismissal with the machinery to be UNI