Democrat and sentinel. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1853-1866, 1866-06-14
FOR GOVERNOR.
HESTER CLYMER.
A Civil NeCessity,

requires them TO take in the contest be-
tween Radicalism and the President.
Strange that they should misunderstood
the practical workings of the maxim ''to
the victors belong the spois.'' Since
1861, the Republicans have had a just
claim 10 the enjoyment of office, and most
vaiiantly have they asserted their right
The records show that tlrice as many ap-
pointments were made IN the civR service
under Mr.. Lincoln as had been made by
all of his predecessors. OF this, Demo-
cIats had no right to complain, and for five
years they have patiently ''stood out in
the cold,' and despite the subtle acts of a
despotic foe have gallantly maintained
their principles and their organization.
Suppose there is difficulty in deciding
which wing of the Republicans is the par
ty that triumphed in 1861 and 1864, it
still does not affect the Democracy, and
.can in no manner entitle them to claim
the spoils of Office.
If the President would assume to dc
tate TO Congress whom they should select
to fill the offices at their disposal he would
Justly merit and would undoubtedly re-
ceive the severest rebuke, and yet he has
precisely the same right to DO this that
Congress has TO dictate TO him the recipi-
emts of his official favors. Upon this sub
iect the Radicals have themselves settled
the question. Who does not remember
that within a brief two years the Radical
shibboleth was, ''rHE PRESIDENT IS TIE
GOVERNMENT. Oppose the President and
you oppose the Government. All
men are traitors who do not support the
President" Such were the daily utter
ances Of the shoddy loyalists Mr.. Lin
coin himself sanctioned the doctrine, and
their whole party acted upon it. The un-
lawful seizure and imprisonment of thou
sands of Democrats have indelibly impress
cd upon our minds this doctrine in all its
length and breadth. If then, Lincoln as
President was the Government, so John
son as President is the Government, and
we commend to their lips the chalice so
rudely pressed to ours.
The offices are in the gift of the Exc
cutive. IF he believes his policy will re-
store the Union and give prosperity to the
whole people, and if he believes he can
strengthen his cause through the offices at
his disposal, he should at once and deter
minediy use the means the Constitution
and laws have given him. Three ffths
of the Republicans are with the president,
but through the controlling influence of
their party machinery their voice is stifed,
they are Induced TO be silent by the false
assurance that all viii yet be well that
the difference will yet be healed. They
forget that ANDREW JoIINsoN proclaimed
from the steps of the Presidential mansion,
that THESE MEN CARE TRAIroRs'' The
hour for fraternization has past, the breach
is irreparabie, the separation is final.
Upon the question of reconstruction
the Democracy in solid phalanx are sup
porting the policy of the President They
seek none of the Offices. They have no
gust claim to them. They regard the con-
test as one Of principle-one of greater
Importance was never submitted to the
American people. Its defeat will forever
sink the last hope of our free institutions,
It's triumph will make glorious future
possible for our noble country.
The influence of office holders to, good
is but slight; for era they may be all
powerful. As supporters of a measure
they weigh bat little as its opposcrs they
are always felt. In close contest, their
opposition may turn the scale. In dead
ly struggle with "traitors," can it be that
the President will permit his office holders
TO range themselves under the banner of
treason and throw into the breach against
him the influence and position they hold
at his pleasures Measuring the vigor of
the foe and the magnitude of the issue, is
it not plainly his duty to use with unspa-
ring hand every means that the Constitu-
tlon and laws have cast upon him.
Under the sway of the Radicals. ''AIL-
IrARY NEcEssrrY'' was held to justify any
.riolaion Of the Constitution and laws, and
now we hold that ''CIvIL NECESSITY =" en-