North Branch democrat. [volume] (Tunkhannock, Pa.) 1854-1867, 1866-12-12

admission of loyal members to seats IN the
respective House OF Congress was wise and
expedient year ago, it is no less wise and
expedient now. If this anomalous condi-
tion is right now-if. in the exact condition
ofthese States at the present time, 1t is
lawful 10 exclude them from representation.
I do not see that the question will be chang.
ed by the efiux of time. Ten years hence,
ifthese States remain as they are, the right
of representation will be no str"nger-the
right of exclusion will be no weaker.
The Constitution of the United States
makes 1t the duty of the President to re-
commend to the consideration of Congress
such measures as he shall judge necessa-
ry or expedient." / know of no measure
more imperatively demanded by every con-
sideration of national interest, sound poll
cy, ard equal justicr, than the admissions
Of loyal members from the now unreprc
sentcd States. This would consnmmate
the work Of restoration, and exert a most
salutary influence in the re-estahlishment
of peace, harmony and fraternal feeling
1t wo uld irr.d greatly to renew the c"nti-
drnce of the American people in the vigor
and stability of their institutions. 1t wo'd
bind us more closely together as nation,
and enable us to show TO the world the ln-
herent aud recuprrative power OF Gov
eminent tonnted upon the will OF the peo
pie, aid established upon the principles of
liberty; justice and intelligence. Our in-
creased strength and enhance prosperity
would irrefragably demonstrate the faliacy
If the arguments against free institution
drawn from our recent national d&Drders
b. the enemies of republican government.
The admission Of loyal members from the
State now exclud,d from Congress, By al
laying doubt and apprehension, would turn
capital now awaiting au opportunity Tor
investment, into the channels of trade and
industry. 1t would alleviate the present
cond tion of those States, and, by inducing
emigration, aid in the settlement OF fertile
regions now un uluvated. and lead to an
increased production of those staples which
have added so greatly to the wealth of the
nation and The commerce of the world. =
New fields of enterprise would be opened
to our progressive people, and soon the de-
yastations of war would be repaired, and
all traces of our domestic differences efac-
ed from the mind of our countrymen.
In our Efforts TO preserve 1.-The unity of
Government which constitutes us one peo-
ple," by restoring the States 10 the condi-
tion which'hey held prior to the rebellion,
we should be cautious, lest, having rescued
our nation from peril, Of threatened disin-
tegration, we resort to- Consideration, and
in the end absolute despntism. a a remedy
for the recurrence of similar troubes. The
war having mirated, and with it all &C.
casion for the exercise ofpowers of doubt
ful constitutionality, we should hasten to
bring legislation wllhin the boundaries
prescribed by the Constitution, and to re-
turn to the ancient landmarks established
by our fathers for the guidance of succeed
ing generations. The Constitution which
ut any time exists, until changed bv an cx-
plicit and authei tic act of the whole ppo-
pie, is sacrcdly obligatory upon all.' "lf,
in the opinion of the people, the distribu
ton or modification of the constitutional
powers be, in any particular wrong, lot it be
corrected bv an amendment in the way in
which the Constitution designates. But
let there be no change by u.s. rpation, for
it is the customary weapon by which free
Governments are destroyed" Washing
ton spoke these words to his countrymen
when, followed by their love and gratitude,
he voluntarily retired from the cares of
public life. =" To keep in al things with
IN The pi le of our constitutional powers,
and cherish the Federal Union as the only
rock of saf ty," were prescribed by Jefei
son as rules If action to endear to his "cOnn-
trymen the true principles of their Consti-
,ution. and promote union of sentiment
and action equally auspiclous to their hap
piness and safety"
Jackson held that the action of the Gen.
eral Government should always be strictly
confined to the sphere of its appropriate
dutie., and justly and fnrcibly urged that
our Government Is not to be maintained
nor onr Union preserved "by invasions OF
the rights and powers Of the several States.
La thus attempting to make our General
FGovernmrnt strong, we make it weak. Its
true strength consists in leaving individuals
and States as much as possible TO them
selves; IN making itself felt, not in its pow
er, but in its bencfctnce; not in its control
but in its protection not in binding the
States more closely to the centre, but leav-
iny each TO move nresiructed in its proper
constitutional orbit These are the teach
ine< of men whose deeds and services have
made them i.lustriou-, and who, long since
witt drawn from scenes of life, have left tc
their country the rich legacy of theil
example. their wisdom, and their patriot
ISM. Drawing fresh inspiration from thei
lessons. let US emulate them in love o
country and respect for th he Constitution
| and the laws.
Tie report of the Secretary of the Treas
ury affords much information respecting
the revenue and commerce Of the country
His views upon the currency, and will
reference to proper adjustment of op
revenue system, internal As well as impos,
! Al Il, ~ sAor