Western Reserve chronicle. [volume] (Warren, Ohio) 1855-1921, 1866-03-07

DeODIe ana L06 GuCIOhCuu1CAbo VI POWOAJ
and because dared to say, in converse
ton with fellow citizen, and Senator,
too, that l thought amendments to the
oug ght not TO be so frequent,
that their effects would be that it would
lose all its dignity, that the old lnstru-
ment would be lost sight OF IN short
time. Because happened to say that II
it was 50 amended, sucnand such amend
ments should be adopted, it was an usur- !
patton of power that would have cost
king his head at a certain time. Laugh |
ter and applause.) And in connection
with this subject it was explained 6y the
same gentleman, that we were IN the
midst of an earthquake; that he trem-
bled and could not yield. Laughter
Yes, there is an earthquake coming
There is a ground swell coming Of popu-
lar Judgment and indignation. ("rhats
true"
The American people will speak by
their interests, and they will know who
are their friends and who are their enc
mics. What positions have held under
this Government, beginning with an Al
derman, and running through all branch
es of the Legislature. A Voice-"From
a tailor up.") Some gentleman says l
have been tailor. Tremendous ap-
plause.l Now that did not discomit me
in the least for when 1 used to be tai
lor had the reputation Of being good
one, and making close fits, [great laugh
ter, always punctusl with my customers,
and always did good work. A voice
''No patchwork" No, do not want
any patchwork; want whole suit,
but l will pass by this little facetiousness.
My friends may say, you are President,
and you must not talk about such things
When principles are involved, my coun-
trymen when the existence of my coun-
try is imperiled, 1 will act as l have
on former occasions, and speak what
think. / was saying that l had held
nearly all the positions from Alderman,
through both branches of Congress, to
that which nov occupy, and who Is
there that will say Andrew johnson ever
made pledge that he did not redeem,
or made a promise he did not fulfil?
Who will say that he has ever acted
otherwise than in fidelity to the great
mass of the people. They may talk
about beheading and usurpation, but
when I am beheaded l want the Ameri-
cam people to witness. don't want by
inuendoes, by indirect remarks in high
places, to see the man who has assassina-
ton breeding in his bosom, exclaim this
Presidential obstacle must be gotten out
of the way. ''
1 make use of very strong expression
when 1 say that l have no doubt the in
tention was to invite assassination, and
get out of the way the obstacle from
place and power.
| Whether by assassination or not, there
are individuals in this Government, l
doubt not, who want to destroy our insti-
tutions and change the character of the
Government. Are they not satisfied
with the blood which has been shed 2
Does not the murder of Lincoln appease
the vengeance and wrath of the oppo-
nents of this Government Are they
still unshaken? Do they still wantimore
blood? Have they not got honor and
courage enough to obtain their objects
otherwise than by the hands of the assas-
sin? Mol no! | am not afraid of assas-
sins sattacking me where q brave and
courageous man would attack another.
only dread him when he would 60 in
disguise, his footsteps noiseless. a.
If it is blood they want, let them have
courage enough to strike like men.
know they are willing to wound, but
they are afraid to strike. Applause.
If my blood is TO be shed because vim
dicate the Union and the preservation of
this Government in its original purity
and charity, let it be shed let an altar
to the Union be erected, and then, if il
| is necessary, take me and lay me upon It.
and the blood that now warns and AMI
mates my existence shall be poured out
| L. - khA TTnfnr1 nf thaae
States. TGreat applause.l But let the
opponents of this Government remember
that when it is poured out, the blood oi
the martyrs will be the seed OF the
church. Cheers. Gentlemen, this Un
ion will grow it will continue to increase
in strength and power, though 1t may bt
cemented and cleansed with blood.
have talked longer now than L in
| tended. Let me thank you for the homo
you have done me-
So far as this Government is concerned
let me say one other word in reference Il
the amendments to the Consultation o
the United States. When | reached
Washington for the purpose of being in
augurated Vice President of the United
States, l had a conversation with Mr.
Lincoln. We were talking about the con
dition of affairs, and in reference to mat
ters in my own State, said that we haC
called a convention, had amended on
, Constitution by abolishing slavery in th'
State, State not embraced IN his procla
, nation. All this met his appreciation, anC
gave him announcement, and in talking
upon the amendment of the Constitution
, he said "when the amendment to th,
! Constitution is adopted by three-fourth
of the States we shall have all, or prett!
nearly all. am in favor of amending tn
: Constitution if there was one other adopt
, ed."
Said 1, "What is that, Mr.. President 2
. Said he 81 have labored to preserve thl
[ Union; have toiled four years; l hay,
been subjected to calumny and misrepre
! sentation, yet my great desire has been t
I preserve the Union of these States in tao
under the Constitution as they were be
: fore" But" said l, Mr.. President
/ what amendment do you refer to" II
said, ''he thought there should be Al
I amendment added to the Constitution
! which would compel all the States to SEN
! their Senators and Representatives to tn
/ Congress of the United States; yes, com
\ mel them" The idea was in his min
! that it was part of the doctrine of seces
VI
1 sion to break up the Government b
! States Withdrawing their Senators an
Representatives from Congress; and
3 therefore, he desired a constitutions
/ | amendment to compel them to be sent.
Q How, now, does the matter standl /
3 the Constitution of the country, eve
r that portion of it that provides for tn
? amendment of the organic law. says tha
!. no State, without its consent, shall be dt
! prived of its representation in Congress
: Now, what do we find? We find the pc
1 sition taken that States should not be rel
!. resented, that we may impose taxes, tina
q We may send our tax-gatherers to ever
I region and portion of State, that tn
: people are to be oppressed with taxes
!. but when they come here to partloipat
+ in the legislation Of the country, they al
4 met at the door and told, you must pa
I your taxes you must bear the burden
\ the Government of the country, which
e to affect you for all time. Is this just
L No, no.
n Then say let us admit into the coul
ellis of the nation those who are unmi
/ T. khrle