The evening Argus. [volume] (Rock Island, Ill.) 1861-1871, 1866-12-05
ed. the war oueht to cease ,,

In some instances senators were permitteo
to continue their Legislative functions, wnlie
In other instances representatives were eject
ed and admitted to seats after their states
had formally declared their right to withdraw
from the Union, and were endeavoring to
maintain that right by force of arms. All
of the states, whose people were in insured
ton as statss, were inclnded in the apportion-
mens of the direct tax Of $40, 100000 annual
ly, laid upon the United States, by the act
approved 5th of August. 1861. Congress,
by the aes efMareh 4. 1865, and by the ap-
portlonment Of representation hereunder,
also recognize ed their presence as states In
the Union and they have for judicial pur-
poses been divided iatodistriets, as states alone
can be divided. The same recognition ap-
pears in the recent legislation in reference to
Tennessee, which evidently rests upon the fact
that the functions OF the state were not des-
troyed by the rebellion, but merely suspended,
and that principle is of course applicable TO
those states, which like Tennessee, attempted
to renounce their places in the Union.
The action of the executive department Of
the governmentupon this eubjeet has been
equally definite and uniform, and the pur-
pose of the war was specifically stated n the
proclamation issued by my predecessor, on
the 22d day Of September, 1862. Ii was
then solsnnly proclaimed and declared that,
hereafter, as heretofore, the war will be pros
ecuted for the object of practically restoring
the constitutions relation between the Uni
ted States and each OF the states, and the
people thereof, in which states that relation
is or may bs suspended or disturbed. The
recognition OF the states by the judicial de-
psrtment of the government, has also been
clear and conclusive, in all proceedings
affecting them as states, and in the supreme,
circuit and district courts.
QUALIFICATIONS OF MEMBERS.
In the admission of senators and repre-
sentatives from any and all of the states,
there can be no just ground of appre-
hension that persons who are aisloyai Will
he clothed with the powers OF legislation,
for this could not happen when the consti-
| tuition and the laws are enforced By .vlgl-
lent and faithful congress. Each house is
made the Judge of the election, returns and
qualifications OF It's own members, and may,
with the Concurrence of two,thirds, expe!l
member. When q senator or q representa-
tive presents his certificate eff election, he
| would as once be- edmitted or rejected or
should there be any question az TO hjs eiigi-
bility, his credentials may be referred fox III
vessigation to the appropriate committee
1t admitted to s. seat, is must ba up on
evidence satisfactory, that he possesses the
requisite loyal and constitutional qualihoa-
tons. If refused admission, and sent to his
constituents for want of due alles glance, they
are admcnished that none but persons 10y al
to the United States will be allowed in the
councils OF the nation, and the political pow
or and mora! intiusncs of congress are thus
efsotually exsrted IN the Interests of loyalty
to the government, and fidelity to the Union
Upon this question so vitality affecting the
: II. 1t
of our fora Of government, my convictions
heretofore expressed have undergone no
change, but, on the contrary, their correct
ness has been confirmed by reflection aud
time, If the admission Of loyal members to
seats Il congress was wise sad eXpeGleRt q
year ago, it is 10 less WISE and expedient
now. If tails anomalous condition IS right
newt in the exact condition OF these states
at tae present time, it is lawful to exclude
them from re preseG ta$ioa--i DO not see that
the question will be changed by the effect Of
time. In years hence, if these states re
main as they Gre, the right Of representati5 in
will be no stronger. and the right # exclu-
sion will be no weaker.
ADvANTAUE OF ADMITTING Loyal SOUTHERN
MEMBERS.
The constitution makes It the duty
Of the President to Recommend 20
THE consideration Of congress such
measures as he shall deem expedient.
know of no measure more imperatiEely de-
manded by every consideration Of natl nal
interest, sound policy aud equal justice, thaa
the adDoission OF loyal Iaenl bers from the IN
represented states. This would consusa-
mate the work Of restoration, and exert most
sanitary influence in the establishment Of
peace, harmony and fraternal feeling. 1t would
erpatIr Ia pnufi1arra IF no
American people in the ,vigor aud stability Of
their institGtions,-it would bind US more close
~ together sc nation, and enable Gs TO she"
the world the inherent and recuperative power
of government founded upon the will of tie
people, and established upon the principles Of
liberty, justice and intelligence. Our increased
strength and enhanced prosperity would irrefra-
gably. demonstrate the faliacy Of the arguments
against free Institutions, drawn from our recei !
national disorders, BIZ the enemies Of republican
government, The admission Of loyal members
from the states now excluded from congress, by
allaying doubt and apprehension, would turn
capital now awaiting an opportunity for an in
vestment into the channels OF trade and industry
it would alleviate the present troubled condi-
ton of those states, and By inducing emigraLts,
ala in the settlement Of fertile regions now IN
cultivated, and lead TO al increased production
of those staples which have added so greatly to
the wealth OF the nation aud the commerce OF
opened to our progressive people, and soon the
devastations Of war would be repaired, and all
traces OF our domestic differences effaced from
the minds of our countrymeD.
TAsHIEGTON's ADVICE.
I'm our efforts to preserve the unity Of GOV.
| eminent which constitutes ue one people, By
| restoring the states TO the condition which
| they held prior TO the rebellion, we should be
| cautious lest, having rescued our nation from
| the periis Of the threatend disintegrstion, We
| resort to consolidation, and, in the end, abso
| lutte despotlsn, as a remedy for the reour
| renee Of similar troubles. The war having
terminated, and with it all occasion for the
exercise Of powers of doubtful constitution
| atty, we should hasten 10 bring Legislation
| within the boundaries prescribed by the con
| stitution, and to return to the ancient land
marks established by our fathers fer the gui
| dance of succeeding generations. The oon
| stitution, which at any time exists unit
changed by az explicit and authentic acs @