The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1866-07-03


mand that peace be established on such
stable foundations that rebellion and se-
cession will never again endanger our ma
tional existence.
D ResolUed, That this Convention full
ly endorses the amendments to the Con-
stitution proposed by Congress to the
Legislatures of the States as liberal,
wise, add patriotic adjustment; and the
Republican party of Ohio pledge for it
their united and hearty support. -Ssa
Resotue,i, That the nation owes to the
heroic men of our army and navy debt
of lasting gratitude for their patriotic ser
vices in defense of The Constitution, and
we urge upon Congress the duty of equal
izipg bounties; and while all cherish with
tender affection the memories Of fallen
braves, We plodge to the widows and or
phans the nations care and protection.
This is what President johnson says Of
the amendment which is the Platform Of
the Ohio Radicals:
WAsAINGToN, June 22-The President
to-day sent the following message to the
Senate and House Of Representatives:
submit to Congress report of the
Secretary of State to whom was referred
the concurrent resolution of the 18th
inst, respecting submission to the Leg
islatures Of the States of an additional
article to the Constitution of the United
States.
1t will be seen from this report that
the Secretary of State had, on the 10th
instant, transmitted to the Governors Of
the several States certified copies of the
joint resolution passed on the 18th, pro-
posing an amendment to the Constitution.
B8 Even in ordinary times question Of
amending the Constitution must be justly
regarded as Of paramount Importance
This importance at the present time is en-
HANGED by the fact that the joint resolu
ton was not submitted by the two Hou-
ses for the approval OF the President, and
that of the thirty six States which con-
stitute the Union eleven are excluded from
representation in either House of Con-
gress, although with the single exception
of Texas they have been entirely restored
to all their functions as States in confor-
nifty with the organic law Of the land Land
have appeared at the National Capitol by
Senators and Representatives, who have
applied for and been refused admission to
the vacant seats. -1a
BTNor have the sovereign people Of
the nation been afforded an opportunity
of expressing their views upon the impor-
tant questions which the amendment In
wolves. Grave doubts, therefore, may nat
urally and justly arise as to whether the
action of Congress is in harmony with
the sentiments of the people, and wheth-
Ter State Legislatures, elected without
reference to such an issue, should be call
ed upon by Congress to decide respecting
the ratification Of the proposed amend
ment. Waving the question as to the
Constitutional validity of the proceedings
of Congress upon the joint resolution
proposing the amendment, or as to the
merits of the article which it submits
through the Executive Department to the
Legislatures of the States, deem il
proper to observe that the steps taken by
the Secretary of State, as detailed in the
accompanying report,are to be considered
as purely ministerial, and in no sense
whatever committing the Executive to an
approval orrecommendation of the amend
ment to the State Legislatures or to the
people. -gsa
BE- On the contrary, proper appre-
citation of the letter and spirit of the
Constitution, as we'll as of the interest OF
National order, harmony and Union, and
"a Difference for an enlightened public
judgment, may at this time we'll suggest
doubt whether any amendment to the
Constitution ought to be proposed by
Congress and pressed on the Legislatures
of the several States for final decision un-
til after the admission of such Senators
aud Representatives Of the now unrcpre-
sented States as have been or as may here
after be chosen in conformity with the
Constitution and laws Of the United
States. -Da
[Signedl ANDREW JOHNSON.
Washington, D. G. June %, 1866.
True this Message is couched in digni-
fed and diplomatic language, but no one
mistakes its meaning. In consequence
Of the Presidents silence for time, the
Radicals had already begun to give out
that be was in favor of their scheme He
determined his name should not again be
used to break down his friends, hence this
Message.
To complete the subject we append the
Platform Of the Ohio Democracy:
ResozUedy That the Democracy of Ohio
will adhere in the present and in the fu-
ture as in the past, with unfaltering idel-
ity and 6rmness to the Organization of the
Democratic Party, and to its ancient and
we'll settled principles as enunciated by
Thomas Jefferson, the great Apostle Of
American Democracy, and as aeknewl-
edged and accepted by the party from the
foundation of the Government; and espe-
cially of equal taxation, and of repre-
sentation Of all States subject to taxation.
ResolUed, That the one great question
Of the day is the IMMEDIATE AND UNcoN-
DITIoNAL RESTORATION OF ALL THE
STATES TO THE EXERCISE OF THEIR
RIGHTS wTTHIN THE FEDERAL UNION UN
DER THE Constitution; and that We will
cordially and actively support ANDREW
JOHNSON, as President of the United
States, in all necessary and proper means
to carry cut his policy as directed to that
end; and especially in securing immedi-