Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1866-02-20
an her constitutional relation. o the United

all her constitutional relations 70 the United
States.
The President Of the United States stands
towards the country in a somewhat different
attitude from that Of any member Of Congress.
Each member Of Congress is chosen from q
single district or State; the President is chosen
by the people Of all the States. As eleven
States are not at this time represented in either
branch Of Congress, il would seem 10 be his
duty on all proper occasions TO present their
just claims 10 Congress. There always will
be didereu ces of opinion in the comm uity,
and individuals may be guilty OF transgres-
sions Of the law, but these do not constitute
valid objections against the right OF a State to
representation. l would in nowise interfere
tne qualifications of bers, but hold IL m v
outy 10 recommend 70 you in the interests OF
peace and in the interests Of the Union, the ad-
MISSION OF every State TO its share in public
legislaton, when, however ine eub ubordinate, in
sureent, or rebellious its people may have
oeen, It presents itself not only in an atti-
tude OF loyalty and harmony, but IN the per-
sons OF representatives whose LOYALTY can
moi be questioned under any existing constitu-
nonal or legal test. Itis plain that an inden-
nlte or permanent exclusion Of any part of the
country from representation must he ATTENDED
oy spirit Of disquiet and complaint IL is
unwlse and dangerous 10 pursue a course OF
measures which will unite very large sec
uon or tne country against another section of
the country; however much the latter may
preponderate. The course of emigration the
development OF industry and business, and ma
devoted 10 the Union as those Of any other part
of the land. But if they are all excluded from
Congress, II IN permanent statute they are
declared not 10 be in full constitutional rela-
tions TO the country, they may think they have
cause to become until feeling and sentiment
against the Cover nment. Under the political
education OF the American people. the idea is
inherenttand ineradicable, that the consent OF
the majority of the whole people is necessary
TO secure a willing acquiescence in legislation
The bill under consideration refers 20 certain
OF the States as though they had not ssbeen fully
restored in all their constitutional relations 20
the United States" If they have not, let us AT
once act together TO secure that desirable end
AT the earliest possible moment II is hardly
necessary for me TO inform Congress that in
my own Judgment most of these States, SO far
at least as depends upon their own action.
have already been fully restored, and are to be
deemed as entitled TO enjoy their constitutional
rights as members of the Union. Reasoning
from the Constitution itself and from the ac-
tual situation of the country, feel not only
entitled, but bound TO assume that with the
Federal courts restored, and those of the several
States In the full exercise of their functions, the
rights and interests of all classes OF the peo-
pie will, with the aid of the military in
cases OF resistance TO the law, be essentially
protected against unconstitutional infringe
ment and violation. Should this expectation
unhappily fail, which do not anticipate then
the Executive is already fully armed with the
powers conferred by the act of March, 1855, es-
tabiishing the Freedmen's Bureau, and here
after, as heretofore, he can employ the land and
naval forces Of the country TO suppress instr-
rection or to overcome obstructions TO the
laws.
In accordance with the Constitution, return
the bill TO the Senate, In the earnest hope that
measure involving questions and interests so
important TO the country will not become a
law, unless upon deliberate consideration by
the people it shall receive the sanction of an
ANDREW JOHNSON.
Washington, ID. O., February 10, 1866.