The New era. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1865-1871, 1866-02-22

sustain and enforce military jurisdiction
| III every county or parish from the po
tomac to the Rio Grande. The condi.
ton OF our fiscal affairs is enco;1ropinp
but, i'll order TO sustain the nresnn,
measure Of public confidence. It'll neces.
sary that we practice not merely cus.
tomary economy, but, as far as possible
! severe retrenchment
In addition to the objections already
stated, the fifth section of the bill pro.
poses to take away land from its former
owners without any legal proceedings
being first had, contrary to that provi.
sion of the Constitution which declares
that no person Shall "be deprived of
lie, liberty or property without due
process of law" 1t does not appear
that part OF the land to which this
section refers may not be owned bv mi
nors or persons OF unSound mind, or by
those who have been faithful to all their
obligations Is citizens OF the United
States. If any portion OF the land is
held by such persons it is not competent
| for any authority to deprive them Of
it. If, on the other hand, it be found
that the property is 1iabl- to confisea-
ton, evenithen 1t clnnot beappropriated
to public purposes until, by due process
Of law, it shall have been declared for
teited to the Government.
There is still further objection to the
bill, on grounds seriously affecting the
class of persons to whom ii is designed
10 bring relief. 1t will tend to keep the
mind Of the freedmen in a state of un-
certain expectation and restlessness,
while to those among whom he lives il
will be Il source OF constant and vague
apprehension.
Undoubtedly the freedmen should be
protected, but he should be protected
by the civil authorities, especially by
the exercise of all the constitutional
powers Of the courts Of the United States
and of the States. His condition is not
SO exposed as may at first be imagined
He Is in part of the country where
his labor cannot well be spared. Com
petition for his services from planters.
from those who are constructing or re-
pairing railroads, and from capitalists in
Ills vicinage or from other States, will
enable him to command almost his own
terms. He also possesses a perfect right
To change his place of abode, and, If,
therefore, he does not find in one com
nunity or State a mode of life suited to
his desires, or proper remuneration for
MS labor, he can move to another, where
that labor is more esteemed and better
rewarded. In truth, however, each
State induced by its wants and interests,
will do what is necessary and proper to
retain within its borders all the labor
that is needed for the development Of
its resources. The laws that regulate
supply and demand will maintain their
force, and the wages OF the laborer will
be regulated thereby. There is no dan,
ger that the exceedingly great demand
for labor will not operate in favor of the
laborer.
Neither is sufficient consideration
given to the ability of the freedmen to
protect and take care of themselves. It
is 10 more than justice to them to be-
lieve that, as they have received their
freedom With moderation and forbear-
ance, SO they will distinguish themselves
by their industry and thrift, and soon
show the world that in condition of
freedom they are seif-sustaining, capable
Of selecting their own employment and
their own places of abode, of establish
ing and maintaining their own sylums
and schools. 1t is earnestly hoped that
instead of wasting away they will, by
their own efforts, establish for them
selves condition of responsibility and
prosperity. 1t is certain that they can
attain to that condition only through
their own merits and eXertions.
In this connection the query presents
itself whether the system proposed by
this bill will not, when put into complete
operation, practically transfer the entire
care, support and control of four million
pate5fslaves to agents, overseers,
or taskmasters, who, appointed at Wash
ington, are to be located in every county
and parish throughout the United States
containing freedmen and refugees: Such
a system would inevitably tend to a con-
centration of power in the Executive,
which would enable him, if so disposed,
to control the action of this numerous
class, and use them for the attainment
of his own political ends.
l cannot but add another very grave
objection to this bill. The Constitution
imperatively declares, in connection with
taxation, that each State SHALL have at
least one representative, and fixes the
rule for the number to which, in future
times, each State shall be entitled. 1t
also provides that the Senate Of the
United States SHALL be composed of
two Senators from each State, and adds,
h.,t Stnt