Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1866-01-30

entitled to recognition as States in the Union.
La fact, these States were entitled to be
represented in Congress all through the re-
bel:ion. Indeed, there was greater reason for
their Icing then represented than there was
At other times. Congress had repeatedly dealt
with them as States during the rebellion
Members from Virginia, for example, were
admitted. Direct taxes were appropriated
among them just as among TIE other States.
The 9Th section Of the act Of the 9TH June,
1872 in its latter clauses recognised the same
principle.
The rebel States are, therefore, no,C in the
UEiom Indeed, their governments, are more
republican, more democratic, more in harno-
ny with the spirit of our institutions than
they ever were before. IF Congress would
only look out there now, it would see legisla-
tors, Governors, State ee1icers of all sSTades,
members Of Congress all elected by the peO-
pie; courts in session, taxes being collected,
mails being carried. Surely these made
States in the Union, if they ever were in it.
OF TIE ADMISSION OF SOUTHERN MEMBERS
OF CONGRESS.
In numerous interviews, the President
has stated to different gentlemen, in sub
stanta!ly the same language his views con
corning the admission Of rebel Congressman
In one Of the minutes before me- I find o
memorandum to this effect
He repeatedly allude to its being the
rrcrogattvefand constitutional duty of each
ilouse, to Judge Of the merits OF each claim
ants election Gy itSc!t. This also was the
wis, way of keeping bad men cut Of Con-
gross, who might 'ot, through personal dis
qualification, be entitled to seats. But it was
grossly wrong to exel';dc States because Of
objections to individuals. Each claimants
case should rest OF and be decided according
to his individual merits.
Representation i'll Congress was but one Of
the rights @! States under the Constitution.
Ike uson from Congress does not, therefore.
prevent these rebel States from cujoyin.s aal
exercising other constitutional rights over
which Congress, in spite Of its dcniM CT their
rights, has no control.
TIE PRESIDENT On PARTY POLICY.
In the same limo of conversation, the Pre-
sIdcnt, few days ago, said to certain Re-
personalities, that the South had travelled q
great way in short time. They had freed
the slaves. They had provided that 80 future
Legislation should eEslave them. They had
recognized certain civil rights Of the late
slaves: They had adopted the constitutional
amendment prohibiting slavery.
tLGc" such circumstances the public SEN
ti:ncnt Of Ike couatIy would sooner or later
insure their recognition by Congress. For
himself, he woud feel 4 personal pride in
having this accomplished by the SAME Unio..
PARTY which had carried the country through
thu war. Such party with such Il history.
ought to finish its work ly bringing, back all
these States into their true relations in a
fully restored Onion.
Recently certain Prominent mon Of Mas.
sachusetts, in CONVERSATION with in, L.,d
disclosed far that orr rartv nsnr,,'!.ncy
might be cudanr.rcl if tLc Son,l .LnnIj
come in, and should act Gas it al,y.v. used TO
act) as Il unit. Yet how many rpn,hcrs wore