The Hillsborough recorder., 1866-12-12

dCt VI march \, loUSs anu Uy tHe dppOftlOn
nest Of representation hereunder. also re-
cognized their presence as States IN lbs
Union and they have. Tor judicial proposes
been divided into districts, as States alone
can be divided. The same recognition ap.
pears iu the recent legislation in reference
to Tennessee. which evidently rests upon
the lact that the functions Of the State were
not destroyed by the rebellion, but merely
suspe ptled and that principle is Of course
applicable to those States which, like Ten.
nessee. attempted to reDounce their places
In the Union.
The action Of the Executive Department
sf the Government upon this subject has
been equally definite and sniform, aad the
purpose Of the war was specifically stated
in the Proclamation issued by my prede-
cessor on the cad day OF September. 1869.
It was then solemnly proclaimed and de-
clared that :. thereafter, as heretofore. the
war will be prosecuted for the object Of
practically restoring the constitutional re-.
ation between the United States and each
Of the States and the people thereof, in which
States that relation is or may be suspend
ed or disturbed"
The recognition OF the States BY the Ju-
dicial Department Of the Government has
also been clear and conclusive in all pro.
eeeJings affecting them as States. had IN the
Su preme, Circuit. and District Courts.
In the admission Of Senators and Repre-
sentatives from any and all Of the States,
there can be no just ground Of apprehension
that persons Who are disloysl III be clothed
with the powers Of legislation :or this could
not happen when the Constitution and the
laws are enforced by vigilant and faithful
Congress. Each House is made the Judge
VI the elections, returns. and qualifications
Of It's own members" and may. with the
concurrence Of two-thirds, expel q mem
ber." When Senator or representative
presents his certificate Of election. he may
al once be admitted or rejected or should
there be any question as to his eligibility,
his credentials may be referred for inves-
tigation to the appropriate committee. II
admitted TO q seat. il must be upon evidence
satisfactory 10 the House Of which he thus
becomes 4 member. that he possesses the
requisite constitutional and legal qualifiea-
tions. II refused sdmission as q member
for want Of due allegiance to the Govern
men,, and returned to his constituents. they
are admonished that none bot persons loyal
10 the United States will be allowed voice
in the Legislative councils Of the nation.
and the political power and moral influence
Of Congress are thus effectively eser.ej in
the interests Of loyalty TO the Government
and fidelity to the Union. Upon this ques-
iion, 50 vitality affecting the restoration
os the Union and the permanency Of our
present form q government. my tonvic-
tions, heretofore expressed. have undergone
no change but. on the contrary. their cor
rectness has been confirmed by reflection
apd time. IL the admission Of loyal mem
bers to seats in the respective Houses Of
Congress was wise and eIpedient q year
ago, Il is no less wise and expedient now.
Il this anomalous condition 10 right now
if, in the exact condition Of these States at
the present time, IL is lawful to exclude
them from representation, do not zee
that the question win be changed BY the
effluI Of time. Ten yssrs hence, if these
States remain as they are. the right Of re-
presen station will be no stronger the right
Of exclusion wild be no weaker.
The Constitution Of the United States
makes il The duty u the President TO re-
commend TO the consideration Of Congress
"such measures as he shall judge neeessa.
~ or expedisnt." ! know of no measure
more imperstively demanded By every con-
sideration Of national interest, sound poIi-
ey. and equal justice. than the admission
Of loyal members fsos the sow unrspre.
sented States. This would consum nate
the work Of restoration, and exert mos.
salutary influence in the fs-estsblishme
Of peace. harmony, and iraternal feeling.
Il wsnId tend greatly to renew the conf.
dence Of the American people in the vigor
and stability Of their institutions. II would