The Bossier banner. [volume] (Bellevue, Bossier Parish, La.) 1859-1952, 1866-12-29

the Union.
The action of the Executive Depart
ment of the Government upon this sub
iect has been equally definite and uni
form. and the purpose of the war was
specifically stated in the Proclamation
issued by my predecessor on the 22nd
day of September, 1862. 1t was then
solemnly proclaimed and declared that
thereafter as heretofore, the war will
be prosecuted for the object of practi-
cally restoring the constitutional rela-
ton between the United States and
the people thereof, in which States that
relation is or may be suspended or dis
turbed."
The recognition of the States by the
judicial Department of the Govern
ment has also been clear and conclu-
sive in all proceedings affecting them
as States, had in the Supreme, Cir
cult, and District Courts.
In the admission of Senators and
Representatives from any and all of the
States, there can be no just ground of
apprehension that persons who are
disloyal will be clothed with the pow
ers of legislation; for this could not
happen when the Constitution and the
laws are enforced by a vigiIant and
faithful Congress. Each House is
made the Judge of the elections, re-
turns, and qualifications of its own
members" and may, with the con-
currence of two-thirds, expel mem
ber." When Senator or representa-
tive presents his certificate of election,
he may at once be admitted or rejec-
ted or, should there be any question
as to his eligibility, his credentials
may be referred for investigation to
the appropriate committee. If admit
ted to seat, it must be upon evidence
satisfactory to the House of which he
| thus becomes a member, that he pos
sesses the requisite constitutional and
legal qualifications. If refused ad
mission as member for want of due
allegiance to the Government, and
returned to his constituents, they are
admonished that none hut persons 10y
al to the United States will be allowed
a voice in the legislative councils of
the nation, and the political power
and moral influence of Congress are
thus effectively exerted in the interests
of loyalty to the Government and
fidelity to the Union. Upon this ques-
ton, so vitality affecting the restoration
of the Union and the permanency of
our present form of government, my
convictions, heretofore expressed, have
undergone no change but, on the con-
trary. their correctness has been con-
firned by reflection and time. If the
admission of loyal members to seats in
the respective Houses of Congress was
wise and expedient year ago, it is no
less wise and expedient now. If this
anomalous condition is right now-if,
in the exact condition of these States
at the present time, it is lawful to ex-
cluded them from representation, l do
not see that the question will be
changed by the ef1ux of time. Ten
/ years hence, ifthese States remain as
they are, the riget of representation
will be no stronger-the right of exclu-
sion will be no weaker.
DUTY OF THE EXECUTIVE.
! The Constitution of the United States
makes it the duty of the President to
recommend to the consideration of
Congress 'such measures as he shall
judge necessary or expedient."
know of no measure more imperatively
demanded by every consideration OF
natural interest, sound policy and equal
!; justice, than the admission of loyal
members from the now unrepresented
States. This would consummate the
work of restoration, and exerta most
salultary influence in the reestablish-
ment of peace, harmony, and faternal
feeling. 1t would tend greatly to re-
new the confidence of the American
people in the vigor and stability Of
their institutions. 1t would bind us
more closely together as a nation, and
enable US to show to the world the
inherent and recuperative power Of q
Government founded upon the will Of
the people, and established upon the
principles of liberty, justice, and in,
/ telligence. Our increased strength
J and enhanced prosperity would ire
} fragably demonstrate the fallacy of the
i arguments against free institutions
7 drawn from our ecent national disor
ders by the enemies of republican
r government. The admission of loya
r members from the States now excluded
: from Congress, by allaying doubt ant
!, apprehension, would turn capital, nov
awaiting anopportunity for investment
into the channels of trade and industry
1t would alleviate the present troubled
) condition of those States, and, by in
: ducing emigration, aid in the settle
, ment of fertile regions now uncultiva
ted, and lead to an increased produc
l ton of those staples which have adde,
so greatly to the wealth of the nation
: and the commerce of the world. New
D fields of enterprise would be opened t,
!, our progressive people, and soon tn
: devastations of the war would be re
0 paired, and all traces of our domesti,
? differences effaced from the minds o
n our countrymen.
A STREAK OF TRUrH.-A corrspon