Daily Richmond Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1865-1869, 1866-03-14

lights And bearings, aud he shows how violently
his sentiments, convictions and principles are
shocked by the course ofthe politicians in Con-
gress. What makes him feel it the more sensi-
Div Is. that the Constitution which he is sworn
TO support requires his sanction to the legis-
lation Of Congress, and the politicians in Con-
gress, knowing hissentiments, are yet constantly
passing measures adverse to them, and attempt
ing 10 cajole or intimidate him into signing
them. He sees that they are sedulously siriV-
ing to hem him in, and force him either to do
violence to his conscience or to place himself
in opposition 10 them. He has chosen his
course. He has placed himself upon the Con-
StitutiOn. He has warned the country against
these men as factionists, and their measures as
revolutionary. He demands the restoration Of
the Southern States TO the Union, and upon
that issue he goes before the country, nor does
he 20 before the country as an aspirant for
second term. He distinctly says that his ambi-
ton is satisfied that he is not a candidate for
the next Presidency, and that when he sue
ceeds in restoring the Union and the COnsti:u-
ton his mission will be ended. He looks up
on the cOnSummation Of that great measure as
of more moment than the preservation Of mere
parties. With the people at his back, he now,
like Mr.. Golden, offers his support and SYM
patty to that party which shall come forward
and aid in the consummation Of that policy. II
IS no doubt, painful to him to lind himSelfat
variance with the party that elected him TO the
Vice Presidency. lie would be pleased TO have
the support OF that party. That party, how
ever, instead ofcOnsulting his views demands,
imperiously, conformity to its own. When he
refuses acquiescence he is accused of {" diver
gence, for that is the gentlest word we can
ind TO express the idea. Other and harsher
words are generally used. These men charge
the President with having changed his senti-
ments and disappointed their expectations.
they forget that the change that has taken
place is on their part. Who has changed is
very clearly shown by the following resolution
which passed Congress by an almost unanimous
vote Immediately after the battle of Bull Run,
July 2Sd, 1861
The war is waged by the Government of
IS the United States, not IN the spirit Of con-
q" guest or Segagatioa, nor for the purpose Of
&c orertlroomg or nterJerag Nth the rights or
'' Institutions Of tie States, but to defend and
% maintain the supremacy Of the Constitution,
9. and to preSerrs tie Union ,oih all the dignity
" equality and rights Of the several States unju,-
g paired"
To give effect to that resolution, is the aim
of the Presidents measures to Illustrate it, is
the aim Of those who oppose him. We cannot
do better than close this article with a short
extract from the London NslcS, illustrated,
which thus closes an editorial on American
affairs " We would appeal to the opposition
a. to forcgo a contest in which the sense of the
- people, as well as common sense, is against
&c them, and to aid Mr.. JOHNSON in his generous
d" purpose Of confirming the liberty Of the
g negro without iujuring the liberty Of the
% white man."