The Lansing state Republican. [volume] (Lansing, Mich.) 1855-1874, 1866-02-28

lallNes, something allowance OF the COuStl-
tutional right OF representation. Al the
time, however. Of the consideration and
passing OF the bill. there was no Senator or
Representative in Congress from the eleven
states which are 10 be- mainly affected by
lis provisions. The very fact that reports
were and are made against the good dis
position OF the country, IS an additional
reason why they need, and should have.
Representatives Of their own in COngrss 10
explain their condition reply 10 accusa-
uOns, and assist. by their local knowledge.
IN lie periecting % measures immediately
affecting themselves. While the liberty oi
deibcration would then be free. and Com
greSs would have full power 10 decide ac-
cording 10 rs Judgment there could be-
no objection urged that the states most in
ieres-ed had not been permitted 10 be heard
The principle IS firmly fixed in the minds
OF the American people that there should
ne DO taxation without representation.
Great burdens are now 10 be borne bv all
The country, and We may best demand that
they shall be borne without murmur when
they are voted by u majority OF the repre-
sentallves Of all the people. | would not
interfere with The unQueStlOnable right oi
Congress 10 judge, each House for itself OF
the election, returns and qualifications OF
It's own members But that authority
cannot be construed as including the
right 10 shut out, in time OF peace. any
State from The representation 10 which il is
entitled by the Constitution Al present
all the people OF eleven States are excluded
those VINO were most faithful during the
war not less than others Tie State OF
tennessee, for instance. whose authorities
engaged ~ rebellion. was restored 10 all
her constitutional relations 10 the Union hy
the patriotism and energy OF her injured
and betrayed people. before the war Was
brought 10 a termination. They had
placed themselves IN relations with the
general government, had established a
State government OF their own. aud. as
they were not included IN the emancipation
proclamation, they, by their own act. have
amended their constitution so a 10 abolish
slavery within the limits OF their States
know 40 reason why the State Of Tennessee
for example, should not fully enjoy all her
constitutional relations 10 the United states.
Tie President stands towards the country
lu somewhat different attitude from that
OF any Member OF Congress chosen from
single district or State The President IS
chosen by the people OF all the states.
Eleven states are not al this time represent
ed an either branch of Congress Il, would
seem 10 be his duty on all proper occasions.
10 present their just claims TO Congress.
There always will he differences OF opinion
IN the communities, and individuals NAV be
guilty OF transgressiOn OF the law, bui
these do not constitute valid objections
against the right or State 10 representa-
ton. II would in no wise interfere with
the discretion of Congress with regard To
- .nf of
F But hold it my duty TO recommend TO
You, in the interests OF peace and in the
interests Of the Union. the admission OF
every state TO its share OF public legisla-
ton. When, however insubOrdinate. insur-
gent or rebelliOus, its people may have
been, IL presents itself not only in an atti-
tude OF loyalty and harmony. but in the
persons el representatives whose LOYALTY
cannot be questioned under existing con
stitutiOnal or legal tests, II is plain that IN
indefinite or permanent exclusion OF any
part OF the country from representation
must he attended by spirit of diSQulet
aHd complaint. IL Il unwIse and danger
Gus 10 pursue course OF measures which
VIII unite any large section OF the country
against another section Of the country. no
matter how much the latter may predom-
nate. The course OF immigration the de
velopment OF industry and business. and
natural causes, will raise up at the South
men As devoted TO the Union IS those of
any other part Of the land. But il they
are all excluded from Congress, il, im "a
permanent statute they are declared not 10
he IN iull constitutional relations 10 the
country they may think they have cause 10
become a unit IN feeling and sentiment
against the Government. Under the po!it-
zeal education Of the American people, the
idea Is Inherent and ineradicable, that
the consent Of the majority Of the whole
people Is necessary TO secure a willing nc
quiescence ia legislation.
The bill under consideration refers 10 GER
tam OF the States as though they had not
been fully restored to the Union. II they
have not, let Us at once act together to Sc
cure that desirable end al The earliest posi-
bic moment. Ii Is hardly necessary iOT me
TO inform Congress that, in my own judg-
ment, most OF those States, so far al least
rs depends upon their own action have
aIIeaut Deen lully restored, and are 10 be
deemed 10 be euiltled 10 enjoy their con-
stltutlOnal rights As members Of the Union.
Reasoning from the Constitution itself aud
from the actual situation of the country
feel not only entitled. but bound. 10 assume
that with the Federal courts restored in the
several states, aud IN the ful exercise O
their functions, the rights and interests OF
all classes of the people will, with the aid
OF the military in cases Of resistance TO the
law, be essentially protected against IN
constitutional infringement and violation
Should this exception unhappily fail which
DO not anticipate, then the executive ls
already armed with the powers conferred
10y the act Of March, 1865. establishing the
treedmen's Bureau: and hereafter. 4,
heretofore, ne can employ the land and na-
val forces Of the country TO suppress insur-
rection, and 10 overcome distractions tC
the laws.
return the bill 70 the Senate in the earn.
est hope that measure involving ques
tions and interests so important 10 the
country, Will not become law unless. upor
deliberate consideration by the people, il
shall receive the sanction of an enlightened
public judgment.
(SiSned) ANDREW JOHNSON.