North Branch democrat. [volume] (Tunkhannock, Pa.) 1854-1867, 1866-05-16
The Issue bewteen the Executive and
Congress,
EXETER, May II, 1865.


The issue between Congress and the
Executive, briefly and precisely stated is
simply this Congress enacts unconstitu-
tional and revolutionary acts which strip
States OF local independence, right re-
served in the Constitution, destroy the
very escence of our nationality and tend
to coerce social miscegenation, a cause
moro deplorable than war, famine or pes =
thence.
In view of this disregard Of the Consti-
tutional limitations for legislative power,
and its consequent evils, the President re-
minds Congress of the superior benef-
cence of constitutional rule which has
made this country the home of the op-
pressed, the glorious land of civil and re-
ligious liberty, and implores !: with the
pathos Of a patriot not to substitute for
its wise provisions, the feelings and wis
dom of a partisan faction, actuated by
feelings of envy and hate.
1t cannot be that any citizen who has
just idea Of his rights under the Constitu-
tion of his country--who desires to pre-
serve civil liberty for his children-can
hesitate as to his duty, nor fail TO be fired
with just and unappeasable indignation
Democratic principles based upon the
Constitution, and canons Of constitutional
Interpretation cannot change a. long IS
the Constitution remains.
But questions Go change. 1t is not
now question of Interpretation of the
Constitution, but question whether un-
written aigher laws shall ever ride and
nuiify It's plainest provisions at will. Our
opponents do not construe but defy and
trample on that instrument. They claim
the existence of pure aud imperial not
a constitutional Democracy, where the will
of the multitudes Of a section is the sole
higher law.
They seek lot merely to narrow the
lines Of State rights, and enlarge the limits
of Federal power but scof, at and deEy
States rights altogether and claim for
Congress supremacy over the States IN all
cases whatever. Under these grave cir
cumstances it is a crime to offer an oppo-
sition based on canons OF constitutional
Interpretation ouly.
The real issues, fundamental and essential
embrace contest for the Constitution, as
the supreme law for the Union immedi-
ately and unconstitutionally restored,
leaving all other questions to the subse-
quent arbitrament ana decision OF the
States and the people.
The passage OF the Civil Rights Bill
is the most terrible blow to the general
Dft hat 10
nuity of devils incarnate could originate.
1t simply elevates the negro and prostrates
the white man that is all and nothing
more, yet what momentous results Will
this change produce! It's passage over
the Presidents Veto, and its acceptance
by the people will encourage Congress in
usurpation. The power thus obtained,
will be used for its own aggrandizement
Its interest. to which principle is yielded,
will prompt Congress to refuse represent
tation, by which its power would be effect
ually crippled, until the grand object of
securing permanent power and rule, is &C
comp!ished. Once in the possession OF
despotic power it is not IN their nature to
yield it without a struggle And to re
gain their Civil Rights it may be necessary
fol the people of the United States to
wade through seas of blood and witness
those scenes that attended the French
Revolution. Whether this be the case or
not it is certain that harmony and security
as a nation, and our happiness, prosperity
and liberty as individuals is secured only
by strict adherence to the principles OF
the Constitution and all laws enacted in
pursuance thereof.
S II. S.