Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1866-03-02

The Committee retired, and, after short time,
returned and reported the following preamble and
resolutions, which, after an able and elaborate
speech in explanation of them by the Chairman
Hon. A. H. II. Stuart-on motion of Col N. G.
Hartman, were unanimously adopted:
PREAMBLE AND RESOLUTIONS.
On the 9Th day of May, 1865, the people Of Au-
gusta assembled in meeting at their Court
House, and adopted, by a unanimous vote, the
following resolutions:
Resolced, That we believe we express the
thorough conviction Of the people of Augusta
county, when we declare that opposition to the
authority of the United States, within this coun-
ty is at on end, and that there is no purpose on
the part of any of our people to attempt any re-
newal Of it.
Resolved. That the people of Augusta county,
recognizing the necessity of recognizing the
government of Virginia SO as to conform to the
Constitution and laws of the United States,
prepared to cooperate in good faith with the peo-
pie of other portions OF the State for that purpose
When the people of Augusta adopted these res
olutions, they. meant what they declared. They
comprehend the full import of the resolutions, and
of the obligations which they imposed and they
intended to announce their earnest and fixed pur-
pose to abide by and fulfill them honestly and in
good faith.
From that day to the present they have steadily
adhered to them, and have sought diligently to
discharge all the duties of peaceful and loyal cit
Acting in concert with other portions of the
State, they have sanctioned the amendment of the
Constitution of tho United States, abolishing the
institution of slavery. They have recognized the
invalidity of the ordnance of secession and Of all
the action Of the State authorities under or in
pursuance of that ordinance. They have repId-
ated all debts whether Confederate, State, or Mu-
nicipal, contracted for the purpose of aiding in
prosecuting the against the United States
They have reformed their civil and criminal code
go as to grant to freedmen every right and every
remedy necessary for the enjoyment of life, hber-
ty and property; and they have sought by ready
obedience to the laws and a prompt return to
peaceful pursuits to give the best assurance of
their desire to bury the past, and to restore rela
tons of amity between the hitherto discordant
portions of our country.
When the people Of Virginia had thus exhibited,
by their declarations and conduct, their desire to
resume their position in the Union, they felt that
they had right to expect that their sincerity
would not be questioned. Whatever errors Vir-
ginia may have been led into the world knows
that her honor remains unsullied. No stain of du-
pcity or falsehood rests on her escutcheon.
Nevertheless, individuals, claiming to be Fir
ginians, have been found who have sought to i'm
peach the sincerity of her profession; to question
her loyalty to the Union; to ask that her present
State government may be substituted by military
rule; and that she may be denied her just rights
under the Constitution of the United States.
we udEc 10 ucoIc " CANVASS INC IHOuFcS VI
purposes Of these unworthy sons Of Virginia We
willing to leave them to the reproachcs of their
own consciences, and to the odium which in all
ages and countries is attached to ingrates and
parricides.
That the rights of Virginia were suspended du-
ring the we will not deny. But we claim
that when the war ceased, and Virginia returned
to her allegiance to the United States and COM
piled with the terms prescribed by the President,
she WAS RENTED to and re-investcd with all her
- ixl N
tuition.
The people of Virginia have witnessed with sat
isfaction the gradual and prudent development of
the just, bcnefcient and statesmanlike policy of
President Johnson His whole conduct, in the
trying circumstan ccs in which he has been placed
has been distinguished by wisdom, bcnignity and
comprehensive patriotism.
Rising high above all gnoble considerations Of
sectional or party prejudice, he has shown himself
10 be the President of the Nation, and secured g
high place in the confidence and affection of the
people.
Impressed with these opinions, the people of Au-
gusta county have met together to-day to give ex-
preston in the most solemn and imposing form
10 their deliberate convictions on the several
points above referred to. Therefore,
Resoiued, by the people of Augusta county, in
mass meeting assembled,
That we soimnly rc-afirm the opinions express
ed in the resolutions adopted by the people of Au-
gusta county on the 8h day OF May, 1865, which
are in perfect harmony with the policy announc-
ed By the President IN his late Message to Con-
gross and we believe that those opinions meet the
approval of the great body of the people of the
State.
Resolred That Virginia, having returned to her
allegiance to the Federal Government. annued
her ordnance Of secession, abolished the insttu-
ton Of slavery; repudiated all debts incurred in
aid of the war; secured to freedmen all the rights
and remedies necessary for the protection of life,
liberty and property; and in other respects con-
formed her Constitution and laws to the organic
law Of the United States, in accordance with the
advice Of the President, is fairly entitled to full
restoration Of her rights as member of The Union,
including her right of representation in the Con-
grcss of the United States.
Resolccd, That all imputations, from whatever
source they may proceed the sincerity and
truthfulness of the people Of Virginia, in the pro-
fessions which they have made, of an earnest pur-
pose on their part to abide by, and faithfully per-
form every obligation and duty incumbent on
them loyal and true citizens of the United States
are false and calumnious, and justly expose their
authors to the rcbuke of all rght-thinking men.
Resolrea, That the system Of the policy pursued
by President Johnson, having for its object the
speedy reconstruction of the Union, and the res
to-ation Of friendly relations and commercial in
tercourse between the hitherto dscordant portions
OF our country, is elninently wise just concilia-
tory and patriotic, and if adhered to ard sustain
ed by coordinate branches of the government will,
at early day, restore harmony prosperity and
happiness to the whole people.
Resolrcd, That the firm and manly stand taken
by the President in opposition to the exercise by
Congress of powers not delegated to that body by
the Constitution, and their attempts by crude and
sil-advised amcndmendments to impair if not ut
sery to destroy, the organic law framed by
Washington, Madison, Hamilton and other faith
ers of the Republic justly entities him to the graf
itude, confidence and support of the American
people and we gladly avail ourselves of this oc
casion 10 tender TO him the ASSURANCE Of OLE cor.