Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1866-12-07

sanction an assumption SO incompatible with
the nature of our republican system and with
the protested objects of the war. Throughout
the recent legislation Of Congress, the unde-
niable fact makes itself apparent, that these
ten political communities are nothing less than
States of this Union. At the very commence
ment of the rebellion, each House declared,
J, with unanimity as remarkable as it was sig
nifcant, that the war was not "waged, upon
our part, in any spirit Of oppression, nor for
any purpose of conquest or subjugation, nor
purpose Of overthrowing Or interfering with
the rights or established institutions of those
States, but to defend and maintain the su-
premacy Of the Constitution and all laws made
in pursuance thereof, and to preserve the
Union with all the dignity equality land rights
OF the several States unimpaired; and that as
soon as these objects" were accomplished
the war ought to cease" In some instances
Senators were permitted to continue their leg
islative functions, while in other instances
Representatives were elected and admitted to
seats after their States had formally declared
their right to withdraw from the Union, and
were endeavoring to maintain that right by
force of arms All Of the States whose peo-
pie were in Instruction, as States were in
cluded in the apportionment Of the direct tax
of twenty millions of dollars annually laid
upon the United States by the act approved
9th August, 1861. Congress. by the act of
March 4, 1862, and by superintendent of
representation hereunder, also recognized
their presence as States in the Union; and
they have, for judicial purposes, been divided
into districts, as States alone can be divided
The same recognition appears in the recent
legislation in reference to Tennessee which
evidently rests upon the fact that the func-
tons of the State were not destroyed by the
rebellion. but merely suspended and that
principle is ofcourse applicable to those States
which, like Tennessee, attempted to renounce
their places in the Union
The action Of the Executive Department
of the Government upon this subject has been
equally definite and uniform, and the purpose
of the war was specifically stated in the Proc
lamation issued by my predecessor on the 22d
day of September, 1862. TWAS then solemn
ly proclaimed and declared that hereafter, as
heretofore, the war will be prosecuted for the
object ofpracticall y restoring the constitution
alrelation between the United States and each
Of the States and the people thereof, in which
States that relation is or may be suspended
or disturbed"
The recognition of the States by the Judi
cial Department of the Government has also
been clear and conclusive in all proceedings
affecting them as States, had in the Supreme,
Circuit, and District Courts.
In the admission of Senators and Repre-
sentatives 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 powers of legislation; for this could not
happen when the Constitution and the laws
are enforced by vigilant and faithful Con-
gress. Each House is made the "judge of
the election. returns, and qualifications of it's
own members, and may" with the concur
renee of two thirds, expel member" When
Senator or Representative presents his GER
tlicate OF election, he may at once be admit
ted or rejected; or, should there be any ques-
ton as to his eligibility, his credentials may
be referred for investigation to the pppropri-
ate committee If admitted to seat, it must
be upon evidence satisfactory to the House
of which he thus becomes member, that he
possesses the requisite constitutional and le-
gal qualifications. IF refused admission as a
member for want of due allegiance to the
Government, and returned to his constituents
they are lmonished that none but persons
loyal to the United States will be allowed
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 Unionr Upon this ques-
ton, so vitality affecting the restoration Of
the Union and the permanently of our pres
ent form OF government, my convictions, here
tofore expressed, have undergone no change;
but, on the contrary, their correctness has
been confirmed by reflection and time. If the
admission of loyal members to seats in the
respective Houses of Congress was wise and
exppdient a 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 exclude them from representation, do
not see that the question will be changed by
the efiux of time. Ten years hence, if these
States remain as they are, the right of rep
resentation will be no stronger-the right Of
exclusion will be no weaker.
The Constitution of the United States
makes it the duty of the President to recon-
mend to the consideration Of Congress such
measures as he shall judge necessary or ex-
pedient." know Of no measure more imper-
atively demanded by every consideration of
national 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 exert most salutary influence in the
re-establishment of peace, harmony, and fra
ternal 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
nation and enable us to show to the world
the inherent and recuperative power of Gov
eminent founded upon the will of the people,
and established upon the principles of liberty,
justice, and intelligence. Our increased
strength and enhanced prosperity would ir-
refragably demonstrate the fallacy of the ar
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