Clearfield Republican. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1851-1937, 1867-03-14

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settlement, or compromise, or plan OF
action which is inconsistent with the
principles Of the Constitution will not
only be unavailing but mischievous,
that il will but multiply the present
evils instead of removing them. The
Constitution in is whole integrity
and vigor throughout the length and
breadth of the land is .he best OF all
compromises. Besides our duty does
not in my Judgment leave us choice
between that and any other. | believe
that il contains the remedy that is so
much needed, and that if the co-ordl-
nate branches of the Government
would unite upon its provisions, they |
would be found broad enough and
strong enough TO sustain, in time OF
peace, the nation which they bore
safely through the ordeal Of pro
tracted civil war Among the most
sacred guarantees d that instrument
are those which declare that "Each
State shall have, at least, one repre-
sentative" and that "no State, with
out its consent, shall be deprived OF
its equal suffrage in tho Senate.
Each House is made the "judge of the
elections, returns, and qualifications
OF its own members" and may "with
the concurrence of two-thirds eXpel a
member" Thus, us heretofore urged,
in the admission of Senators and Rep
resentatives from any and all the
States, there can be no Just grounds
of apprehension that persons who are
disloyal will be clothed with powers
oflegislation, for this could not happen
when the Constitution and the laws
are enforced by vigilant and faithful
Congress. When a Senator or repre-
sentative presents his certificate Of
election, he may at once be admitted
or rejected or should there be any
question as to his eligibility, his ere
dentials may be referred for investiga-
tion to the appropriate committee. If
admitted to a seat, il must be upon
evidence satisfactory TO the House OF
which he thus becomes a member, ! that
he possesses the requisite constitution
al and legal qualifications. If refused
admission rs a member for want Of
due allegiance to the Government, and
returned to his constituents, they are
admonished that none but persons
loyal TO the United States will be al
loved q voice in the legislative coun-
ellis of the nation, and the political
power and moral influence Of Congress
are thus effectively exerted in the in
terests of loyalty 10 the Government
and fidelity to the Union" and is it
not far better that-the work Of resto-
ration should be accomplished by sim
pie compliance with the plain require
ments OF the Constitution than by a
recourse to measures which in eiec.
destroy the States and threaten the
subversion of the General Government
All that is necessary to settle this
simple but important question, with.
out further agitation or delay, is a
willingness on the part Of all to sus.
tain the Constitution and carry its
provisions into practical operation.
If to morrow, either branch Of Con.
gress would declare that upon the
presentation Of their credentials, mem
bers constitutionally elected and loya
TO the general Government, would be
admitted to seats in Congress, while
all others would be excluded, and theil
places remain vacant until the selec
tioh by the people Of loyal, qualified
persons, and fiat the same time assu
rance were given that this policy
would be continued until all the Statei
were represented in Congress, it woulC
send thrill of joy throughout the en-
tire land, as indicating the inaugura
ton Of a system which must speedily
bring tranquility to the public mind
While we are legislating upon sub
jects which are Of great Importance t,
the whole people, and which mus
affect all parts Of the country, not only
during the life Of the present genera
ton, but for ages to come, we shoulC
remember that all men arc entitled a
least to hearing in the councils whicl
decide upon the destiny of thcmsclvc
and their children. AT present tel
States are denied representation, an,
when the Fortieth Congress assemble
on tho fourth day Of the presen
month, sixteen States win be withou
voice in the House Of Representa-
tives. This grave fact, with the i'm
portant questions before us, shoul,
induce us to pause in a career of legis
lation which, looking solely TO tn
attainment Of political ends, fails {,
consider the rights it transgresscs
the law which it violates, or the Con
stitulion which it imperils.
ANDREW JOHNSON.
Washington, March 2, 1867.