Wilmington journal., 1867-03-08

luton that the war was and should be carried OF
for no purpose of subjugation, but solely to Ell
| force the Constitution and laws and that when
this was yielded by the parties in rebellion, the
| contest should cease, with the constitutional
rights ofthe States and of individuals Inmpaired.
This resolution was adopted and sent forth "a the
world unanimously by the Senate, and With only
two dissenting voices in the House. It ac-
cepted by the friends of the Union IN the South,
as well in the North, as expressing honestly
and truly the object of the war. On the faith of
1t, many thousands of persons OF both sections
gave their lives and their fortunes to the
TO repudiate it now by refusing to the States and
to the individuals within them the rights which
the Constitution and laws of the Union would Sc
cure to them, is breach Of our blighted honor
for which I can imagine no excuse, and to which
cannot voluntarily become party.
The evils which spring from the unsettled state
of our Government will be acknowledged by alt
Commercial intercourse is 1nlpeded, capital IS in
constant peril public securities huctuate IN value,
peace itself is not secure, and the sense Of moral
and political duty is impaired. To aver. these
calamities from country, it is imperatively re-
quired that We should immediately decide upon
some course of administration which be
steadfastly adhered to. L am thoroughly, con-
vinced that anv settlement or compromise, or
plan of action which is inconsistent with the pru-
ciples of the Constitution will not only be un-
ayaillnS, but mischievous that II VIII but multi
ply the present evils, instead OF removing them.
The Constitution, i'll its whole integrity and Ylgor
throughout the length and breath Of the land, ~
the best Gf all compromises.
Besides, our duty does not, i'll my Judgment.
leave US choice between that and any other. L
believe that it contains the remedy that is much
needed, and that if the co-ordtna5e branches Of the
Government would unite upon lts provisions they
would be found broad enough "a strong enough
to sustain in time of peace the nation whc;. they
bore safely through the ordeal OF a pr"tracted
civil war Among the most sacred guarantees of
that instrument those which declare that
" each State shall nave at least representa-
tive, and that mo State, without it's consent
shall be deprived OF it's equa suffrage in the SEN
ate. 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 d member"
Thus as heretofore urged, III the admission
of Senators and Representatives from any and all
of the States, there can be no just ground Of APP
prehensiOn that persons who are di5loyal will
be clothed with the powers of legislation for this
could not happen when the Constitution and the
laws enforced by vigilant and faithful Con-
gress." ''When a Senator or Representative pre-
sents his certificate of election, he may at once
be admitted OF rejected OF, should there be any
question TO his eligibility, his credentials may
be referred for investigation to the appropriate
committee. Ii admitted to seat it must be up
on evidence satisfactory to the House Of which
he thus becomes member, that he possesses the
requisite constitutional and legal qualifications.
Ii refused admission as member for want OF due
allegiance to the Government. and returned to his
constituents, they are admonishcd 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 thus effectively cNerted i'll the inter-
ests of loyalty to the Government and fidelity to
the Union.
And is it not far better that the work of restn-
ration should he acc smplished by simple cOmpi-
ance with the plain requirements OF the Coustltu-
tiOn than by a recourse to measures which in
effect destroy the States and threaten the subyer-
sion of the General Government AL that is
necessary to settle this simple but important quea-
tiOn without further agitation delay is a will
ngness tho part of all to sustain the COnstitu-
ton and carry its provisions into practical opera
ton Ii tomorrow either branch of Congress
would declare that, upon the presentation Of their
credentials, members cOnstltutIOnally elected and
loyal to the General Government would be admit
ted to seats i'll Congress, while al others WOu q
be excluded, and their places remain vacant until
the selection by the people of loyal and qualified
persons; and if, at the same time, assurance
were given that this policy would be continued
until all the States were represented in Congress,
land, as indicating the inauguration of system
which must speedily bring tranquility to the pub
lie mind.
While lcgialatng upon subjec which
of great Importance to the whole people, and
which must affect all parts Of the country, not
only during the life Of the present generation but
for ages to come, should remember that all
men entitled at least to hearing in the coun-
ellis which decide upon the destiny of themselves
MED representation, and when the Fortleth Con-
gress assemblies on the fourth day of the present
month, sixteen States will be without voice in
the House of Representatives. This grave fact,
with the important questions before us, should
induce to pause in of Legislation which,
looking solely to the attainment Of political ends
fails to consider the rights it ransgresses, the law
which it violates, the institutions which it i'm
perils. ANDREW JOHNSON.
WASHINGTON. March 2, 1867.