Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1867-08-27
Reconstruction.

Reconstruction.
Whilst we claim to be good "Union men
in the true, proper, and constitutional ac-
ceptation of that term, and earnestly desire the
restoration of the Union on the basis OF the
constitution, we have been and are still opposed
to the people of the South giving their consent
to reconstruction upon the unconstitutional
terms proposed by the Radical Congress. With
the Memphis Aualanche, "we cannot conceive
how any Southern man can possibly support
the Reconstruction bill passed by the last Con-
gress. There is no expediency in doing so, I'M
less there be expediency in sending to Congress
worthless men, men who will misrepresent nine
tentbs of their constituents. 1t Is urged that
sometimes we are forced to do evil that good
may come out of it, but no possible good can
grow out of the support of measure which
subjects our people to degradation and shame.
Moreover, the Sherman act is as full OF uncon-
stitutionality as an egg is of meat, or honey
comb is of cells The Constitution prohibits
the suspension of habeas corpus at this time
the Sherman act suspends it. The Constitu-
ton prohibits er post tacto laws-the Sherman
act is an &c post facto law. The Constitution
declares that no one shall be held to criminal
prosecution except before jury-the Sherman
bill abolishes the right of jury. The Constitu-
ton prohibits unreasonable searches and sez-
ures-the Sherman bill allows them. The Con-
stitution declares that no person shall be de-
prived of life, liberty or property a0ithout dus
process of law-the Sherman act abolishes due
process of law. The Constitution declares that
no fact, tried by jury, shall be otherwise re-
examined, save by the rules of common law
a court-martial, where the rules of common or
any other law are unknown. All this is indis-
putable, and the only method by which Jaco-
bins, with brains in their heads get out of the
difficulty is, by declaring that the Constitution
is, pro tanto, abolished
In this connection, we quote few extracts
from the able speech delivered by the Georgia
Statesman, B. H. Hill, at Atlanta on the 10th
of July. Mr. Hill was a Union man before the
war who consistently and persistently opposed
secession, but, like most of the same class in
this State, was then and is still in favor of main
tanning our Constitutional rights. He says:
''They require every man who registers his
name to vote to sa0ear to support the COnstitt-
tion, and counsel and persuade others to do
so-and still it is said the Constitution has
nothing to do with it They say the scheme is
outside of the Constitution, and yet in the pro-
cess of carrying it out they require an oath to
support the Constitution and to counsel and
persuade others to do so. That is more than
Mr.. johnson ever required in the oath which
he prescribed.
1t is my business to support the Constitution,
and my duty and pleasure to persuade Others
to do so. Some of you who favor the accep
lance of the military bills take an oath to this
effect, and still intend to vote for convention
which you admit to be ordered contrary to the
Constitution How is this? Ii you have a
conscience, have said enough Ii you vote
for the convention you are PERJUREDr'
"But, O! it is sad to see the Constitution
to perpetuate their helish dynasty; and then
to see some of our own people join in this un-
holy work, calling upon US to submit and be-
come the agents Of our own dishonor! This is
sad, sorrowful, and fills me with shame
These bills propose at every step to abrogate
the nstitution-trample the State and its
laws-to blot out every hope-to perjure every
man who accepts them, with every principle OF
honor, justice, and safety disregarded, trampled
upon and despised-all to perpetuate the pow
er of their wicked authors. Can this scheme
succeed? Will it succeed? That is the ques
ton. [ feel truly thankful in my heart that !
have an answer which lifts my soul amidst al
the gloom and apprehension of the hour. Some
of you may not appreciate it, but to me it is
the only oasis in this desert This scheme vii
never, NEVER succeed, and [ proclaim its qlti
mate failure to-day in your hearing. I'm
bounded applause. [ know that some think
it will The air is full of the words OF those
who proclaim that there is no power to prevent
it. Men have before this been weak and fool
ish, and towards and traitors have before be
lieved as you talk now, but | have reason fol
the faith that is in me, which is absolutely sub
lime in the strength of its foundations.