The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1867-03-14


in value, peace itsslfis not secure, aud
The sense Of moral ard political duty i
impaired To avert these calsmities
from our country, isis-impcratively re-
quired thai we should Immediately do
eide upon some Course Of administration
which can be steadiastiy adhered 10. l
am thoroughly convinced that any set
Element, or compromise, or plan Of ac-
ton which is Inconsistent with Che prin-
ciplcs of the Constitution, will not only
be unayailiug but misehieyous; that il
will but multiply the present evils, in.
stead of removing them. The Consti-
tuition in It's whole integrity and vigor,
throughou. the length and breadth Of
the land, is the best of all compromises.
Besides, our duty does not. in my Judgment,
leave US y choice bctweenthat and any other.
believe that II contains the remedy.that is
so mucl, needed, and that il the coordinate
branches of the Government would unite
upon its provisions, they would be found
broad enough and strong enough TO sustain
n time of peace the nation which they bore
safely through the ordeal of a protracted
civil war. Among the most. saceed egaran.
ties of tbaefnstruineut are those which de-
clare that leach State shall have 81 least
one Representative, and that mo State,
without its consent, shall be deprived Of its
equal suffrage in the Senate" Each House
is made the Judge of the elections, returns,
and qualifications Gifts own members, and
may. with the concurrence Of two-thirds,
oxpel member" Thus, as heretofore
al al
Representatives from any and all of the
States, there can be no just ground OF apprc
hension that persons who arc dislqyal will
DO clothed with the powers Of legislation,
for this could not happen wnen the Consti
tuition and laws are enforced by vlgilant
and faithful Congress. " When q Senator
or Representative presents his certificate Of
election, he may at once be admitted or re.
jccted; on, should there be anv question ms
to his eligibility, his credentials may be re
terred Tor investigation TO the appropriate
committee. If admitted TO seat, i, must
be upon evidence satisfactory TO the House
Of which he thus becomes member, that he
possesses the requisite constitutional and
legal qualifications. II refused admission "a
a member for want Of due allegiance TO the
Government, and returned to his constitu
ents, they are admonished 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 ef.
tecuvey cxcrted in the interests OF LOYALTY TO
the Government and fidelity to the Union"
And is it not far better that the work 0f res.
toTation should be accomplished by simple
compliance with the plain requirements of
The Constitution than by recourse to mea.
sares which IN effect destroy the States, and
threaten the subversion OF the General Coy
ernment ! All that is necessary to settle
this simple but important question, without
further agitation or delay, is 4 willingness
on the part OF all to sustain the Constitution
and carry theproyisions into practical opera
ton. lfto.morrow either branch of Congress
would declare that, upon the presentation
Of their credentials, members constitution.
ally elected aud loyal to the General Gov.
ernment would be admitted to seats in Con
gress, while all others would be excluded,
and their places remain vacant until the
selection by the people Of loyal and qualified
persons; and IL, at the snnc time, assurance
were gwen that this policy wonld be contin.
aed until all the States were represented in
Congress, it would send thrill of ioy
tNAVHEhouN tiiS tAblt ihilNf rs lhulCnsing
the inauguration Of a system which must
speedily bring tranquility to the public mind.
While we are legislating upon subjects
which are OF great importance tn the whole
people, and which must affect oil parts of
the country, not only during the life Of the
present geueraiion, but for ages 10 come, we
should remember that all men are cntitled
at least to a hearing in the councils which
decide upon the destiny of themselves and
their children. At present ten States are
denied representation, aud when the For.
tIeth Congress assemblies, on the fourth day
OF the present month, sixteen States will be
without voice in the House Of Representa-.
tives.. This grave fact, with tho Important
questions before us, should induce us to
pause in course OF legislation which, look.
ing solely to the attainment OF political ends,
fails to consider the rights il transgresses,
the law which it violates, Of the institutions
which it imperils. ...s.r I'd
ANDREW JOHNSON.
WASHINGTON, March . 1857.