The Daily clarion. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1866-1888, 1867-03-08

slavery forever within the jurisdiction OF
the United States, aud practically excludes
them from the Union. II this assumption
of the bill be correct, their concurrence can
not be considered as legally given, and the
important fact il made 10 appear that the
consent Of three-fouItlls Of tho Statea- the
requisite number) has not been constitu-
tionally obtained 10 the ratification Of that
amendment, thus leaving the question 81
slavery where Il stood before the amendment
was officially declared to have become q
part of the Constitution, That the measure
proposed by this bill violates the Constitu-
tion in the particular mentioned, and In
many ways is too clear to admit Of the least
doubt.
IL only remains TO consider whether the
Injunction of the instrument ought TO be
obeyed or not. think IL ought TO be obey
ed fol- reasons which will proceed TO give
as briefly as possible. In the first place II Is
the only system Of free government which
We can hope to have as nation. When II
ceases to be the rule Of our conduct
we may perhaps take our choice be-
tween complete anarchy, q consolidated
monarchy and total dissolution Of the
Union. But national liberty regulated by
law will have passed beyond orr reach. 1T
Is the best form of government the world
ever saw. No other is or can DO so well
adapted to tho genius, habits or wants of
the American people. Combining the
strength Of the great empire with the UNI
speakable blessing of local self-governments
having central power to defend the gem
eral interests and recognizing the authori-l
ty Of the State as the guardians of industr.-
al rights, 1t is the sheet anchor of our safety
abroad, and our peace at home, and was or
dained TO form q more perfect union, estab-
lish Justice, insure domestic tranquility,
promote the general welfare, provide for the
common defence and secure the blessings Of
liberty to ourselves and our posterity."
These great ends have attained heretofore,
and will DO again, by faithful obedience TO
il, but they are certain to be lost If we treat
with disregard its sacred obligations. 1t
was to punish the gross crime OF defying the
Consultation and vindicate its supreme
authority that we carried on bloody war
of four years duration shall We aclnowl-
edge we sacrificed million of lives, and ex-
pended billions of treasure to force q Consti-
tuition which Is not worthy of respect and
preservation. Those who advocated the
right of secession, alledged in their own
Justification, that we had no regard for law,
and that their rights Of property, life and
liberty would not be safe under the Consti-
tuition as administered by the United States
As we now verify their assertion, we prove
they were in truth and in fact fighting for
their liberty, and instead of branding their
leaders with the dishonoring name oftraitor
against righteous and legal Government,
we try to elevate them In history as self
sacrificing patriots, consccrate them to the
admiration Of the world, and place them by
the side of Washington, Hampden and sgd
ney. Now, let us leave them to the infamy
they deserve punish them as they should
be punished, according to law, and take up
on ourselves no share of the odium which
they should bear alone. 1t is part of our
public history which can never be forgotten,
that both Houses of Congress, in July, 1861,
declared in the form of solemn resolution,
that tho war twas and should be carried on
for no purpose of subjngation, but solely to
enforce the Constitution and laws, and that
when this was yielded by the parties in re-
bellion the contest should caeas, with the
Constitutional rights of the States and midi
viduals umimpaired." This resolu-
tion was adopted and sent
forth to the world unanimously
by the Senate, and with only two dissenting
voices in the House. 1t was accepted by the
friends of the Union In the South as well as
in the North as expressing honestly and tru-
ly the objects of the war. On the faith of
it many thousands in both sections gave
their lives and their fortunes to the cause.
States and individuals within them the
rights which the Constitution and the laws
Of the Union would secure to them, is q
breach of our plighted honor for which can
imagine no excuse, and to which / cannot
become party. The evils
which spring from the unsettled state of our
will be acknowledged by all
intercourse is impeded capital
is in constant peril, public securities auctu-
ate in value, peace itself is not secure, and |
the cause of moral and political duty is i'm
paired To avert these calamities from the
it is imperatively required we
should Immediately decide upon some course
IF administration which can be steadfast- |
y adhered to. am thoroughly convinced |
hat any settlement or compromise, OF plan
If action which is inconsistent with the |
of the Constitution, will not only |
Dc unavailing, but mischievous, that it but |
nultiplies the present evils instead of re-
moving them. The Constitution, in its
whole integrity and vigor throughout the |
ength and breadth of the land, is the best
# all compromises; besides our duty does
lot, in my Judgment, leave us a choice be-
ween that and any other. believe that it |
ontains the remedy that is so much needed,
nd if the coordinate branches of the Gov
would unite upon its provisions,
hey would be found broad enough and
trong enough to sustain in time of peace
he nation which they bore safely through
he ordeal of protracted civil war. Among
he most sacred guarantees of that instru-
rent are those which declare each State
hall have at least one representative,
nd that no State, without its con-
snt, shall be deprived of equal suffrage
4 the Senate. Each house is made
ldge Of the election returns and qualifica-
.f. -. xxr,k |
occurrence of two-thirds of its members, as
urged, agree in the admission Of
enators and Representatives from any and
Il the States. There can be no just ground
{ apprehension that persons who are dis
wal will be clothed with powers of legisla-
on. for this conld not happen when the
constitution and laws are enforced by a vigil
mt and faithful Congress. When a
enator or Representative presents his
,rtiflcate of election he may be 1
once admitted or rejected; Q
should there be any question of his eligibili- D
I, his credentials may be referred for investi- {
Ition to an appropriate committee. If adj I
tilted to q seat, it must be upon evidence |
tsfactory TO the House of which he thus
comes a member, that he possesses the re- ,
lisite Constitutional and legal qualifications; a
ID If refused admission as member for want a
due allegiance to the Government, and re- t
rned to his constituents, and admonished f
at none but persons loyal to the United $
ates will be allowed vote in the legislative
uncils OF the nation, the political power and n
nral influence Of Congress are thus effectively c
erted in the interests of loyalty to the Gov e
nmcnt and fidelity to the Union; and is IL not a
tier for that the work ofrestoration should h
accomplished by simple compliance with d
Q plain requirements,of the Constitution than Il
a resource to measures which, in effect,
stroy the States, and threaten subversion Of p
general Government? All that is necessary el
settle the simple but important question d
thout further agitation or delay is willing
IS on the part Of all TO sustain the Constitu- h
n and carry its provisions into practical fc
Grafton. II Tomorrow either house Of Con- te
sss would declare that upon the presenta- d.
n Of their credentials members constitution
Y elected, and loyal to the general Govern CT
mt swould be admitted to seats in Congress. al
Tile others would be excluded, and their 70
ICES remain vacant, until an election by fine te
lple Of the loyal States Of qualified persons, d.
I IL at the same time assurance were given
It this policy would be continued until all | Al
States are represented, it would send a la
i'll Of joy throughout the entire land, as In b;
ating the Inauguration Of a system which sc
st speedily bring tranquility to the public IN
nd. While we are legislating upon a sub III
which is of great importance 10 the whole
pie, and which must affect all parts Of the sn
ntry, not only during the lime Of the pres ar
generation, but for ages to come. We hi
uld remember that all men are entitled at do
t to a hearing in councils which decide
nf ~ | o.,