The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1867-03-12

tuition as administered BY US. If we now
verify their assertion. we prove that they S,
were in truth and fact fighting for their
liberty; and instead of branding their
leaders With the dishonoring names of
traitors against righteous and legal Gov
ernment, we elevate them in history as
self sacrificing patriots, and consecrate
them to the admiration of the world; and +
place them by the side of Washington,
Hampden and Sidney No, let US leave
ttem to the lnfamy they deserve. Pun
ish them as they should be punished ac-
cording to law, and take upon 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, dec Jared in the form of
solemn resolution, that 'the war was and
should be carried on for no purpose of
subiugation, but solely to enforce the
Constitution and laws, and thatWh this
was yielded by the parties in rebellion
the contest should cease, with the consti-
tutional rights of the States and individ-
uals unimpaired." This resolution was
adopted and sent forth to the world unan-
imously 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 ex-
pressing honestly and truly the objects of
the war. sOn the faith Of it many thou
sand persons in both sections gave their
| lives and their fortunes to the cause. 10
repudiate it now by refusing to the States
and individuals within them the rights
which the Constitution and laws of the
Union would secure to them, is a breach
of plighted honor for which | can imag-
inc no excuse, and to which cannot vol
UNFAIRLY become party. The evils which
spring from the unsettled state OF our
!, Government will be acknowledged BY all.
: Commercial intercourse is impeded, capl-
tai is in constant peril, public securities
r Auctuate in value, peace itself is not Sc
5 cure, and the sense of moral and political
, duty is impaired. To avert these calam-
tiles from the country it is imperatiyely
: required that we should Immediately de-
: eide upon some course of administrator Q
S which can be steadfastly adhered to.
!. am fully convinced that any settlement
or compromise, or plan of action which
e is inconsistent with the principles OF the
e Constitution, will not only be unavalline
d but mischievous, and it will but multiply
o the present evils instead of removing
v them. The Constitution in Its whole.in,
:, ttegrity and vigor throughout the length
/ and breadth of the land, is the best o!
n all compromises. Besides, our duty doe:
y not, in my judgment, leave us choice
e between that and any other. | believe
l. that it contains the remedy that is Sc
much needed ,and if the coordinate bran
4 ches Of the Government would unite upor
at its provisions, they would be found broae
as enough and strong enough to sustain il
IN time Of peace the nation which they borj
m safely through the ordeal of a protracte'
ne civil war. Among the most sacred guar
ID antees of that instrument are those whlc
or declare each State shall have at least on
m. representative, and that no State withou
te: it's consent shall be deprived of equs
lis suffrage in the Senate. Each house
Il made the Judge of the election return
ev and qualifications of its own member
ed and may, with the concurrence OF tw'
ial thirds, expel member. Thus, as her
tofore urged in the admission Of Senator
we and Representatives from any and all
ith these States, there can be no just grour
le- of apprehension that persons who a
ta- disloyal will be clothed with the powe
es- of legislation. This could not happ'
nst when the Constitution and the laws a
ss, enforced by vigilant and faithful 20
lch gress. When Senator or Represent
all tive presents his certificate Of election,
NAV be at once admitted or rejected,
ov- should there be any question OF his 9
ici- gibility, his credentials may be referr
nd for investigation to the appropriate col
sh- mittee. If admitted to a seat, it must
ion upon evidence satisfactory to the Hou
ex- Of which he thus becomes a member, tt
he possesses the requisite Constitution
,or- and legal qualifications. If refused .
sid mission as q member, for want OF due
and legiance to the Government, and return
hat to his constituents, they are admonIsh
tes. that none but persons loyal to the .Unli
,en- States will be allowedsa voice in the II
ton islative councils of the nation, and
1es- political power and moral influence
the Congress are thus effectively exerted
to the interests Of loyalty to the Cove
On. ment and fidelity to the Union. Anc
bill it not far better that tae work of resto
ular tion should be accomplished by sim
lear compliance with the plain requireme
: re- of the Constitution, than by recou
ions to measures which in effect destroy
d or States and threaten, subversion of
! for General Government? All that is net
Q as sary to settle the simple but import
question without further agitation or
stem Law, is a willingness on the part of al
,e toI sustain the Constitution and carry Its
be visions into practical operation. II
haps morrow either House of Congress wo
rchy declare that upon the presentation OF Il
total credentials, members constitution
onal elected and loyal to the General Cove
ssed ment would be admitted to seats in I
gress, while others would be exclu
t the and their places remain vacant until
n be selection by the people Of loyal
is or qualified person; and if, at the same tt
ming assurance were given that this po
, the would be continued until all the st
gov were represented, it would send Il
.fend of 10y throughout the entire land as
nf cuc