Brownlow's Knoxville Whig. [volume] (Knoxville, Tenn.) 1866-1869, 1867-10-09
The Situation Discussed.

i KNOXVILLE, Oct 10th, 1867.
Editors KtorrHe Wig:
To an observer the political horizon is truly por-
tentious; Maryland arming and evidently placing
herself upon war footing Kentucky nearly in a
state of open rebellion and newspapers advocating
Johnsons policy and his high-handed assumptions
of power, beginning to speak out boldly to the
course that will be pursued by the President in case
of impeachment, naturally excite feelings Of deep
apprehension as to future events Let us for a mo-
ment look at the matter calmly, if it be possible
First we have the majority in Congress, charged
with disregarding the sacred bulwark of our libsr-
ties the Constitution. 1t is always easy for the un-
scrupulous to make charges of the gravest character
But is it true should be the first enquiry First
Congress asserts that each house is the sole Judge of
the fitness and qualification of its own members.
So says the Constitution and DO power is given in
that instrument 10 either of the coordinate branches
of the Government to interfere in the question
Here Congress has only acted in strict accordance
with the powers given them by the Constitution.
But it is again said that this Radical Congress has
passed the Constitutional Amendment. Now the
very passage Of the proposed amendment is conclu-
sive evidence that Congress did not design in any
way to usurp to themselves power not legitmately
their own under the Constitution. Again, Congress
charged with passing other laws over the veto of
the President. This they had the full right and
power 10 do under the Constitution, the required
majority voting for them. Where then, is the al
legged usurpations Of power by the Radical Congress7
The answer where but in the fertile brains of
political party leaders, and the servile tools of cor
rupt Executive.
Let us then how the matter stands on the other
hand The President openly avows that Congress
shall pass laws for the reconstruction Of the
rebel States other than in accordance with pecu-
liar policy of his Was not this an attempt to
overthrow the Constitution itself, aud to make the
Executive branch the aIl-absorbing power in the
Government The President vetoed laws passed
by Congress and which in his veto messages he
charges with being unconstitutional. They were
passed over his veto, and became laws Yet what
do sec? Is it the President manifesting his re-
gard for the Constitution by enforcing those very
laws which he declared to be contrary to the pro-
visions of the Constitution In other words, enforc
ing what IN his expressed opinion was unconstitu-
tional and void
But it is said that the President will not interfere
with Congress until he is impeached and then they
may look out-that they will be turned out and the
Radical party e1tinguished. High and mighty Mr.
johnson, the Autocrat Of America is to issue his
edict, and 10, and behold not only the representa-
tves of tho people are to be thrust forth from the
halls of Congress but the Radical party are to be
held powerless before this political Goliah.
Does Andrew johnson forget that the people of
this mighty nation are nation Of fresmen, shd
stubborn their fathers in opposition To the estab
lishment of one-man-power in this Government. !
But it is said that in case of impeachment and an
attempt by Congress to suspend the exercise Of the
functions of President by Mr. johnson, that he will
immediately issue his proclamation declaring there
is Congress and ordering sn election; and il is
clearly ntimated that force will be used If neoes-
sary. Ye lovers Of the Constitution and of your
country look at it-thnk Of IT, Examine the Con-
sttuton carefully and you viii find that the Pres-
dent has such power bat the act would be one of
usurpation and Of treason against the Government
Now one Of two things is sure Either these
things are said and threatened, hoping thereby to
overawe Congress and prevent impeachment, or
else they are the shsdowngs forth of the real sent-
ments and intentions Of johnson and his CO
workers IL Mr.. johnson is innocent he would
court rather than shun investigation of bis con-
duct.
These thoughts and reflections have been called
iolh by an article in the Cincinnati Commercial AZ
inc 18th Of September, 1867 Let us all. then. he
"a 'ne lookout and watch as people Jealous Of the
'i0efliss q the country. Mr. johnson win find TN
f0OP,s lear him not. But it behooves US All 10 ,
sus'1 NgAlns' divisions amongst ourselves-remain
united and firm and the country i. s.fs