Western Reserve chronicle. [volume] (Warren, Ohio) 1855-1921, 1867-01-23
na~The idea. deemed violently radica

pTThe idea, deemed violently radical
not long since, that three-fourths of the
States represented in Congress have full
legal power 20 ratify an Amendment to
the Constitution, seems now to be obtain
ing ever in conservative quarters. To US
it seems the only safe and consistent theory
to venture upon. If the States represen-
ted in Congress do not constitute the
legislative branch of the Federal Govern
ment, capable to make all needful laws,
then have we been for five years without
q Federal Government. Republicans re-
gard the loyal States the l~egitimately
ruling power in Federal legislation, and
while the Democrats may carp at the
theory, they practically assent to it. Has
any Democratic embero Of Congress, elect,
refused to take his seat because he regard
ed the Congress, composed of members
from loyal States only, as an Illegal body ?
Not one. If then the loyal States are the
true constituent elements of the General
Government, they have an unquestionable
right to mould and establish its fundamen-
tai law. Hence it is a mere act of grace
TO ask the late rebellious States to ratify
the Amendment. Their approval or dis
approval amountst to nothing, further than
Indicating their temper. Their hostility
to the Amendment can not kill 1t, provi
ded three-fourths of the States represented
in Congress approve it. Why ~shouldthose
who dislike this Government have the
power of life and death over it, or any
part of its vital framework? The true,
safe and sensible plan is, now that the
work of reconstruction has been rendered
necessary and unavoidable, that itshould be
done conformably to the conscience and
Judgment Of the Northern States-the tried
advocates and supporters of freedom and
the Union. The bitter experience of the
late four years of war should teach the
Nation the fatal danger of making eoneil-
iatory compromises with error, arrogance
and injustice. We should not compromise
an iota, but insist on the c~learest, fullest,
highest, broadest and deepest recognition
of personal rights and liberty compatible
with the stability and harmonious work
ing of the Federal Government. We
have conquered the advocates of Oppres-
sion BY the stern test of arms; let US not be
conquered and enslaved in the not less
glorious conflict of ideas now going on be-
tween selfish, cowardly Conservatism and
free-hea<ted, manly Radicalism. We do
not think the Constitutional Amendment
is sufficiently Radical. 1t is a compromise
of Northern conscience 10 Southern in
fuence. The Democratic party is a South
ern institution, and Conservative Repub-
licans are corrupted by the same inslduous
power that rules the Democracy. This
fell spirit buIlied and awed Congress at its
last session into the very moderate terms
of the Constitutional Amendment. 1t was
offered the South IN a meek, submissive
tone, as if its authors were In doubt as to
its fairness, justice and ~expediency, and
caused Southern politicians to at once take
courage, and dare to declare their con-
tempt for the effeminate proposition. and
they now demand full participation IN the
privileges Of the Government without a
single added qualifying condition. North
ern men are beginning TO see that they
made a blunder in allowing the Secession
ist 10 have a voice in amending the Con-
stitution. 1t will probably prove a fortu-
nate blunder in the end, as did the first
Bull Run fight, and give a more decided
character to the contest, forcing the nation
10 a more radical policy.