The tri-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1866-1868, 1867-12-17
~ For the Standard.

MEssRs EDITORS The subject of petit
tioning Congress to- remove the disability
from loyal men who are disqualified for hold
ing office by the Constitutional amendment
is one which trust will receive the earnest
attention of the loyal masses at the earliest
possible moment.
This class includes many of the best men
in the State. 1t was undoubtedly the inten-
ton of the majority in Congress that they
should be relieved from the disability as
soon as it was possible to obtain correct in
formation on the subject. l think the late
canvass has sufficiently demonstrated who
are, and who are not in hearty accord with
the Congressional reconstruction measures.
1t will be remembered that the committee
On platform reported q resolution on this
subject to the Republican Convention of the
4th of September last 1t was think, the
first resolution considered by the committee
and received nearly the unanimous vote
thereof But by some unaccountable mis-
hap, the chairman of the committee presen-
ted this as the last of three sets OF resolu-
tions, which caused its defeat such at least
is my opinion. | am aware, however, that
had that resolution came alone from the
committee, it would have met with some OPP
position. l was greatly astonished that
measure so Just and SO necessary could meet
| with any opposition from loyal men.
| NV establishment induced me to take some
pains to learn the cause of this opposition.
70 this end 1 have conversed with some
whom know to be most decidedly opposed
to the consideration of the resolution. In
| vestigation has satisfied ME that the opposi-
ton arose principally from Il misapprehen-
sion both us to the resolution and as to the
action necessary to be taken by Congress in
the removal of disabilities.
I fif,I ~ hat
cessary to alter or repeal the law, and that
we who are agitating the question are labor
ing to that end. Notwithstanding the abb
surtlty of this idea, it is we'll fixed in the
minds of some very intelligent people. This
believe to be the chief ground of objec-
ton to the movement. l therefore feel con-
fident that if the loyal masses were made
intelligent as to the manner in which the
law itself provides for the relief of such as
are unjustly affected by it, and also those
who by their future course may evidence
their loyalty; there would be unaninnty
of sentiment in favor of asking Congress to
relieve from disability all who have shown
themselves clearly on the side of liberty and
law
1t is evident that it was not the design of
Congress to disfranchise loyal men, but in
framing that clause of the constitutional
amendment it was found impossible to avoid
it. Hence, to relieve this class, wise and
generous provision was made, and that so
made as not to effect the law or its opera
ton upon any who remain incorrigiblc.-
Congress cannot repeal this law if it would
1t has gone beyond the reach of that body
Three-tourths of the adhering States have
ratified it. Others, as they are restored. will
do the same, and then it will be the organic
law of the land. To alter it would require
another amendment to the Constitution
The way to be absolved from its effects is
plain. We have, in this State the machine
ry by which every true man in the State who
is DISTINGUISHED may he recommended to
Congress to be relieved in less than months
time, and that without incuring the danger
of recommending any who are unworthy
The Republican Executive Committee are in
direct communication with the Congression-
al Committee. We have our County Com
mittees which also have their precinct COM
mittees. BY these they can obtain correct
information and put the Executive Commit
tee in possession of the same If the Exec
utive committee are only half as radical as
they are charged with being, there is no dan
ger OF their recommending any who are not
loyal.
By presenting the names of the persons to
be absolved without petition, there could be
no doubt in case the petition be granted as
to whom the action of Congress applied
1 am doubtful whether Congress will act, ex-
cept when the person or persons to be re-
lieyed be named and recommended by par
ties in whom it has confidence
Even should we make no petition to Con-
gress until the sitting of the Convention, it
will, in my view, facilitate matters to obtain
all possible information before that time.
j. w. H.
Fayetteville, Dec 11th 1867.