Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1867-03-14

WaI. OH tue LaitH VI ~ manly tHOuSdHuS
of persons in both sections gave their lives
and their fortunes to the cause. To repu-
date it now by refusing to the States and
to the individuals within them the rights
which the Constitution and laws of the
Union would secure TO them, is a, breach
Of our iplighted honor for, which I can
imagine no excuse, and to which [ cannot
voluntarily become party. q ks9fakN
The evils which spring from the unset
tied state of our Government viii be ac-
knowledged by ALL COMMERCIAL inter
course is impeded, capital is in constant
peril, public securities fluctuate In value,
peace itself is not secure, snd the sense OF
moral and political duty is impaired. To
avert these calamities from our country it
is imperatively required that we should
Immediately decide upon some course Of ad-
minlstration which can be steadfastly adj
hered to. I am thoroughly convinced
that any settlement, or compromise, or
plan of action which is inconsistent with
the principles of the Constitution will not
only be unavailiug, but mischievous that
If will but multiply the present evils, in
stead Of removing them. The Constitu-
ton, in its whole integrity and vigor,
throughout the length and breadth of the
land, is the best of all compromises. Be-
sides, our. duty does not, in my judgment,
leave US a choice between that and any
other [ believe that it contains the rem
edy that is so much needed, and that if the
coordinate branches. of the Government
would unite upon its provisions. they would
be found broad enough and strong enough
to sustain in time Of peace the nation
which they bore safely through the ordeal
Of protracted civil war. Among the
most sacred guarantees of that instrument
are those which declare that ."each State
shall have at least one Representative,
aud that no State, without it's consent,
shall be deprived of its equal suffrage in
the Senate" Bach House is made the
'.iudge ofthe elections, returns, and quail
iiications Of its own members" and may,
''with the concurrence Of |:two-tbirds, ex-
pei a. member y. Thus, as heretofore urg-
ed, Gin the admission of Senators and Rep
resentatiyes from amy and all of the States,
there can be no just ground Of apprehen-
sion that persons who are disloyal will. be
clothed with the powers of legislation; for
this could not happen when the Constitu-
ton and the laws are enforced by vigil
liant and faithful, Congress" ...When a
Senator or Representative presents his Ger
tifeate of election, he may at once be ad-
mitted or rejected; Or. should there be any
question as to his eligibility, his creden-
tials may be referred for investigation to
the appropriate committee Ifadmitted to
a seat, it must be upon evidence satisfacto-
ry to the House Of which be thus becomes
member, that he possesses the requisite
constitutional and legal qualifications. IF
refused admission as member for want of
allegiance to the Government, ard return
ed to his constituents, they are admouish-
ed that none but persons loyal to the Unit
ed States will be allowed voice in the
Legislative Councils of the Nation, and the,
political power and moral influence of Con-
gress are thus effectively eyerted in the
interests of loyalty to the Government and
fidelity to the Union. And is it not far
better that the work of restoration should
be accomplished by simple compliance
with The plain Requirements Of the Constitution than
by a recourse to measures which in effect destroy
the States and threaten the subversion OF the Sen
eral Government? All that is necessary to settle
this simple bat important question: without furth
agitation or DELAY. is a willingness on the part
ofail to sustain the G0nsttutionard carry its pro-
visions into practical operation. If tomorrow
either branch Of Congress would declare that, up
on the presentation of their credentials members
consitutonaily. elected and legal to the General
Government would be admitted teseats in Congress
while all Others would be excluded and their places
remain vacant until the selection by the people of
loyal and qualified persons and if, at the same
time. assurance were given that this policy would
be continued until all the States We're represented
in Congress it would send thrill Of icy through
out the entire land as indicating the Inauguration
of system which must speedily bring tranquility
to the public mind. ....... .t.. :i.-, 5.l,..-.
While we are legisatng upon subjects which are
Of great importance'to the whole people, and
which must affect all parts Of the country not on
ly during the lie of the present generation. but
for ages to come, we should remember that all men
are entitled at least to hearing in the councils
which decide upon the destiny of themselves and
children. At present ten States are denied repre-
sentation. and when the Fortieth Congress assem-
bles on the fourth day of the present month, six
teen States will be without voice in the Honse of
Representatives. This grave fact, with the i'm
portant questions before u.s. should induce us to
pause in course of legislation which. looking
solely TO the attainment of political ends fails to
consider the rights it transgrerscs, the law which
it violates, or the institutions which it mpers.
io ANDREW JOHNSON.
WAsHINGroN, March 2, 1867 .a1H3
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