Lewistown gazette. [volume] (Lewistown, Pa.) 1843-1944, 1867-01-16

war and how from the very ashes of old hatreds and
old parties the truth rises purified and triumphant
The contest between the Executive ana a SoheIess
twice elected by substantially the same sutfrages
contest anomalous in our experience as not 70
have been anticipated by the trainers OF the Natloha
Constitution has only served to develop the remark
abe energies of people, and 70 strengthen them
for future conflicts That contest is virtually decided
The victorious forces, physical and moral OF the
patriotic millions, simply pausing before they
perfect the work of reconstruction Twenty-six
States have not only been saved from the conhagra
ton of war; but have been crystalzed in the saving
The unrestored ten still disatiected and stil defiant
seem to be Providentially delaying their return to
the Union. that when they re enter upon lis oo
cations and its blessings they WIN oe the peteI apla
to fulfil the and enjoy the other Their condition
is fearful warning to men and nauohs' ana esPec-
Until slavery fell we did not fully understand the
value of Republican institutions. Accustomed 10 to
crate, and in many cases 10 deleLd slfNeIys We "u
feel that its close proximity so lar from assisting
gradually destroying our liberties; ana II was
only when rebellion tore away the mask that we saw
the hideous features of the monster that was eating
out the vItas of the Republic.
II we are now astonished and shocked at the exh-
bition of cruelty and ingrattude among those who
having naugurated and prosecuted causeless war
AGAINST a generous Governments and having been per-
mitted 10 escape the punishment they deserve,
once more arrogantly clarnorIng to assume control
Of the destinies of this great nation, how much
greater cause would we have had for surprise had
Slavery been permitted 10 increase and nlultiply'
Boast rs of our material and our moral
victories vet it not that there is no such thing
as q Republican government in the ten States that
began and carried the war; There Is not to-day,
Il
individual man are dehantIy trampled under foot
as in the sections which were supposed to have been
brought into full submission to the government OF
the United States. But the disease has suggested
ITS ProvIdentlal cure.
The abhorrent doctrine. that defeated treason shall
not only he magnanlmonsly pardoned outlntToduced
yet stronger privileges, because OF It's guilty ia-
ure seems to have been insisted upon, if to
strengthen the better and the contrasting doctrine,
that nation, having conquered its freedom Is its
own best guardian, and that those who were defeated
in honorable battle should be constrained to submit
to all the terms of the conqueror
The yiolators of the most solemn Obligations, the
nernetrators Of the most atrocious crimes in the
mails of time. the murderers of our heroic soldiers on
fields of battle, and IN loathsome dungeons and bar
hlrous prisons, theS lttst NOT Hf''' not ~
the council chambers of the nation to ad IN ITS egis
laton. control its dcstlnes, unless II shall toe on
conditions which Will preserve our institutions from
their baicfu purposes and influence and secure re-
publican forms OF government IN their purity and
vigor. in every section of the country.
That they ndiSpused TO accept such conditions,
is manifest from their aud even arrogant re-
lection OF the proposed amendments Of the national
C0nstItution-amendments which are believed, by
many and patriotic citizens aud statesmen, TO be
too mild and generous
They have. however, been fully considered by the
people during the late elections and approved 10y
mjOrities so large as to give them sanction which
it would he improper to either overlook or disregard
And certainly M view OF thi~ hto noHe OF TIE late
rebel States should be admitted to their former
practical relations to the General Government,
while they continue to oppose thrSe amendments
70 the Congress OF the United States the heartfelt
sympathies and overwhelming suffrages of the people
have been generously gwen They have fearlcssty
proclaimed their unequivUcaI VerGIct-"WELL DONE
coon AND FAITHFUL SERVANTS" Upon the deliberations
aud actions of Congress present interests and -
turc welfare all depend In its trmness and courage
the whole experiment of genuine rcpubcanstn Is m
dISsOlubly involved. That tins hrmuesS and courage
will be fully exhibited by its controlling maOrItIeS, in
the orignation and adoption of measures OF wisdom
and discretion more radical and decisive If ne
ceSsary than those Of the past entertain doubt
Such measures will meet with my cordial approval.
And | NAV well add, that while Pennsy lvanla will
cOntidc IN loyal Congress, she will not hesitate to
sustain II with her entire Influence and power
That in the administration "fthe government may
err Is only what should be expected from the nirm
tiles of the human mind; but enter upon the dis
charge of my responsible duties with firm resOlu-
ton to act with honesty and mparthty. trust my
VIII be regarded with charity and treated with
the genuenesS of magnanI nous forgiveness.
And | earnestly hope that my intercourse with my
feltuwcitIzens of the and House of RepTesen
tatiVes will be frank and cordial, that duties
q common constituency will be pleasantly and faith
ment are, with distinctive duties, never
thelcSs parts of one organized and well regulated
SYSTEM and cooperate or disagree. the interests
of the State will probaoiy be promoted Or retarded
fare of every citizen, mere party differences should
not be allowed to interfere with the maintenance OF
generous true and comprehensive public policy.
1t the Illu~trIOus Washington. equally diStin-
guished warrior and statesman, who gave utter
to the declaration that the prOptlous SMILES of
Heaven cannot be expected on nation that dIsre-
CARDS the eternal rules of order and right; and JEFF
fcrson, who asserted that whatever is morally wrong
cannot be politically right" These utterances ex-
press my deepest convictions of the rules and prnci
pies winch should permeate and control all govern
mehts. Let us, teUw-cltIZeHs. adhere to them, be
governed 10y them, and efforts Will be happily
united III surrounding the institutions of our State, s
well those of nation, with rampant OF truth
that viii repe the madness of ambition the schemes
of u~urpatton and successfully resist the changes
and agitatIOns OF all coming