The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1867-03-12


When it ceases to be the rule OF our conduct we
NAV perhaps take choice between complete
anarchy consolidated despotism, and total dis
solution of the Union but national liberty reguiaeo
by law will have passed beyond our reach.
It is the best frame of government the world ever
saw No other is, or can be so well adapted to the
genius habits or wants of the American people,
Combining the strength of a great empire Win |
nnsneskable blessings of local self government
ha wing central power to defend the general inter-
ests and recognizing the authority OF the state as
the guardians of industrial rights, Is "the sheet
anchor of our safety abroad and our peace at nome
It was ordained "to form more perfect union, es-
tablish justice, insure domestic tranquility promote
the general welfare, provide for the common de-
Tense and secure the blessings OF liberty TO ourselves
and to our postery" These great ends have been
attained heretofore and will be again, by faithful
obedience to it, but they certain to be lost If we
treat with disregard its several obligations.
1t was to punish the gross crime of defying the
constitution and to vindicate its supreme authority
that we carried bloody war of four years dura-
ton. Shall now acknowledge that we sacrlhceo
million of lives and expended billions of treasure
enforce constitution which Is not worthy OF re-
spect and preservation
Those who advocated the right of secession al
legged in their justification that we had no
regard for law and that their rights of property life
and liberty would be safe under the constitution
as administered by If we now verify their as
settion, we prove that they were in truth and in
fact fighting for their liberty, and instead of brand
ing their leaders with the dishonoring name of
traitors against a righteous and legal. government
elevate them in history TO the rank of sefsacri
fcing patriots, consecrate them to the admiration
of the world and place them by the side of Wash
ington, Hampden and Sydney No let US leave them
to the infamy they deserve, punish them as they
should be punished, according to law, and take
upon ourselves share of the odum which they
should bear alone.
1t is part of our public history which can never
be forgotten that both Houses of Congress, in July
1861 declared in the form of a solemn resolution
that the war was and should be carried on for no
purpose Of subjugation, but solely to enforce the
constitution and laws; and that when this was yield
ed by the parties in rebellion the contest should
cease with the constitutional rights of the States
and of individuals unmpaired. This resolution was
adopted and sent forth the world unanimously by
the Senate and with only two dissenting voices in
the House. 1t was accepted by the friends of the
Union in the South, as well as in the North as ex-
pressing honestly and truly the object of the war
On the faith of it, many thousands Of persons in
both sections gave their lives and their fortunes to
the To repndiate it now by refusing to the
States and the individuals within them the rights
which the constitution and laws of the Union would
secure to them. is breach ofour pghted honor for
which can imagine no excuse, and to which can
not voluntarily become party.
The evils which spring from the unsettled state
of our Government will be acknowledged by all
Commercial intercourse is impeded, capital is in
constant peril public securities huctuate in value,
peace itself is not secure, and the sense of moral
and political duty is impaired. To avert these
calamties from country, it is imperatively re-
quired that we should Immediately decide upon some
course of administration which be steadfastly
| adhered to. am thoroughly convinced that any
settlement, or compromise, or plan of action when
is inconsistent with the principles the constitution
will not only be unavailing bu: mischievous; that
it will but multiply the present evils instead of re-
moving them. The constitution in its whole integ-
rity 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
choice between that and any other. believe that
it contains the remedy 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" and that "no State, without its
consent shall be deprived ofits equal suffrage in the
| Senate" Each House is made the Judge of the
| elections, returns, and qualifications of its own
members" and may, "with the concurrence of two
thirds, expel member" Thus, s.hereofore urged,
"in the admission of Senators and Representatives
from any and all Of the States there be just
| ground of apprehension that persons who are dis
loyal will be clothed with the powers Of legislation;
for this could not happen when the constitution and
the laws are enforced by vgant and faithful Con-
| gress." "When Senator or Representative pre-
sents his certificate of election he may at once be
admitted rejected; or, sEould there be any ques-
ton as to his eligibility, his credentials may be re-
erred for investigation to the appropriate commit
| tee. If admitted to a seat, it must be uponevdence
satisfactory to the House of which he thus becomes
member. that he possesses the requisite constitu-
! tional and legal qualifications If refused admis-
sion as member for want of due allegiance to the
| Government. and returned to his constituents, they
aGmonished that none but persons loyal to the
United States will be allowed voice in the Legis
ative Councils Of the Nation, and the political power
and moral influence of Congress Thus effectively
exerted in the interests of loyalty the Government
and fidelity to the Union" And il it not far better
that the work of restoration should be accomplished
by simple compliance with the plain requirements Of
| the constitution, than by recourse to measures
which in effect destroy the States and threaten the
subverson Of the general Government? All that is
necessary to settle this simple but important ques-
ton, without further agitation delay, is will
ngness the part of all to sustain the constitution
and carry its provisions into practical operation. 1t to-
morrow either branch of Congress would declare that.
upon the presentation of their credentials, members con
sttionay elected and loyal the General Government,
would be admld to seats in Congress, while all others
would be excluded and their places remain vacant until
the selection by the people Of loyal and qualified pesons
and il, at the same tme assurance given that this
policy would be continued until all the States repre-.
seDted in Congress, would send thrill Of JOY through
the entire land, indicating the Inauguration OF
mind.
While are legisIating upon subjects which are Of
great Importance 10 the whole people. and which must
affect all parts Of the county, only during the life Of
the present generation but for come, should
remember that all men entitled least a hearing in
The council which decide the destiny OF themselves
and their children AT present ten States denied
resentaton, and when the FOrteth Congress assemblies
on the fourth day OF the month"; sixteen States will
be without voice in the House OF Representatives. This
grave ac with the important questions before us, should
induce US to in course of legislation which, look
ing solely the attainment Of political ends fails
sder the rights it ransgresses the law which violates,
ANDREW JOHNSON.
Washington, March 2, 1867.
Notwithstanding the objections of the President
the Bill passed The Senate by 80 to 10-and the