The Bedford gazette. [volume] (Bedford, Pa.) 1805-current, 1867-03-15

Constitution will not only be unavail-
ing but mischievous. 1t will but
multiply the present evils instead ofre-
moving them. The CONSTITUTION IN us
integrity and Vigor throughout the
length and breadth of the land is the
hest of all COMPROMISES, besides our du-
ty 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 if the CO.
ordinate 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 core safely
through the ordeal Of a protracted CIV
il war. Among the most sacred guar
antees 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 of its equal suffrage
in the Senate" Each House is made
the '.indge of the elections, returns,
and qualifications ofitsOwn members"
and may with the concurrence oftWo-
thirds expel a member" Thus, as
heretofore urged, in the admission OF
Senators and Representatives from any
and all the States, there can be no just
grounds of apprehension that persons
who are disloyal will be clothed with
powers of legislation, for this could not
happen when the Constitution and
the laws are enforced by vigilant and
faithful Congress. When a Senator or
representative presents his certificate
of election, he may at once be admitted
or rejected; or should there be any
question as to his eligibility, his ere
dentiaIs may be referred for investlga-
ton to the appropriate committee. II
admitted to a seat, it must be upon evil
dence satisfactory to the House of which
he thus becomes a member, that he
possesses the requisite constitutional
and legal qualifications. If refused adj
mission as a member for want OF due
allegiance to the Government, and re-
turned to his constituents, they are ad-
monished that none but persons loyal
to the United States will be allowed
voice,in the legislative councils OF the
nation, and the political power ana
moral influence of Congress are thus
effectively exerted 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 ofthe Con
stitution than by a recourse to meas
ures which in effect destroy the States
and threaten the subversiOn of the Gen
eral Government. All that is necessary
to settle this simple but important
question, without further agitation or
deIay. is a willingness on the part ofall
to sustain the Constitution and carry
its provisions into practical operation.
If tomorrow, either branch OfCOngre. 5
would declare that upon the preSenta-
ton ftheircredentials, members con-
stitutionally elected and loyal to the gen
eral Government, would be admitted
to seats in Congress, while all others
would be excluded, and their places
remain vacant until the selection by the
people of loyal, qualified persons, ana II
at the same time assurance were given
that this policy would be continued
until all the States were represented III
Congress, it would send a thrill ofjOy
throughout the entire land, as indica-
ting the inauguration ofasystem which
must speedily bring tranquility to the
public mind.
w IlIO we dlO lS5 lol6tOlhS NPCAA SN"
iects which are of great importance to
the whole people, and which must af-
feet all parts of the country, not only
during the life of the present genera
ton, 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 their children. at present ten
States are denied representation, and
when the Fortieth Congress assemblies
on the fourth day ofthe present month,
sixteen States will be without voice
in the House of Representatives. This
grave fact, with the important ques-
tions before us, should induce US to
pause in career of legislation which,
looking solely to the attainment Of po-
liticaI ends, fails to consider the rights
it transgresses, the law which it vio-
lates, or the Constitution which it i'm
perils.
ANDREW. JOHNSON.
WASHINGTON, March 2, 1867.