Weekly Calaveras chronicle., 1867-10-05
Traitors.

|
or what cause they have proven traitors TO-
are Stunned like the plague by all who art
not equally veusl with themselves, and theil
names are handed down to posterity linked
and branded with ineffaceable infamy. There
Is something SO revolving to the feelings in
the contemplation of the crine-such loath.
ing OF the causes which generally lead to it;
preparation, and it is such a gross outrage
of every principle of honor, Justice and hu.
man and divine law. that the man, opposite
whose name the word "traiter" is written
can never eface the oblouuy and disgrace
although he should endeavor to atone for his
sin by leading, subsequently, an irreproach-
able life, Treason stands in the same rela-
ZION TO human law that blaspheming the
Aoiy Ghost does to the divine; it is the un.
pardonaCle sin. Previous to the Inaugural
ton of the rebellion the annals of American
history contained the name of but one trail
tor-Benedict Arnold-a name stamped with
irfamy. the synonym of ignominy. remem-
bered only for the disgrace with which it is
connected, and spoken in derison and con-
tempt. Smarting under mistaken sense
of wrong and injustice. the possessor of un-
| governable passions and strong prejudices,
actuated rather by desire to revenge his
imaginary wrongs than a wish to inflict an
injury upon his country's cause, Arnold, in
an evil hour, committed the deed which cast
him from the highest pinnacle of fame, from
an exalted position in the opinions of his
compatriots, down to the deepest depths OF
infamy, loathed, scorned and detested, even
by those to whom he had sold himself. In
our opinion, treason, as crime, is compare
tive. He who proves recreant to the trust
confided to his keeping, false to his promises
and professions and derilict in every duty,
is traitor. Such an one may not become
amenable to the law, but he stands convicted
of treason in the opinion of every honest man.
Andrew Johnson, by the grace of J. Wilkes
Booth, President of the United States, has
evidently adopted Arnold for his prototype
and bids fair to render his name more infa-
nous than that of his illustrious original.
None were SO loud in their protestations of
loyalty to the Government, so persistent in
their denunciations of the rebellion and its
instigators. so constant in their demands for
"more vigorous prosecution of the war;"
and strenuous in their endeavors to secure
the adoption of radically severe measures for
the suppression of the instruction, as Mr..
johnson, previous to 1864. Anxious to con-
ciliate the Border States, rather than from
any belief that Johnson was fit for the posi-
ton, too confding people elected him to
the Vice Presidency. Shortly afterwards the
assassin's bullet elevated him to the Presi-
Dental chair. What has been his course
since he assumed that position Has he con-
Quoted the affairs of the Government in con-
sonance with his pledges and the principles
of the party which elected him: Not at all.
On the contrary he has violated his solemn
promises to the people, deserted his party and
is trying his best to betray his country. Ar
mold plotted to surrender fertilization into
the hands of q foe; he is called a traitor.
Johnson is striking at the liberties of ma
ton by endeavoring to place the reins of
Government in the hands of its bltterest and
most Unsuitable enemies. What is hes In
stead of being the Moses who was to lead
the enslaved blacks of the South from their
worse than Egyptian bondage, he has over
acted the role of Pharoah. and were it in his
power would again rivet the chains of slavery
upon their limbs. Failing in this, he is now
endeavoring to bind them hand and foot, to
shut them out from any protection of the
law. and denying them even the privilege of
self-defense, deliver them over to the tender
mercies of the rebel chivalry to be mobbed,
beaten, robbed, tortured, slaughtered and
slain, as the .heroes" of Fort Pillow may see
fit. The weight of public opinion will sink
Johnson deeper in the gulf of oblivion, with
the laundering tones of the voices of an
outraged and betrayed people for his rcqui-
UNI. than the king of Egypt was submerged
beneath the surging tides of the Red Sea.
AAAo "oo Oob tiAC pICioSC ~
The last session of the Thirty-ninth Con-
gress was stormy one. Not satisfied with
exercising the veto power against the recon-
struction measures passed by that body,
Johnson illegally attempted to prevent their
execution after they became laws. Alarmed
at the formidable preparations made to i'm
nPaph him in of ,% g,
now averred by good authority that he prom
ised Congress not to interfere with the exc
cution of the laws if that body would not
press the impeachment question. Urfortu-
nately for the country, the counsels of the
more moderate Republicans prevailed, and
johnson was permitted to remain in his high
position. Congress adjourned with this I'M
Outstanding. johnson. with customary
treachery, broke his promise Immediately
after. Under his direction, Attorney General
Stanberry wrote an opinion cutting the heart
out of the Military Bill. Reconstruction was
brought to dead lock. Sheridan, Sickles
and Stanton, men who represented the ideas
OF loyal people, have been removed. John
sons whole administration has been in direct
conflict with the wishes of the majority
which elected him, antagonistical to the best
interests of the nation, and is record of un-
paralleled deception, fraud ard treachery.
There is an "irrepressible conflict" between
the President and the Representative portion
OF the Government, and the impending
crisis is rapidly approaching Weighty
questions are awaiting solution by the peo-
pie. The sword may again take the place
of the ballot, and the mioht,- ;ssnos ;,,.o,,,o1