The Emporia news. [volume] (Emporia, Kan.) 1859-1881, 1867-07-05
LAwRENoE, June, e2l, 1867.

LAW hEHCEs IOOl.
MEssRs. PLUMB. HERITAGE AND FERGU
SON, COMMITTEES:
Gentlemen: Your communication Of
the 18th inst. conveying an invitation to
address the Soldiers of Lyon and a6join-
ing counties on the coming Fourth, was
duly received. Permit nae to express my
thanks for the honor conferred, aud for the
assurances of sympathy and esteem con-
tanned in your note.
Closely identified as I have been with
that class of our people who laid aside all
their personal and home interests aud pur-
suits, to grappls With a rebellion which
threatened to dismember our country, it
has been with feelings of pride that I
have been conscious Of being regarded by
them, while detracting nothing from my
duties and obligations to others, as pecu
liarly the representative of the men who
fought and conquered that rebellion. En-
tering the army as private soldier and
serving through the war in grades of com
mission which brought me in constant
contact with the men of the army, I
could not otherwise than be made &C
quaiDted and symPathize with their aspi-
rations. their wants, and interests, and it
has been with high degree of satisfaction
that have been reminded, in my place in
the Senate, that represent the Doblest
and most heroic constituency, in the ei
villains Of Kansas, as well as the soldiers
throughout the country, that ever fell 10
the lot of an American Statesman. Fail
ure, under ali ordinary circumstances, is
disgrace, but to disapPOint the hopes and
confidence of such a constituency. would
be deep and lasting disgrace indeed.
Much as desire TO meet with the many
old comrades who will gather at Emporia
on that day, and intensely as l would en-
Joy the reunion, am compelled TO fore
90 the pleasure. The recent acts of the
President have rendered session of Con
gress on the first OF July imperative, and
fearing that the general understanding
which existed at the last adjournment,
that there would be no occasion for such
a session, may operate to keep many away,
| deem it essential that every member
who appreciates the imminency of the
crisis hat the exceedingly ill-advised &C
lion Of the President has precipitated upon
the country, should be promptly in attend
ance on that day, as the failure. of one
member of either body to be present may
prevent the assemblags of q quorum, aud
consequently prevent the holding of a
session. certainly have no desire OF
} disposition to incur any such responsible
ity. The country is at this time in too
critical condition to permit Of failure
to bold session, upon any contingency
Whatever. The Law officer Of the Govern
ment. acting as the mouth piece Of tb'
President, has permitted himself to b
made az instrument for the complete uul
LITIGATION of ail the action of Congress FOL
the reconstruction of the rebellious States
By bis act, the whole work OF reorgani
zation, and of peace, has been turned
. back, and We find ourselves practically q
the starting point of two years ago. Thi'
is not to be submitted to for q moment
I am not willing that al the wounds aDc
! privations. and death of our comrades
shall Be rendered futile by any such mis-
cradle. not to say criminal. pettifOgging
Next 70 the act Of treason itself. this opin-
ion Of the Attorney General viii rank -
one of the greatest crimes to which th'
rebellion haa given rise. The country
: vas practically Al Peacs-ths work Of re
construction vas going forward in = mos