The Plymouth weekly Democrat. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1860-1869, 1868-03-26
THE POLITICAL SITUATION.
An Able Document for the Times,


an abler document than the following ad-
dress adopted by the democratic conVen-
tion of West Virginia. The address en-
bodies, with remarkable brevity and pow
er, an exposition of the unconstitutionality
aud revolutionary policy of the radical
party. 1t is document which should be
In the hands of, and read by every Amer
lean citizen. Read and give it to your
neighbors. 1t is beyond all question the
best political document of the times:
To the people Of Vest Virginia:
We invite your attention to review of
tn. general political situation, its evils, and
their remedy.
Since 1861 the harmony Of the nation
has been sadly disturbed. For four years
of the intervening time the interruption of
the peaceful relations was due to state
of war. The practical disunion existing
since 1865 is referable to course of con-
gressional action, wicked in motive, ille-
gal in character, and ruinous in result.
While the war for the union was in
progress its successful issue was anticipated
as the guaranty Of prompt reunion and
was the aim of patriotic effort in the field,
the object of solemn pledges in the halls Of
congress, and the confident expectation of
the masses of the people.
The war has long since ended. The
rebellion has long since been crushed
Every obstacle placed by southern move
nent III the way of the nations unity has
long since been removed
Nevertheless. disappointment waits up
on the peoples wish. The pledges OF con-
gress have been repudiated. The triumphs
Of Our armies have been neutralized, and
the purpose of the brave men who secured
them have been shanefully defeated
A dissolution more disastrous than that
now existing betw cen the southern states
aud the federal government could scarcely
have been brought about by the success
Of the rebellion.
A condition of affairs so much at vari-
ance with the wishes and interest of the
people of our entire country demand a
reference to the acts and aims of those
who produced it.
For more than two years the southern
states have desired to renew their old re-
lations with the government
Con5ress has constantly prevented this
resumption.
They are entitled to be restored up.
on the basis of the federal constitu-
ton.
Congress has confessedly thrown aside
that instrumen: and obstructcd restoration
with terms aud conditions of its own pic
scr;bing.
Affecting to desire the perpetuity of the
republic, it has made deadly assault upon
republican institutions.
Protesting TO aim at the salvation of the
union it has wrought the destruction Of
ten of the states.
The right of each state to regulate its
own internal affairs, enfranchise its own
voters. and choose its own rulers and law
makers is as sacred as our constitution.
and as indestructible as our government.
Without it republican liberty is worth
less, for when the people cease to be free
citizens of the states they become the sub.
jects of unlimited and irresponsible fcder-
al power.
When congress abolished the local gov
ernments of the south it violated vital
principle in our system.
When it erected military cstabli shments
IN their stead 1t introduced the most abom-
Unable feature of despotism.
In further pursuance Cf its purposes,
congress has thrown the political power Of
the south into negro hands.
To assure this result it has di '-.nchised
the white population by hun Ire ethous-
ands
Enfranchising the blacks, it has ma l,
voters of the ignorant, the vicious, and til.
brute Legislators of those who regard lib.
erty as license, and law as the instrument
of revenge and rulers Of class whose
ideas OF government, ike their notions of
religion, tend directly and inevitably tc
barbarism.
Having given the negro the right tc
vote and the power to rule congress con.
fesses his incompetency for either by in.
slsting that the bayonet of the soldier, the
disfranchisement Of the citizen, and the
subversion of the freedmen's bureau are
necessary to sustain him in his new rela-
tions.
BY such declarations tho dominant mar
ty would justify the coun.enance of mill
tary despotism erected within the southern
states.
Before we sanction this iuiquity, let US
examine the results.
1t found the governments in successful
operation it abolished thos, governments
and made the will of br; Ter general,
supreme for all purposes.
Southern elections are ordered. super.
vised and approved or set aside by distric
commanders
Southern justice is what the bavone,
may provide.
Southern law is what the sword NAV
decree.
Southern peace is the patient submission
oi conquered people; a peace threaten
ed by impending negro Instructions
which white secessionists are inciting
and liable at any moment to disarpea
before the terrible tumult of social an
archy.
The military governments found bus;
ness reyivino and enfarnr;s. .,.