The States and Union. [volume] (Ashland, Ohio) 1868-1872, 1868-08-12

WNOeos = y uOAg ttaDIC4OICe 1uIOuIus
but took . recess to meet again if its
partisan interests shall demand its re,s-
sembiing
Never before in the history of our
country has Congress thus taken a men
aciDg attitude towards its electors.
Under it's i~nluenc e some of the States
organized by its agents are proposing to
deprive the people of the right to vote
for Presidential Electors, and the first
bold steps are taken to destroy the
right Of suffrage. 1t is not strange,
therefore, that thoughtful men see in
such action the proof that there are,
with those who shape the policy of the
Republican party, motives stronger and
deeper than the mere wish to hold 20
litical power (; that there is. q dread Of
some exposure which drives them to
acts SO desperate aud so impolitic
Many of the ab'est leaders and journals
of the Republican party have openly
deplored the violence Of Congressional
action and its tendency to keep up dis
cord in our country.
The great interests of cur Union de
mand peace, order, and a return to those
international pursuits without which
we cannot maintain the faith aud honor
of our Government. The minds Of
business men are pcIplexed by uncer-
tainties. The hours of our laborers
are heightened by the costs of living
made by the direct and indirect exac
tious of Government. Our people are
harassed by the frequent demands of
the tax gatherer. Without distinction
Of party there lie q strong feeiipg in ia,
vor of that line of action which shall
restore order aud confidence, and shall
lift off the burdens which now hinder
and vex the industry of the country
Yet at this moment those in power
have thrown into the Senate chamber
and Congressional hall a new element
Of d:scord and violence. Men have
been admitted as representatives, of
some Of the Southern States with the
declaration upon their lips that they
can not live in the States they claim to
represent without military protection.
Those men are to make laws for the
North as we'll rs the South Those
men, who . few days since were be-
seeching as suppliants that Congress
would give them power within their
respective States. arc 10 day the con
~,rollers of the actions Of these bodies.
Entering there with minds filled with
questions and demands that Congress
shall look upon the States from which
they came as in conditions Of civil war,
that the majority of their populations,
embracing tn ir Intelligence, shall be
treated as public enemies aud be kept
up at the cost OF the people of the
North, aud that there shall be no peace
and order ut the South ave that which
is made by arbitrary power, every in
telligeu: ma K lows that they not only
earn their pr, sent positions by discord,
but that every motive springs from the
love Of power, of gain, of q desire for
vengeance, which prompts them to
keep the South in anarchy.
While that exists they are independ-
ent of the wills or wishes ftbeir fel
low citizens ; while confusion reigns
they are the dispensers OF the profits
and the honors which grow u Of a
Government of mere force. These
men are now placed in positions where
they can not only urge their views OF
politics, but where they can enforce
them when representatives shall be ad-
mitted in this manner from the remain
irg Southern States. Although they
will have in truth, no constituents, they
will have more power in the Senate
than a majority of the people of this
Univu h~iug in nine of she great States.
In vain members of the Republican
party protested against the policy that
led to this result.
While the chiefs of the late rebellion
have submitted to the result of the war.
and are now quietly engaged in useful
pursuits for the support of themselves
and their families, and are trying by
the force of their example to lead back
the people of the South to the order
and industry not only essential to their
we'll being, but to the greatness and
prosperity of our community, we see
that those without ability or influence
have been thrown by the agitations of
civil convulsion into positions OF honor.
Of profit, are striving to keep a i've the
passions to which they W their cleo
lion, and they clam ,rous!y insist that
they are the only friends Of our Union.
Proof Of that can only have sure
foundation in fraternal regard and a
Common desire to promote The peace,
the order and the happiness Of all
portions of our land.
Events in Congress since the 'ad,
jourhmeut of the Convention have
vastly increased the importance of o
political victory by those who are seek
ing to bring back economy, simplicity
and justice in the administration Of our
National affairs. Many Republicans
have heretofore chung to their! party,
who have regretted the extremes Of vi
olence to which it has run. they have
cherished n faith that while, the action
Of their political friends bad been mis-
taken, their motives he'd been e, cd
They must now see that the Republican
party is in hat condition that it can.