The weekly register. [volume] (Point Pleasant, Va. [W. Va.]) 1862-1909, 1870-01-27

o portion If its eilizens Who ha1 TAKEN
up arms against its lawful authority: our
own Stale was yet 10 its infancy: much
Of lie territory Lad been lsId waste By
the wsr: its constitutional existence Yves
disputed, and it's sx'inc'ien threaten
ed :.
Under such circumstances, prompt
and decisive measures we're impsrsti7ely
demsuded, and those intrusted with su-
thotily did not hesitate to resort to them
These disabilities were not, however, in'
intended to Be perpetual, hut only 10 re-
main in force until oil danger to the pub
lie peace was pas; until those upon
whom they we're imposed gave evidence
that they accepted, 10 good faith. the re-
suit Of the war. and until the permausn-
cy Of the slato was Fixed beyond all
question.
These restrictions did DOT originate 10
a PiRdielivs spirit, nor hsgs they been
adhered 10 By any considerable number
Of persons for unworthy purposes. The
people Of The State have not required Of
those who either openly OF covsrtly re-
sisted It's authority. or gave asSisLanee to
the rebellion, any PREPARATION for the
pasI; but they had right 10 expect that
before these restrictions should be res
moved such persons should manifest
proper respect for The laws under which
they live, and give satisfactory ossuran-
ces Of peaceful intentions IN the future.
This is al that has ever been demanded.
You cen delstmtae, after an examination
Of The facts before you, whether or not
IhesecondiiioDs have been compiled with.
am gratiied 10 be abletO state that 10
most Of the eouaiies, where. during and
after the war, The Federal and Sale su.
lhorilios were resisted, good order now
prevails, and the laws are respected and
obeyed lresret that in few Of these
contties there still fingers among some
Of the people remnant Of that turbulent
spirit so fruitful Of violence and anarchy
during the war. There is strong reason
10 believe that this spirit Of lu"lcssness
would soon disappear we're not the worst
passions Of the thoughtlesS and rGckles
frsquootIy appealed to by men OF ipau-
ence to subserve merely selfish and par.
lizan purposes; for the people Of no.
State are better disposed or more Law
abiding than our own.
II IS not Just policy to continue 10
our midst class deprived Of the priyi>
lrges Of citizenship. unless "ths public
welfare clearly demand it; morris tia wise
policy to confer or restore these priViIog'
es where there is good reason 10 appre
bend they would b. used to the injury
Of the State or The subversion Of its
laws. Have the passions, hStreds and
false theories which prevailed during the
war so far disappeared that We may
safely re-invest with all the attributes
Of citizenship those who voluntarily
participated 10 rebellion! Is the policy
Of restoration inauguta'ed by the Gene
rel Government, aud which is intended
10 harmonize all interests, destroy all
caste and sectionOlism, and make oil
men equal before the law, 40 reversible
fact? And is there evidence Of an hon
est intention on The part OF the disfran
chised in our Stale 10 accept it as irrevo'
cable and final? If the temper Of those
who aided the rebellion is such as 10
give on affirmative answer to these in
quiries, then the lime has come TO adopt
soms plan for restoring to this class the
exercise Of the privileges from which
they arc now debared.
There seems to be very general con
yiction in the minds Of the people that
the acts imposing what are known as the
attorneys aud teachers lest oalhs should
DO repealed Numbers Of persons en-,
gagged in these professions have aIready
been relieved from their operation. In
view Of this fact, and the remoleness Of
the circumstances which OF first required
the passage ftiie laws. their conrinu.
ance in the case Of remaining individu'
ais seems to be inexpedienl. there.
fore recommend their repeal. There
are jumpers Of citizens in whose iudg.
ment l have great confidence who be-
lisve that the time has not yet come Tor
the repeal OIL what is known as the suit.
ors' test oath; still think the wisdom
Of it's further continuance on the statute
book is questionable; i. is comparative.
ly imperative. and besides, ii would
seem that the necessity for it has, in
great measure, passed away.
Upon the question Of amending The
Constitution so as 10 restore the privil.
eyes Of citizenship to those DOW disfran-
chised, there is much difference of opins
ion; the only differences, however, as
general thing, are as to the mode and
time OF restoration. as there are but
F. L.. L