Fayette County herald. [volume] (Washington [Washington Court House], Fayette County, O. [Ohio]) 1860-1???, 1871-12-14
AMNESTY.

AMNESTY.
More than six years having elapsed
since the last hostile gun was fired be-
tween the armies then arrayed against
each-the one for the perpetuation, the
other for the destruction of the Union.
It may be considered whether it is not
now time that the disabilities imposed
by the Fourteenth Amendment should
be removed. That amendment does
not exclude the ballot, but only re-
quires the disability to hold Office of
certain classes. When the purity Of
the ballot is secure, majOrities are sure
to elect officers rejecting the views of
the majority. I do not see the al
vantage or propriety of excluding men
from office merely that they were, be-
| fore the rebellion, of standing and
! character sufficient to be elected to po-
sitions requiring Them to take an oath
to support the Constitution, and adj
mitting to eligibility those entertain
ing prec isely the same views, but Of
! less standing in their communities. 1t
may be said that the former violated
an oath, while the latter did not. The
latter did not have it in their power to
do so. If they had taken this oath it
cannot be doubted they would have
broken it, as did the former class. If
there are any great criminals distin-
guished above all others for the part
they took in opposition to the Gov
ernment, they might, in the Judgment
of Congress, be excluded from such an
amnesty. The subject is submitted
for your careful consideration The
condition Of the Southern States is un-
happily not such as all true patriotic
citizens would like to see. Social os-
tracism for opinions sake, personal
violence or threats towards persons
entertaining political views opposed
to those entertained by the majority of
the old citizens, prevents immigration
and the flow Of much needed capital
into the States lately in rebellion It
will be happy condition of the coun-
try when the old citizens of these
States will take an interest in public
affairs, promulgate ideas honestly en-
tertained, vote for men representing
their views, and permit the same free
dom of expression and ballot in those
entertaining different political con
victions.
Under the provisions of the act of
Congress approved February 81, 1871,
Territorial Government was organ
lied in the District of Columbia It's
results have thus far fully realized the
expectations Of its advocates. Under
the direction Of the Territorial officers
a system OF Improvements has been
inaugurated, by means of which Wash
ington is rapidly becoming a city wor
thy of the Nations Capital. The cit
liens of the District having voluntari-
ly taxed themselves to large amount
for the purpose of contributing to the
+ advancement of the seat of Govern
ment. I recommend liberal appropri
atlons on the part of Congress, in or
der that the Government may bear its
just share of the expense of CARRYING
out judicious system Of improve
ments.
/ By the great fire in Chicago, The
most important Of the Government
, buildings in that city were consumed
Those burned had already become in
: adequate to the wants of the Govern
ment in that growing city, and, look
e ing to the near future, were totally in
adequate. recommend, therefore
e that an appropriation be made imme
+ diately, to purchase the remainder o
the square on which the burnt build
ings stood, provided it can be pur
chased at fair valuation, and provid
+ cd the Legislature Of Illinois will pass
a law authorizing its condemnation fol
E Government purposes, and also an ap
] preparation Of as much money as car
= properly be expended toward the cree
ton of new buildings during this fisca
q year.
The number or immigrants, ignorant
f of our laws, habits. and coming into
: our country annually, has become SC
. great, and the impositions practiced
: upon them so numerous and dagrant
e that / suggest Congressional action
, for their protection. 1t seems to me
: a fair subject OF legislation by Con
: gress. l cannot now state as fully as
= | desire the nature of the complaints
: made by immigrants of the treatment
they receive, but will endeaver to dc
c so during the session of Congress, par