The Manitowoc tribune. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1866-1878, 1876-10-12
MUST WE PAY THEM2

The orators of the Democracy grow
eloquent over the probability that even If
their party should come into power 1t
would be impossible for it to secure the
payment of rebel var claims, and quote
the fourth clause of the Fourteenth
Amendment to the Constitution. But
that clause simply prohibits the pay
ment or assumption of debts or obliga-
tons incurred in aiding instruction or
rebellion against the United States, or
for the payment of claims for loss or en-
ancipation of slaves. The speakers at
the Democratic mass meeting in this
city, the other night, made special
point in this matter. But the people
should understand that their assertions
are simply lies. The amendment refer
red to does not cover the cases which
intelligent people are fearing as result
of Democratic victories and the election
of Democratic President and Congress.
The last House of Representatives, with
Democratic majority, removed Union
soldiers from their positions under the
Government, and filed their places with
rebels. That showed little of the AMI
mus which moves the party. Further
more, there was brought before this
Congress claims by rebels for property
destroyed which aggregated over $780,
600, 900. and a strong effort was made to
secure their payment. These claims
cover everything not directly excluded
by the clause in the amendment referred
to. Some are al general terms for prop
erty taken, used, or destroyd by the Fed
eral armies; while others are for build
ings, supplies, bridges, cotton, cotton
sheds, and machinery; for the occupation
and use of property by troops; steamers
used, taken, or destroyed; quartermas-
ters' stores; for rent of buildings; for
| cattle of all kinds; sugar; wood, lumber,
in fact for every thing worth cent, and
for which hundred dollars could be
obtained. These claims, so far, are
small in number, but they are beginning;
and when each suffering Confederate
mails his claim, for all of them have
claims, for all have suffered, the city of
Washington cannot contain the docu-
ments. Their payment is not prohibited
by the Constitution. If the Democrats
win they will be paid as surely as the
sun rises and sets. The Southern fire.
eating, red-hot Democrats will be in
power; and as they have no patriotism
save that of self, they will plumber the
treasury to restore the fortunes of them
selves and their friends.
Doubling Republicans and wavering
war Democrats should understand thai
the success of Democracy is simply re-
turn of rebel rule, and under that rule
will be paid the losses of the Confeder
acy. Even the payment of the rebel wal
debt, and compensation for slaves, is
not without the possibilities of their ra-
pacity, for the Southerners have held as
null and void those several amendments
which act SO vigorously against them.
Give Democrats q chance to settle these
claims, and the loyal people of the North
will be taxed to pay the rebels for what
they have suffered as penalty for trea-
son. Democratic orators may talk I'M
til they are black in the face, but they
cannot disprove the fact that such claims
as we have mentioned have been made.
They will be made by the hundreds of
thousands if that party comes into pow
er. They already have the inclination
to allow them; with power they will be
allowed. If the men who fought REBEL
ion now permit the enemy to rule them,
and ruling to make them pay for the los
ses on both sides, the day of liberty and
good government is over, and treason
will rule the land. Are the loyal people
of the country prepared for this results
Chicago Post.