The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1879-04-28

nineteenth century. Why, then. should not the
law of 1868 be altered In the manner proposed
1t is said that Mr. Lincoln signed II. and tho
infcrpL co is that ii would reflect on his memory
to change it, To say the least. this is pretty
strong presumption from such predicate. No
man loved Mr.. Lincoln better or donors his
memory more than do. nor had any ono
greater opportunities TO learn the constitution
of his mind and character md his habits OF
thought He was large hearted. wiser than
those associated with him full Of sympathy for
struggling humanity. without malice, with
charity for crriug man, loving his whole coun-
try with deep devotion, and intensely ANXIOUS
to save it, Believing as | do that he was raised
up 10y Providence Tor the great crisis OF the war
Of the rebellion | havo ,equai belief had
he lived we would have been spared much
Of tho strife Of these latter days, and
that we now would be on the high road to pros
pcrity such man, hating al forms OF oppres,,
induced the men OF 1776 to resist the stamp
tax. would never have willingly intrusted power
troops TO oversee an election.
Why. then. repeat should not the proposed
measure pass2 There il no rebellion. nor any
where. The Union is cemented by the blood
that was shed in defense Of ,its integrity; the
West and our only real differences relate to
the administration OF the internal affairs OF
the human mind. there will Of necessity be
divers opinions among the people on the best
way to manage their internal AFFAIRS. anu Con
gross meets periodically to legislate for the
people and To represent their views on the
questions dividing them. But surely these dif-
fcrcnces. be they great or small. AFFORD no JUS
ti1cation for departure from any OF the prin-
cplcs that underlie republican government. III
they do the charter OF our liberties Will be soon
The charge that this Is revolutionary" legs-
linton has no force. 1t might be called parti-
SIN ucyice. Congress has power under tho
Constitution to raise and equip armies. and tho
House OF Representatives holds the purse
In the pending Army bill. nothing is proposed
nut 10 strike out single clause ioroiddlng INC
S n 2%pst a. ' p3s IN IN mo answer SspP
call To repel INVASION. or TO suppress insurrec-
ton in any way abridged. The amendment is
germnne To- the bi and is simply a condition
Ms 70 the use Of tho army. which the peoples
representatives had perfect right to Impose.
II is not in any proper sense general legisla.
ton. and II II was the statute books are full II
precedents TINT the friends OF the present
megsuro might cite against their opponents
repealed Is n fair subject for discussion. but the
form Of presenting it is not liable to Just criti-
cism. Personally. | should have preferred 70
vote on inc proposition as an ind'p'n9eht mn
because the practice OF both parties OF loglslat.
ng ON appropriation bills is more to DO hqnored
In the breach than in the observance. II this
course had boon pursued 1t ~ probable the
whole debate would have been less aGrmoni-
Gus, and the excitement which has followed IL
could never have been worked up to 50 high
IL has boon alleged that there Is m attempt to
cocrce the Executive in this bill. Certainly none
appears on the surface and no Is left entirely
free 10 exercise his own judgment IL II should
be- sent 10 him in tho present or in modified
form. To assume that he will approve or will
veto IL. or To- introduce him In any way into this
debate. il departure from wise usage. Tho
Presidents sphere OF action is defined by the
Constitution and any attempt 10 influence lcgis-
| lation by suggestions Of what he may or may
not do. is nm obtrusion deserving rebuke.
II will be time enough 10 critcise the act OF
tho President when he shall have exercised his
constitutional right. md any discussion OF his
! supposed course before then IL wholly out Of
| place in this body. LIT us hope. Mr.. President
| when this bill has PASSED from our hands that
| the angry debate which has attended ii will
| operate rs electricity does in purifying the at
| mos phere. and that we Will all come together
| better disposed to give 10 the country what has
| boon given TO party. in a united effort 10 pro-
| Vid" relief for the prevailing distress in every
| pursuit Of life.