The Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1877-1885, 1879-08-04

Which Shall it Rs3


gaining with returning board scoundrels
and carpet bag governors for electoral
votes for Hayes, to which he was not en-
titled, all the republican organs in the
couHtry suddenly became eloquent states
rights advocates. They claimed that
was no power to 60 behind the returns;
that the rights of the states in all elections
must be recognized at all times as par
amount in state matters, and that any
attempt of congress to break down or inter-
fere would be subversive Of the inalienable
right of each state to govern in state
affairs.
So solicitous were these model patriots
for the rights of states that they ever went
so far as to intimate that any attempt to
impair the prerogatives of the states could
not be viewed save with grave apprehen-
sion. Now, only little over two years
since they advocated the states rights
theory, we find these same patriots telling
Us that there is no such thing as state
sovereignty; that the national authority is
at ali times paramount in all things; that
there is no such thing as a union for mu'
tual protection of national interests, but
that the states are but parts of the whole
nation, without any power as states to
regulate state elections as the states
direct. They preach the doctrine
that elections for members of con-
gress are national elections, to
be supervised by national or federal
supervisors; that, though congressman are
elected to represent states, and are
assigned to certain districts in states, yet
they really are but representatives in a
national body, for national legislation.
This beautiful piece of sophistry reads
we'll to the casual observer. but to the
thoughtful reader there is glazing incon-
sistency. 10 the first place. there is no
such thing as a national election, unless
the president and vice president be so de-
clared, as these two are the heads Of the
government and the only officers elected
to assume the executive branches. But
although these officers are national Off
GERS, yet their election is determined by
the states and unless a majority of the
electors chosen by the states decide on a
candidate for president aud one for vice
president, then the election goes to the
House Of Representatives, and there it il
decided by the states, each state having
one vote. If an amendment to the con
stitution is adopted, in Congress, before i
become part of the constitution it mus
first be ratified by three fourths of tn,
legislatures of all the states. And SO i
could be traced through all branches o
legislation, in all things wherein Congress
IS called to act, no matter what it is
the same emsnates in some way from tn
states. Thus it is clearly aud unanswel
ably fact, that, though the national GOV
eminent has control in all things nationa
yet, in state matters, the rights of th
states to control matters in which til
state is concerned, whether it be the elet
ton OF presidential electors, or member
OF congress, or U. 8. Senators, or wha
ever 1t be, remains an established fac
The state law is supreme in state matters
the states are the only ones to determir
in what manner elections shall be heId-n
the national government. This is the tru
democratic doctrine Of state sovereign
aud is part of the necessary prerequisite
70 q free government. The law does n
recognize the right Of state to secet
from the union, however, and is in dire
antagonism with the Calhounistic doctrir
OF states rights. The republican par
advocates the dangerous policy of nation
supremacy, a doctrine which, if adopte
must end all freedom, will destroy 4
independence of the states, centrali
power, contract the privileges of the stat
aud finally, disrupt the republic a
create an empire.
There is no use in trying to dodge Il
issue, It must be squarely met a
answered, If the law of national SUBJ
macy is permitted to be consummated,
the republican idea that states have
separate and Independent rights; that
all things, national authority is par
mount; that congress is the creature oft
nation and not the states; that the pre-
dent can direct how to legislate and pi
scribe what sort of legislation shall
enacted; that congress has no origin
action in the legislation of the countr
unless the executive approves; if Il
doctrine, which is the law of nation
supremacy is allowed to prevail, then fai
we'll to the republic. This is not an ovt
drawn picture-it is the true eomparis
and calls for careful consideration. If (
republic is to be maintained-thenm mt
the doctrine of state sovereignty be recC
uized. If, however, the republic is to
disrupted, the right of the states disr
garded, corrupt Capitalization of pow
established. and an Imperial governme
formed--the law of national suprema
must prevail. Democrats, freemen, viii
shall it be-a republic or an empire2
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The Omaha Herald is informed By
gentleman direct from New York that
Hon. VIM. II. Barnum, chairman of I
national Democratic committee, is suff
Ing from serious affection OF the kidne
and is in very critical condition. II
fall 81