Year: 1862

StickleEs for the Constitution.


Were it not for impudence of the thing it
would be amusing to hear the secessionists
prate about the violation of the Constitution
on the part of the officers of the govern
ment, in their efforts to put down the rebel
lion. The very men who to-day may be
denouncing the Union and the government
which are the fruits of the Constitution, and
by which it alone can be maintaiued-who
are declaring in fact, that we have no gov
eminent; that the Union is gone-when in
trouble and they begin to find that there is
a government, under that constitution. able
and ready 20 punish the violators of law,
are loud in their claims for the benefits af-
forded under it-they then raise that their
rights have been invaded, and that the con-
stitution is violated, which they are striving
with all their might to destroy Such con-
summate impudence was probably never
before exhibited, as is presented in the case
of these traitors. Men who with arms in
their hands, are caught in the very act of
attempting the moral murder of the consti-
tuition, and united with the intended literal
assassins of the executive who is sworn to
protect and support that constitution, at
tempt toraise a terrible hue and cry, if they
are placed in durance vile for their great
crime, and are refused the privilege of re-
newing their outrages against the country.


Gov. Pierpoint, of Western Virginia, in
his letter TO the late monster war meeting
at New York, takes hold of this subject,
and shows the hypocrisy of these traitors,
who would tranple under their feet
thousand constitutions. if they Stood in the
way of accomplishing the object of the get
ters-up OF this rebellion. Those who have
no word of condemnation for the violence
upon the constitution and the laws of the
land, on the 10th of April, were Mortified
when traitors were denied the use of the
habeds corpus, and lifted up their hands with
holy horror at the professed PROCLAMATION of
the constitution land these same men have
been heard to exult in the supposed defeat
of those who have left every thing dear to
man to defend the constitution and tier
country from the traitors in arms who have
imperilled the very existence of both
Mr.. Pierpoint in his letter gives Mr.. Jeffer-
1 sons views upon the subject before US, and
surely no one can doubt that Mr.. Jefferson
understood the nature of the constitution,
and the duties Of those who are sworn to
protect aud defend" it which in an especial
and peculiar manner is made the duty of
the President. He says:


"Mr. Jefferson has given us advice, in
tended, doubtless, for occasions like the
present. he says; "A strict observance
of the written law is doubtless one of the
highest duties of good citizan; but Rot the
highest. The law of nee ssity, self, ,preser-
walton, or saving of our country when in
danger, are OF higher obligation. To lose
our country by q scrupulous adherence to
written law, would be tolose the law itself,
with life, liberty, property, and all these
who are enjoying them with us; thus ab-
surdly sacrificing the end to the means.


Here is a chart made for the occasion by one
who comprehended our institutions and the
euormities of rebellion" S5 81 6a1


The following eloquent and truthful re-
marks of Gov. P. will End response in the
hearts of every loyal man;Gd TfwH