Year: 1862

i
vert the proper power and responsibility of the
several departments, and VINO viii moreover pro-
test efficiently against such an abuse by others.
It was evidence of widespread corruption
when, upon its being ascertained beyond denial
that a member of the Senate had prostituted his
official station and influence, by procuring con-
tract so profitable that be Was to receive the
enormous reward of fifty thousand dollars. the
Senate failed to expel him with disgrace and ig-
nominy. We want Senators who will not ex-
pose themselves TO suspicion of cOnnivance, by a
neglect to their efforts TO vndicate the purity
of that body. The most astonishing frauds have
been perpetrated in contracts for warlike supplies
How MANY of these contracts have been obtained
through official influence of members Of Con
gress. and what compensation has been paid or
promised for that influence, we shall never know
to the full extent; but enough has beer exposed
already to show the necessity of a reform in this
branch OF the public service.


The Constitution Of the United States forbids
the several States to enter into any treaty, ALI
ance or confederation, or to enter into any agree
ment or compact with another State; and the
spirit of the provision is in direct hostility to
binatiOn and agreements between Governors Of
States with each other, Governors, represent
ing their several States. Such combinations and
agreements are not necessary for the protection
of State rights, or the performance of Stlte du-



caucuses of Governors, in order to support, in
their several jurisdictions, of vigorous prose
cution OF the war; and there should not be any
such combinations to cOerce or press the Presi
dent into any measures, of any description.
They are an unwarrantable interference with his
authority, assuming great weight aud force from
the official character of those who thus interfere,
and still greater weight from their combined ac-
ton: and they tend to shift the responsibility of
hp oil of 40 uafin In
an irresponsible cabal IL is readily seen that
they may be made the means OF immeasnrable
and irreparable mischief Yet caucuseS of ihat
character have been held within few weeks; the
purposes and consultations being kept secret.
Aud the Ostensible reasons for the gatherings be-
Ing vague, aud altogether insufficient, lead to
reasonable belief that they were not the real
ones.


We need an officer in the Executive chair of
the Commonwealth who, when his error in at.
tending such uuwarrautable assemblages is point
ed out, will not attemptto maintain that they are
right and proper, representing them as "private
circles" and who will moreover not only scTupu-
lously refrain from participating in such comb
nations in the future but will strenuously dis
cOuntenance them.


Whether the design of procuring the removal
Of Gen. Mcclellan has or has not entered into
the contemplation of the Governors who have





tanned. and may yet be acted Tie Boston
TTareier Of the very last evening through lis
Washington correspondent, under the heading
"Why General Mcclellan is retained in com-
mand, states that the New York Democratic
politicians are desirous of u martyr, with whom
to carry the Novembe. election, and that the
President does not intend to crafty them, and so
Mcclellan will remain in his position for the
present. This calumny upon the President. that
~ 4
mOva would affect the New York election eay-
ing the inference that hs removal will take place
when the election is over. shows the intention
still existing TO insist upon that change soon
as sufficient pressure can be brought TO bear
upon the President And the conviction that the
election of next week may do much, either to
sustain that gallant officer, to leave him to the
tender merces of his prosecutors, may incite Us
to additional efforts to displace those who have
long been inimical 70 him


But the matters to which have thus far al
luded sink into comparative insignihcance when
we consider other recent events


A Convention, as you well know, held at WOr-
cester, on the 10Th OF September. protesting to
represent the Republican party Of Massachusetts
refused, Notwithstanding the earnest entreaties OF
distinguished individuals, TO pass resolution 70
support the President in the prosecution of the
war


u
Convention OF the People. Irrespective OF party,
70 be holden at Faneull Hall on the 7th of 0ctO-
Der, for the purpose OF nomicating candidates for
State officers. and taking cOlnsel together for
the common veal.


On the 22d OF September the President issued
the proclamation OF his intentions respecting the
mode OF carrying on the war after the first of
January, which the ultra gentleman who at Wor-
cester refused to support him G affected to





thereupon, with the zeal of new born converts,
they became lulsome in their audatiOn, and loud
in the expression of their determination to sup
port the President


At the Convention, on the 9Th of October,
some fifteen or sixteen hundred as embled at Fa-
neuil Hall. It is certainly no disFespect to any
other Convention TO say that this one comprised
a body of men as respectable any other ever
assembled ia the State; and in the course of the
proceedings they resolved unanimously, among
other things. that


I'VE DESIRE above all things, with char
tered rights and liberties preserved, TO conquer
and subdue the rebellion. We make, therefore
no captous criticism of his (the Presdents) acts
and declarations. We burden him with no party
or partisan policy. We offer no conditions to our
patriotism. We resolve that Massachusetts, with
all her heart aud soul aud mind and strength,
will support the President of the United States in
the prosecution of this to the entire and final
suppression of the rebellion"


The language of those who addressed the Con
vention was in accordance with this resolution.


Now. il would seem that the explicit, express,
and unanimous determination OF the members OF
convention representing some three hundred
towns, TO give an unconditional support to the
President IN the prosecution OF the war, whatever
might be their private views respecting the right
Of the President & issue such proclamation, or
respecfinp its expeaency or lie nctual effect
should have been hailed with delight by every
true patriot as conclusive evidence that, whoever
might be candidates, and whatever the result of
the State canvass. Massachusetts would give to
the prosecution of the war and the suppression of
the rebellion the united energies OF her whole
people The convention made no reservation in.
dicating that their support depended upon the
election of any of their candidates for office
But, Tor good and sufficient reasons, they de
cliued 10 ,upport Gov. Andrew, ard indicated no
preference for Mr. Sumner. aud thereupon il
seems that the Worcester ultraisis who would
not support the President without proclamation.
have determined. 20 far as in them lies, that all
who oppose the re election of those gentlemen
shall not support the President even with proc
amatOn. With them, support of their candi-
dates. not love OF country, is the test of patriot
ism. They are bent upon division in support Of
the President and the prosecution OF the war, and
upon casting OF from such support all who do
not believe their candidates 10 be the iniallible
expOnents of Republican principles. and the only
men entitled 10 hold the Offices for which they
are nominated. Not only so. but there Is no
measure Of denunciatlon which has been spared
h cast obloquy upon the unconditional supporters
Of the President. Not only is no man admitted
to be a supporter Of the President unless he
pledges himself TO vote their State ticket, but all
others are branded with disloyalty. Loyalty is