Decatur Eagle, Volume 11, Number 36, Decatur, Adams County, 13 December 1867 — Page 2

THE EAGLE. ornciAi. papkk or thb covxty. DECATUR, I ADI AAA. FRIDAY, DEC. 18,156 X. X. ILL Synopsis of the President's Message. The President says the disorganization of the Union is yet a subject of profound and patriotic concern. A civil war brought to a close, the first interest and duty of the State is to repair the injuries inflicted by the war; but, however reasonably and confidentially entertained, have been disappointed by legislation, which has not re ceived my alscnt. In complying with a constitutional duty, to give Congress from time to time information of the state of the Union, I am unable to communicate any satisfactory adjustment of the question. On the contrary, candor compels me to declare there is no Union as our fathers understood the term, or as understood by us. The Union they established can only exist where all the States are represented in Congress—where one State is as free as another to regulate its internal concerns, and where the central Government is strictly confined to matters of national jurisdiction, which applies with equal force to all the people of every section. That such is not the present state of the Union, is a melancholy fact, which it is our imperative duty to consider whether or not, itis impossible to effect this desirable consummation. The Union and the Constitution are inseparable. As long as one is ob eyed by all parties, the other will be preserved; and if one is destroyed, both must perish together. The destruction of the Constitution will be followed by other and still greater calamities. It was ordained not only to form a more perfect Union between the States, but to “ establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity.” Nothing but implicit obedience to its requirements in all parts of the country will accomplish these great ends. Without that obedience we can look forward only to continual outrages upon individual rights, incessant breaches of public peace, natural weakness, financial dishonor, the total loss of onr property, general corruption of morals, and the final extinction of popular freedom. To save our country from evils so appalling as these, we should renew our efforts again and again. The process of restoration to me seems plain and simple, consisting in a faithful application of the Constitution and laws. The execution of the laws not being op-posed,-there is no necessity, real or pretended, for military occupation, when crimes against the people or Government can be prevented or punished by judicial authority, unless those who exercise the constitutional power of the Government have determined they shall be disregarded and violated. On this momentous question I have differed from Congress, and expressed my convictions without reserve, with deference to the legislative department. These convictions remain, not only unchanged, but strengthened by reflection and subsequent events, and their importance it is hoped will be a sufficient excuse for calling your attention to some of the reasons that have influenced my own judgment in the hope that we may finally concur in the mode of settlement. It is clear that the States lately in rebellion are members of the National Union. The ordinances of secession being mere nulities. Il we admit they were valid for the purposes intended by their authors, we sweep from our feet the whole ground upon which we justified the war. Were those States expelled from the Union by the war? Tht direct contrary was averred by th( Government, and was so understood by those who gave theii blood and treasure in aid of its prosecution. A successful wai waged for its preservation cannot have the legal effect of dissolving the Union. The defeat of seces

sion was not the triumph of its principles. Nor could Congress seperate the States from each other. To dissolve the Union is to repeal tiie Constitution which holds it together, which is a power which does not belong to any department of the government, or to all united. This has been acknowledged by all branches of the Federal Government and its departments.— Even Congress submitted an amendment to the Constitution to be ratified and accepted by the Southern States, and accepted their acts of ratification as a lawful exercise of their highest function.— If they were not States their assent to the measure was unnecessary, and Congress in asking it committed a political absurdity. The Judiciary sanctions the same view’ by including the Southern States within their circuits and exercising jurisdiction not belonging to them, unless those States are States of the Union. If the Southern States are component parts of the Union the Constitution is the supreme law for them, and us. They, as well as we, are bound to obey it. The right to enforce the Constitution upon them implies the co-relative obligation to observe its limitations and guarantees. We cannot violate it merely’ because it confines our powers to narrower limits than we could wish. It is not a question of individual, class, or sectional interest, much less of party predominance; but of duty, high and sacred duty, which we are all sworn to perform. The constitutional duty is not the only one which requires the States to be restored. On the 22d of July, 1861, Congress declared by an almost unanimous vote of both Houses that the war should be conducted solely for the purpose of preserving the Union, Constitution and laws, without impairing the dignity, equality or rights of the States or individuals. If it be said we are not bound to keep faith with rebels, let it be remembered the promise was not made to rebels only. Thousands of true men in the South were drawn to our standard by it, and hundreds of thousands in the North gave their lives in the belief that it would be carried out. It was made on the day after the first great battle of the war had been fought and lost. Having given that assurance in the extremity of our peril, the violation of it now, in the day of our power would be a rude rending of that good faith which holds the moral world together. Satisfied of the correctness of these views I would be unfaithful to my duty not to recommed a repeal of the acts of Congress, which place ten of the Southern States under the , domination of military power. Some of the general provisions of the acts found dictate what alI terations shall be made to the . State Constitutions, control the . election of State officers, represen- . tatives to Congress and electors . of President and Vice President; » disol vc State Legislatures or pre- . vent their assembling, dismiss ] judges and other civil officers at will and appoint others in their [ stead; regulate and administer do- } mestic and local affairs according t to mere will or caprice of strange . and irresponsible agents sent a- .. mong them for the purpose. Not only are these acts objectionable .. but they are in direct conflict with q the Constiturion, while it binds II them hand and foot in absolute g slavery. It deneis the habeas cori. pus, trial by jury, and has the efn feet of a bill of attainder. lam ay ware that it is assumed that the provisional Governments are only temporary, but if constitutional y guarantees can be broken to e serve a temporary purpose in a s part of the country, their is noth•f ing to prevent them being destroye ed everywhere for all time. Ar--5j bitrary measures change gene erally for the worse. It is the e course of despotism that it has no d halting place. Noris it possible e to tell where power unrestrained by e law, may seek its next victims. The President opposes negro ir suffrage, especialy where military ;s officers are commanded to superinir tend the pro cess of clothing the >t negro race with political priviliges g torn from white men. He qnesj- tions their capacity for eels gov-

ernment, judging from their previousjeondition, while the intelligent foreigner must go through a period of probation; but expresses his willingness to join in every legiti-mate-plan to encourage their industry, enlighten their minds, improve their morals and protect them in all their just rights, but opposes the transfer of our political inheritance to the as on abandonment of duty, due alike to the memory of our fathers and the rights of our children, as it puts the Southern States wholly and the general Government partially into their hands. He gives as another reason why Congress should retrace their steps in the manifestation of public opinion as seen in the late elections. His opposition to the measures of Congres would not carry him so far as to produce collision, which would be civil war, and the last remedy invoked for the worst of eivils, unless there would be neither remedy or justice for the wrongs proposed to be inflicted. He calls the attention of Congress to the enormous frauds upon the Government, which cannot be reached, under the tenure of office bill, by the Executing, by removing dishonest” officials. In the payment of the public debt the faith of the Government should be kept with fidelity to the bondholder, and also with the masses of the people. Equal and exact justice requires that all creditors of the Government should be paid in currency of a uniform value. “A Railroad South.” The Fort Wayne Gazette, last week, calls the attention of the business men of Fort Wayne to the importance of a railroad connection south. We agree with the Gazette, and would add there are two lines already proposed, which it would be well to examine in the event the suggestions of the Gazette are to be carried into effect And we respectfully call the attention of her capitalists to the old route from Union to Fort Wayne, via. Portland and Decatur. The route is short, straight, and can be built, by Fort Wayne lending a helping hand, for a reasonable amount Fort Wayne, for years past, has been the outlet of Adams County; this, in a measure, is now being transferred to market byway of Monroeville, and our merchants are also receiving their goods by the same route. Fort Wayne must do something for her southern trade, or it will be, in a great measure, lost. Fort Wayne should do something for one of the routes named by the Gazette. We are partial to the Union route, and wish to be heard in case they propose to push their railroad connection south. The News. Hoffman has been elected, Mayor, of New York, by a large majority. The Sherifl of Kalamazoo, Michigan, was fatally shot December 3d, in preventing the escape of prisoners. . General Pope has asked the Ala- . bama Convention to adjourn, r charging them with uncalculable 3 injury to the re-construction plan of the Radicals. t The public debt, owing to payB ment of interest, will show an inj crease of ten millions. s The fraud investigating commite tee will reccommed a reduction . fifty cents on the tax on whiskey. The London Times is pleased . with the transfer of the Island of e St Thomos to the United States, p- and states that England will meet ] us half way on the Alabama, ■y claims. a Greely has declined the Austrian . mission. The people of St. Thomas vot- . ed in favor of anexation to the U- . nited States. e The Louisiania re construction j Convention is now in session.— e Among the provisions we notice y the introduction of an ordinance to establish free public schools, t> supported by taxation, where all y children between six and sixteen, i- without distinction as to race cole or, or previous condition shall be s admitted, and there shall be no - seperate schools established for . any race.

SANTA CLAUS! “HEADQUARTERS” at the POPULAR NEW YORK STORE, 90 COLUMBIA STREET, FORT WAYNE. Fresh assortment of New Goods expressly adapted to the Holyday trade. Bargains in every department! 1 -V' NEW CLOAKINGS, RICH MINK FURS, HANDSOME CLOAKS, BAY SABLE FURS, BLACK REAVER CLOAKS, GERMAN FITCH FURS, VELVET CLOAKINGS, SIB. SQUIRREL FURS, PAISLEY SHAWLS, CHILDREN’S FURS, FLA ID LONG SHAWLS, FUR HOODS $2 to $5, BOULEVARD SKIRTS, EMPRESS REPS, 45 cts., RICH DRESS SILKS, ENGLISH MERINO'S 45t050c. BROCHE SCARFS, POINT LACE COLLARS, VAL. LACE HANDK'FS, KID LINED GLOVES, CHILDREN’S LEGGINS, MERINO UNDERWEAR, WRAPPER GOODS, DELAINE, 20 Ct, With our usual large and attracts e Stock of DOMESTIC & HOUSEKEEPING DRY GOODS! > Which are offered at close 1 Cash prices. r ! ROOT & COMPANY. k » 1 > J ) ’ I I

1867. FALL & WINTER. 'x. -FOR ALL KINDS OFoil Glottis, Notions, cfcc. CRABBS, MOSES & RICE. East Side of Second Street, - -- -- -- - ircDiua.r<rA.. HAVE now the largest Stock of Goods in the County ; and at surprising LOW PRICES. 12,000 Yards Prints, - - - 8 to 15 cts. 1,500 Yards Shirt in grs, - - 10 to 20 cts. 1,500 Yards Sheeting, - - 10 to 20 cts. 1,000 Yards Detains, ------ 25 cts. All other Goods at proportionately Low Prices. We have a large Stock of READY-MADE CLOTHING, HATS & OPS, BOOTS AND SHOES. We shall keep constantly on hand, a General Assortment of Goods of all kinds, CHEAPER THAN THE CHEAPEST. Thankful for past favors, we invite the public to call at our Store, and examine our Goods and prices before buying elsewhere. We will pay the high rest market price for GRAIN, STAVES AND BLACK SALTS. O’*All kinds of Country Produce taken in exchange for Goods. Nov. 22, 1867. CRABBS, MOSES & RICE. 1867. ~~ 186 7. NOTICE TO TAX-PAYERS. * — HAVING received the Tax Duplicate for the year 1867, notice is hereby given that the Treasurer is now ready to receive the several TAXES FOR ADAMS COUNTY, a m tcexjs Treasurer’s Office, in Decatur, Ind. If Tax-Payers will call early they will be waited upon without delay. law requires that after the third Monday of April, A. D., 1868, a penalty often per cent, on each dollar, with interest until paid, shall be attached. All who wish to avoid paying cost will call and pay their taxes. Bankable funds will be received at this Office. The Taxes for 1867 are as follows! a '%> gc Tz:' OH c £ § S' E2. SJI > g. s » si r TOWNSHIPS. g » ,£h Sh W ? LU : - - _J L— Union ————— SIOO 20 60 15 16 10 20 5 30,1 76 ' % Poll. ’6O 50 ,1 10 Root SIOO 20 60 15 16 10 20 15 30.1 86 Poll/ 60 50 JllO p rphl „ SIOO 20 60 15 16 520 15 30,1 81 Kreb Poll. 60 50 ! 1 10 Kirkland SIOO 20 60 15 16 10 20 25 30 1 96 Poll. 60 50 ! 1 10 Washington SIOO 20 60 15 16 10 20 5 30,1 76 Poll. 60 50 11 10 St Man's • • slo° 20 60 15 16 10 20 20 30’ 1 91 Poll. 60 50| jil 10 Bluecreek SIOO 20 60 15 16 10 20 20 3W 91 Poll. 60 50 |.l 10 Monroc 100 20 60 15 16 10 20 15 30; jl 8.6 Poll. 60 50 id 10 Frencll H)0 20 60 15 16 10 20 15 30! 1 86 Poll. 60 50 ;1 10 Hartfor <l 100 20 60 15 16 10 20 25 30 1 96 1 ••• • p o n 60 10 Wabash 100 20 60 15 16 10 20 10 30; 1 81 Poll. 60 50 !jl 10 Jefferson 100 Poll. _ I6O| jSO jil ° Decatur Special, SIOO valuation, 10 cents. Decatur Corporation, SIOO valuation, 20 cents; Poll, 25 cents. From this date and up to the third Monday of April next, you will find me at the Treasurer’s Office, in Decatur, to receive the above levied Taxes; after the third Monday of April, 1867, those remaining unpaid will be collected with-penalty and interest as the law directs. JESSE MB El UK, Treasurer, A. Co. [ November 8, 1867. Bv D. J. SPENCER, Deputy.

Lively Times! -AT TUBNEW YORK STORE!! FORT WAYNE, IND Call and See Us. . At No. 90 Columbia St., the Popular New York Store offers its attractions to all shoppers who appreciate a large stock, good goods, polite attention and low prices. Rich Dress Silks, forhoine, promenade & evening wear, in the newest styles in large assortment,.at the New York Store. A bargain in 2,000 yards, yar.l wide Empress Repps, all colors, 50 cts. per yard, at the New York Store. Elegant Cloakings, in Silver Fox, Atrascan, Chinchilla, Diamond, Velvet, Beaver, Lambs Wool, at the New York Store. Rich Paris Cloak Trimmings, Buttons and Ornaments, the richest assortment ever offered in this market, at the New York Store, Empress Cloth, all wool, choice shades, in Bismark, blue, purple, green, drab and slate sl, $1.15, $1.25 per yard, at the New York Store. Rich Paisley, long and square Shawls. Wool long < and square Shawls. Children’s Shawls, at the New York Store. Elegant Lyons Cloak and Bonnet Velvets, all widths, just received, at the New , York Store. Ladies’ Merino Vests and Pants, Misses and Children’s Merino Underwear at the New York Store. Gentlemen can find a superior assortment of White Merino Underwear at the 1 New. York Store. I I Blankets! Blankets! Bed ' and Crib Blankets, Whito i Blankets, Horse Blankets, 1 500 pairs Grey Blankets at ’ the New York Store. i — i i 100 Dry Goods Boxes for ' sale at the New York Store, 90 Columbia street. 1 “GOODS AT WHOLESALE.” r ROOT & CO. . : rllaW. f