f that is a necessary result,
does it not also follow that they are entitled to representation in
this chamber? Whether they can present persons who can take their
seats, because they have individually committed crimes against the
United States is another question; but I speak now of the right
itself."

Mr. Johnson argued that holding secession sentiments a few years ago
was no evidence of present disloyalty, and cited in proof of this
proposition a newspaper article purporting to give secession
resolutions drawn up by Mr. Wade, and passed at a meeting held at
Cleveland in 1859, which was presided over by Joshua E. Giddings.

This called forth an answer from Mr. Wade, who said: "The Senator from
Maryland called me in question for having been present at a meeting
which he affirmed was held in Cleveland some seven years ago by
persons called 'Sons of Liberty,' and he alleged that I there
consented to certain resolutions that were passed which favored the
doctrine of secession, and that I was chairman of the committee which
reported them. Sir, the charge is a total forgery so far as I am
concerned. I never was at any such meeting of the Sons of Liberty or
any other sons. I never uttered such a sentiment in my life; I am not
one of those who have or have had much association with gentlemen
holding to secession principles. My associations have all been the
other way. During the war that secession made my counsels were against
it. I was for war to the death against the principle of secession,
while many other gentlemen in my eye were either participants in or
apologists for that sentiment. I am perfectly aware that a war is
made--and I am willing to meet it anywhere--upon what are called
Radicals of the country, and I am one of them. In olden times I was
here in the Senate called an Abolitionist, but they have changed the
name since. They have all got to be Abolitionists now, and they have
changed my name to 'Radical.'

"Mr. President, in the history of mankind, so far as I have read or
know it, there never has been a time when parties were so organized on
radical principles of justice and right. The party with whom I act
appeal to no expediency, to none of your political policies; we dig
down to the granite of eternal truth, and there we stand, and they who
assail us have to assail the great principles of the Almighty, for our
principles are chained to his throne, and are as indestructible as the
Almighty himself. I want