The Daily Dispatch

For the Dispatch.

Senatorial Election.

The course the Legislature should pursue on this subject is perfectly plain. We must elect men who come within congressional requirement. What is that requirement? The party elected must have unsuspected antecedents—that is, must have been an original and consistent Union man, and must be able to take the iron-clad oath without the slightest scruple. Even the taking of the iron-clad oath is not conclusive. The facts must show that no aid or comfort in any way was given to the Confederate cause; and if the facts disclose the giving of such aid and comfort, however slight, the taking of the iron-clad oath will not avail—will go for nothing—will not take the elected party in. The case of Senator Thomas, of Maryland, settles the congressional ruling on this point. Mr. Thomas did not participate in the rebellion; he remained in the Federal lines at his home. His son desired to go into the Confederate service and share the fortunes of the Confederate cause. The father earnestly dissuaded the purpose of the son; but the son would go into the Confederate armies, and the father, to promote his son's ordinary personal comfort, handed him as he left the Federal lines two hundred dollars. This was construed by the Senate as "giving aid and comfort to the enemies of the United States," and Mr. Thomas was refused a seat. Mr. Thomas was willing to take the oath, but the Senate went behind the oath, and on the facts refused to admit him. By this ruling each one can determine for himself what he must be able to show before his oath will be received as satisfactory. And by this rule it will appear that no senator elect will be acceptable to Congress who was not an original, consistent Union man, ready to take, without hesitation, the iron-clad oath.

Combining these two requisites, no man will be refused admission.

N.