Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1847-04-29
The War.Spirit

What be done to arrest the progress of the
demon in the hearts of the people? No impartial
friend of mankind can witness the prevailing and pro-
crossing state of feeling in reference to this nquitous
war in which the nation is enlisted without the deep
est grief, indignation and alarm A republican, chris
tan nation in the middle of the 10Th century, engaged
in "the trade of barbarians." free people warning
for the purpose Of perpetuatng and extending slavery
in this "assylum for the oppressed of all nations
Was inconsistency ever more glaring?
The progress of the war-spirt is fearful indeed Let
it progress little longer and we shall expect to sec
officers of the American Peace Society," even if MOI &C
tually ensting in the bloody strife, shouting, at least
over the fall of Mexcons. If coming events cast their
shadows BEFORE" the present is omnibus of evil to
come.
At first, it was emplaticolly, Presidential war
James K. Polk was the father Of it. The great mass
of the people had no sympathy with it. But the Pres
ident had offices in abundance to besow and shortly
Congress adopted it, and the two great parties begar
to vie with each other in prosecuting it One deGlar
ing it war of defence, the other of invasion for pur
poses that would disgrace barbarans but still is be
gun, and hence, must be prosecuted Then came thu
resolve by Wings and Democrats, to conquer
peace" Then, Gen. Taylor's victories in succession
Then, the votes of thanks, from all quarters to thu
Gen. for doing these deeds of darkness of blood anC
of yillany, SO successfully, so nobly.-Now his nam(
is hoisted up as candidate for the Presidency, ant
many, of these parties eager to nominate him first
Volunteers are called for and readily obtained WheT
the news of battle arrives, hosts of hose who werC
once hostile to the war; can now take off their hats anc
shout.
Is it not time to erect a barrier against this over
whemning tide? What shall be done? 1t is fast be
coming war of the whole people, Unless sternll
resisted the little leaven will leaven the whole
lump" 1t is high time for the press, with her mill
ion tongues, to speak in no ambiguous terms Letth
pulpit-that most powerful fundamentally of Heaven
awake to duty. Let the people all watch against thu
pestlentia breath of the demon War. We know to-
WELL or ought know, the character of war, and espo
cially such war, to be gutess in giving it a wore
or look of approbation.
"War spirit! war spirit. thy secrets are known,
have walked on the field when the battle wasdone-
The mangled and slain in their misery lay,
And the Vulture was shreking and watching his prey
But the hearts gush of sorrow how hopeless and sore
In the homes that those loved ones revisit no more.
have traced out thy march, by its features of pain,
While famine and pcstence stalked in thy train,
And the trophies of sin did thy victory swell,
And thy breath on the soul was the pague-spot ofhell
! Death lauded thy deeds, and in letters of flame
The realm of Perdition recorded thy name.
War-spirit war-spirit! 60 down to thy place.
With the demons that thrive on the woe of our race
Call back thy strong legions of madness and PRIDE
Bid the rivers of blood thou hast opened be dried
Let thy league with the grave and Aceldama cease,
And yield the torn world to tie Angel of Peace"