The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1859-12-31
Union speech BY John j. Crittenden.

A Union Speech by John j. Crittenden.
We are quite sure nothing we could lay
before our readers of the same length
would be read with more gratified interest
than the following telegraph abstract of
speech delivered by Senator Crittenden, of
KY, at a conference of the Opposition in
Washington, on the 22d inst, in reference
to the organization of the House.
He referred to the failure of the House
to organize The protracted delay pre-
sents spectacle that is painful to the
country he did not pretend to say where
the reproach lies The position of the So
called American members has been en-
barrassing; they have earnestly sought
the line of duty; it seemed to him that,
knowing nothing of the purposes of the
two leading parties of the House, they did
wisely to nominate their own man, and
adhere to that nomination it is a question
whether they continue to do so till the end
OF the contest he felt that ground that is
good to stand on will do to fall on. He
continued: . But looking away from this
contest, and abroad over the country, We
find much distress. ] confess that never
before in my life did feel such anxiety for
the fate of our government | never be
ieved it possible that | could bring my
mind to the deliberate purpose of pulling
down this great fabric. | do not think
that any OF us have reached that point,
and though we should think so, am con-
the attempt we should turn in horror from
the work for, think of it, what is the
deed proposed 1t is one too great, too
rash for any mind fully to comprehend
| hardly dare think of it. If We could
oyerturn the Allegany mountains, ii would
shock all this land as of an earthquake;
but to oyerturn this government, it would
he mountains upon mountains falling;
il would send q shock throughout the civ
ilized world no calamity that ever fell
upon the nations of the earth would spread
such horror among men as the falling ruins
of this republic. deep sensation.)
| cannot believe that we are on the
verge of such calamity, | trust, aye and
| believe that God IN his providence will
watch over and preserve my country; there
is an earnest complaint, Of aggression, OF
threats, of insurrection on the borders OF
our States, and John Browns deeds at
uarpers Ferry have shown that this is no
unreal grievance, and whence does it
come? We find certain deluded people
moaning over slavery, and they intersperse
their lamentations with psalms and pray
ers, and appeals to their conscience which
are hurt They say by our sins, what fol-
ly Do not the people know that the
/ Lord does not hold them accountable for
our sins? These deluded people at the
! North are making such mischief; but let
US remember that there will be mischief
making found in every country. Let US
/ hope that this evil will find remedy
Let us hope that this popular delusion
will be tempory-will pass away and
sound and fraternal spirit return. Let us
try to have it restored. Let us try to
make our Northern brethren love us; again
to this end, let US be patient and forbear-
ing. Let us indulge in no examinations
no harsh language. | cannot believe that
the great heart of the people North or
South has upon it the guilty stain OF treach
cry to this Union ! cannot believe that
the people of the North have no regard
for US, and no love for this government for
Which our fathers and their fathers fought
and / hail the recent great meetings which
have been held there, as signals OF that
returning love for us Let us receive them
as such, and with grateful spirit let us
encourage them. and we will yet find that
thern brothers will be our surest protec
tion-our defence against all aggression.
| do not say that if we be disappointed IN
this, the time may not come when the
bonds of the Union must be OF necessity
broken. but doubt even that / cannot
see that any evils that befall us would be
less out of the Union than in it. l don
know, indeed, that they would not DC
I worse. The power that Expresses IN the
Union could Cypress just as much out OF
it. The burden that must be borne In the
Union would be no heavier out OF 1t, ano
even if the worst came to the very worst
l believe l would rather do little fight
ing in the Union than out of it. Iaugh-
ter and applause)
If we 20 out of the Union we would not
certainly attempt to take the Stars and
stripes with U.S. We would have TO leave
them behind, and am sure could never
feel like soldier under any flag than that
(Applause) If we must fight, therefore,
let us stay in the Union and charge upon
those that oppose us-those that are try
ing to set aside the Union by going out Of
it. (Applause.) To destroy this Union is
the very last thing we should ever think
of; for if we once break down the govern
ment, who shall rebuild it again? Let us
observe Justice, and thus shall we preserve
our Union. My sentiment is; let us take
care of the Union and the Union will take
care of us.
In concluding, the speaker was greeted
with long continued and hearty applause
THE PERU COMMERCIAL, a republican
sheet, has been discontinued for want o.
support. For the last few months, while
in the hands of Mr. Barnes. it has beer
quite respectfully conducted, and Cooked
remarkably prosperous. But the Herald
seems to have had the start oft, and KEPT