The Ashland union. [volume] (Ashland, Ashland County, Ohio) 1854-1868, 1860-02-15

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plead for thee. Their entreaties reach only
the ears of cruel murderefs, whose humanity
has been purchased for a price. And while
the blood of these victims smoked to heaven,
was throne of grace petitioned by those who
profess to follow the Prince of Peace, that such
atrocities might no more be perpetrated? !? In,
stead Of the sanctuary of the living God being
devoted to his service, it was oft the scene of
political clamor, of ineendiary movements, and
even the repository ofarms, to be used for the
murder of countrymer Are not such deeds
! portentous of evil? May wenot behold in them
sad the picture which declining powers have
ever presented? Whe5e do they SNOW ee.are
drifting? 1t is a truth fhata wise clergy is
the most powerful support of constitutional
governments. But their weapons are not the
sabre and the cannon,s not the rife and the as
sassins dagger. but the immutabic word Of
God. Many, it seems, forget, that all who
"take the sword shalt perish by the sword, !"
and encourage open rebellion, sheltcring them
selves under the plea. that resistance to ty-
rants is obedience to Cod as though our ru-
lers were tyrants and despots. For few years
past, events have transpired OF alarming
nature to the patriot He beholds storm
gathering, which he fears will burst and en-
gulph the last hope Of the success of selfgov-
ernment. He beholdsthat constitution, framed
by our wise aud patriotic forefa:hers vilifed,
and laws enacted under its provisions, tram
pied in the dust. And when We consider
that it is the highly inteiligsnt, the learned,
and influential citizen who counsels thus, and
not the ignorant, and clamorous rabble our
apprehensions may we'll lead us to inquile,
Where are we drifting? True the machinery
of government still moves on. Improvement
in progress in every direction. The voice of
enterprise echoes on allsides. Commerce still
expands her sails, and dispenses her blessings
with the usual vivacity, and We are happy in
the enjoyment of unspeakablc blessings, vouch-
safed by a benefcent providence. But what
if this be true? Were not the French in the
possession of peace, were not their prospects
bright, when suddeniyin 1889 revolution ragged
in its most horrid form, sacrificing innocence
with lion like ferocity? When their sky seem
ed bright, were they not in brief time be-
wailing reign of terror? We may also point
to that nation in 1913. Never was business
| in more furnishing condition, than on the
21st of February of that year. The pleasure
resorts of her gay Capital were filed to over.
flowing, and all bespoke lasting tranquility
But soon the thunderbolt descended startling
the nations, and three days afterwards Louis
Philippe fed in disguise, and usurper is
seated on the throne of France. Are there
no lessons of wisdom in these transactions p
Do they inculcate no governmental ma1ims
for the benefit Of mankind? The eyes of the
civilized world are this day fixed upon us, and
what do they behold GO to the Capital Of
the nation. Visit the halls of legislation, and
there you will find body of men distinguished
for their learning and intelligence. Each of
those men, before entering upon their duties
swore to support the Constitution and laws of
the United States, not a single exception being
taken. Ere the echo of that oath ceases to vi
brate. members of an American Congress, de-
scendants of the SCARED defenders of our in
FAINT liberties, utter sentiments entirely subver
sive of all order, aye with tiger hate they GRIM
mate and heap reproaches upon those with |
whom they are linked in Constitutional bonds |
They ignore that instrument they swore to |
maintain, and boldly encourage anarchy and
civil Many proceed to those halls armed |
like theg ladiator of heather times appeared on |
the arena of combat. No longer does it startle |
the people to hear of fstcuff or knockdown |
in the National Congress. Nolongerare those |
halls the scene of quiet discussion, but SCOTS
and Kisses are of frequent occurrence. Such
things worthy only of the times of Caligu- |
Ia or Caesar. Four months have not passed |
away, since the cry of insurrection was herald
ed through the land. With electric speed it t
flashed from State to State, constituting |
theme for every press. 1t flew across the
broad Atlantic, anu the shouts of rejoicing
despots are echoed back across the wide waste
of writer's falling like funeral knell upon the
patriots ar. In the peaceful quiet hours of
Sabbath night, the slumbering inhabitants of
Harper's Ferry were awakened to behold the
volutionist putting into execution his hateful
and demoniacal scheme Years, it appears,
had been consumed in making preparation for .
this decd cf delusive folly, aye this act of hell
ish atrocity. Did not patriotism demand that
these men should receive only execrations, and
that punishment, which in all ages has been
the traitors doom Would not the united
voice of the nation have justly consigned them
to eternal infamy?, How. different the real
picture That murderous act finds upholders
and he, who, few years before delighted to
kindle the flames of civil war in Kansas, who
glorifed in the massacre of defenceless fathers
and sons in that virgin Territory in the far l
West, turning deaf ear to the entreaties of
those whose prayers have often moved the ,
hearts Of unfeeling savages, he, whose sword
had been dipped in the blood of his country
men. and was again unsheathed to deal havoc
and desolation to an unofending community,
finds eulogizers, and is termed the prosecuted