The Ashland union. [volume] (Ashland, Ashland County, Ohio) 1854-1868, 1860-02-15
- ASHLAND. ASHLAND COUNTY. OHIO. WEDNESDAY MORN

clergy, the influential in all parts of the Free
States justify its perpetrators, and even the
press in different portions speaks in commend
able terms of John Brown. What was the ma
ture of that foul design? Has NOT insurrcc-
ton in all ages been attended by scenes too
shocking to be recounted? We may point to
st Domingo in 1871, and behold picture, a
personi6eation of that attempted in Virginia
There were scenes of plumber and rapine, mid
night burniipgs, horrible massacres and abomi-
nable deeds, at the recital of which the heart
sickens, and we gladly shelter ourselves beneath
the mantle of silence. There the ruthless
hand of the assassin spared neither sex nor age;
but without distinction, the dagger of the infu-
rated mob was bathed in the blood of the help
less and innocent. Yet for an attempted rep
etition of these horrors in our midst, John
Brown finds sanctuary of refuge, in the SYM
pathy of the descendants of world renowned
patriots. He, who declared it had been his
purpose for years to excite insurrection and
ovcrtu the institutions of the South, finally
meets with that punishment due to his crimes
On the day of his earthly retribution, seeming
ly nation mourns. Religious assemblies are
convened, the tolling of bells peals forth the
gloem whick wraps the minds of many, and he
is bewailed as the noblest defender of right, a
victim of dire cruelty. But alas even this is
not all. After the excitement of the moment
has had time to subside, meetings tolerate the
promulgation of sentimens which all good. eiti-
xens should spurn. Who believes the gibbet
has been rendered sacred because John Brown
died thereon? Who believes Joseph Warren
was not fit to touch the hem of his garment
None, let us hope, out of the limits of very mod
ern New England, or the Western Reserve
From this faint survey of our affairs, where,
judging from the teachings of the past, are we
drifting 1t is no longer to be concealed that
a continuous warfare IS waging against the
Southern portion of our confederacy The
voice of reason cries 'estop" ere it is too late
Let not the land for which Washington fought,
Warren fell, and many other patriots died, be
stained with fratricidal blood. Remember that
those against whom this warfare is waged are
our countrymcn. Our brethren Of the South
have descended from revolutionary sires as well
dear his household band; they worship at the
same altar with us; their prayers ascend to the
same God; our interests are one. The nations
of the Old World are now rejoicing at our di
visions. They declare that events are transpir-
ing, to justify their predictions, that our gov
ernment could not stand the test of time.-
Shall their hopes be realized ? Shall the di-
lapidated fragments of sundered despotisms ex-
ult, that the death throes of our existence shall
be mingled with theirs? Shall the greedy as
pirant for freedom, smarting under the thongs
of relentless tyranny, when musing on lands
that American institutions, which once vel
coined the down trodden and oppressed, are
crushed to rise no more? If we place not our
trust in that constitution which has borne us up
so long, if we cherish sentiments of hate for
any of our institutions, we will soon have to
bid farewell to the boasted greatness of our Re-
public; farewell to all those bright hopes,
which departed patriots have cherished; farewell
to the last repose of freedom. For the flag at
our mast head tells US we are drifting to ruin,
and our government once demolished, will nev
er be reconstructed. But let us anticipate a
brighter future. Let every portion of the
Union be dear to our hearts. Let us revere
the Constitution and obey the requirements of
the laws. And whether the star spangled
banner waves on the shores of the Atlantic,
where it will be kissed by the first light of
morn, or on the distant Pacifc's coast, where
the last beams of the setting sun glisten upon
its folds; whether it streams in the remotest
regions of the North, or floats amid the orange
groves of the sunny South, let US swear on the
altar of our country, to defend every star and
stripe. and if we fall in its protection, no trait
,rs grave will be ours. Though the times may
be tumultuous as long as wesha II behold those
.nsigns floating unmutilated from the dome of
he Capitol, so long will our Ship of State con.
inue to weather the storm. Though the thun-
lers of despotism should hurl their vitupera-
ions against her, though che lightning's lurid
flare shold illume the political horizon, if her
'fficers and crew are true. she will continue to |
lrift on, and on, amid the breakers, freighted |
With the last hope Of constitutional freedom,
Until her object shall be attained, her destiny
UTILIZED, and when peace and good will shall
prevail on earth.