The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1861-05-08
A Noble Speech from Gen. Cass.

Gen. Cass presided at great Union
meeting held in Detroit on Thursday last
We make the following ex:rscs from his
speech:
I cannot take this seat without Goa
trasting the situation in which now ind
myself with that in which | Was placed
en- this very spot, almost fifty years ago
Then, in the days Of our weakness, we
we're subjected to dishonorablc ospitula-
tion. brought about by the imbeeility Of
the leader; while now, 10 the days OF our
strength, neither treason nor weakness
can permanently affect the holy cause to
which all hands and hearts are pied ged
Then our contest was legi innate war,
wagsa with foreign foe; our war TO day
is domestic one, commenced by, and
bringing in its train, acts which no right
feeling man can contemplate without u ost
painful regret. But few short months
ago we we're the FIRST and happiest nation
on the face of the globe. In the midst
of this prosperity, with no foe to assail
us, without single injury at home, caused
by the operations of the Government, to
affect US, this glorious Uaion. aeqnirs /
by the blood and sacrifices of oar fathers,
has been disowned and rejected By per.
ton of the States conpasi9g i:--rAie!,
has given US more blessing, lhaa my pre-,
vious government ever conferred on man
Here, than, thank Coz! lis ensign aoats
proudly and safely, (app' aase) sad no
American can see its fods spread out 70
the breeze without feeling thrill Of pr;de
at his heart, and without recalling tE.
splendid deeds it has Witnessed il many
a bloody contest, from the d.y OF Bunk
rer's Hill to our time. (Ap!ssnsr Ard
that flag. your worthy Mayor has, by the
direction of the manicipal sugl>o-ity, hung
out upon the dome above US Tue loyal
American people can defend it, and he
deafening cheers which meet US to day
are sure pledge that they soiI defend II.
(Applause. A stern determination to
do SO is evinced by the preparations and
patriotic devotion which are v messed
around us, and in the echoes which are
brought here by every wind that blows
You need no one to tell yon what are
the dangers Of your country. nor wha:
are your duties TO meet sad avert ,hem
There is but one path fer every true man
to travel, aud that is broad and plain. l.
will conduct US, not indeed ~ithou, triala
and suffering!s, to peace and to restoration
of the Union. He who is not for his
country is against her (Applarse
There is no neutral position to be occu-
pied. 1t is the duty Of oil zealously to
support the Government in its efforts to
bring this unhappy civil war to speedy
and satisfactory conclusion. by the reste-
ration. in it's integrity, Of that great char
ter of freedom beqpesthed to us by Wash
| ington and his compatriois. His ashes,
l humbly trust, will ever continue to re-
pose in the lowly tomb at Mt. Vernon,
and in the United S'a'es of America
(applause) which he loved so well, and did
SO much to found and buila up.i Mani.
fest your regard for his memory by follow.
ing, each with the compass of his power
his noble example, and restore his work
as he left it, by devoting heart, mind and
deed to the cause. Long continued
cheering.)