The Bedford gazette. [volume] (Bedford, Pa.) 1805-current, 1861-07-05
SECESSI0NISTS.

LatteFIy, we seldom rea- the New York ITI-
bune. We have long since concluded that il
was dangerous sheet-the very embodiment
o! vice Hence it was only the other day we
noticed the following which appeared in the
Tribune OF Nov.
II the Cotton States unitedIy and earnestly
wish to withdraw peacefully from the Union
we think they should, and would be allowed 10
do so. Any attempt to compel them by force
10 remain, would be contrary TO the principles
nnHcfat-d "a the jmmorta. Declaration Of Inde-
p"nGence-contrary 10 the fundamental ideas
an which human liberty is hased.''
The same paper in speaking Of affairs at the
South, recently said
" We repeatedly asked those who dissent
from our views in this matter to tell US frankly
whether they do or do not, assent to Mr.. JEFF
ferson's statement in the Declaration of Inde-
pendenc+, that governments derive their Just
powers from the consent of the governed and
that when any form of government becomes de-
structive of these ends, il is the right of the
noofle 10 alter or abolish it, and to institute a
new government, sc, &c. We DO heartily ac-
cept this doctrine, believing It intrinscaIy
sound, benefcent and one that If universally ac-
cepted, IS calculated to prevent the shedding Of
seas of human blood. LLEAnd if 1t Justified
the secession from the British Empire of three
millions of coloRists in l776, we 90 not see
why ii would not justify the secession of FIVE
millions of Scutherners from the Federal Union
N 1861"
Much OF Of our trouble can be d,ubly charg-
ID against Greeley and his co-workers. The
secession question as being agItated as early as
November, and Greeley said, /" If the Cotton
States unltedly and earnestly wish TO withdraw
from The Union We think they should be allow
I'd to do So" Mr.. Lincoln was silent. The
South, from Greelev's position, thought that
would be the policy Of the new administration.
They did saeedc The friends OF the admins
t:afon cried, 1t them 90, we don't want
them back" Such were not the sentiments OF
thp administration, however. Now, Greeley
and others, after having encouraged the South
10 their mad designs, say, we must not only con-
quer, but devasate their homes. Wtat can the
people think OF such meD Are they not as
nkamous as Southern traitors. Do you believe
rs-H who advocate secession are in earnest when
&C. cry, . conquer the Snnb 2"
- secaI he attention OF TIE ppbl;c 10 fhese
sertlmpnts Of Greeley and more especially the
attention Of those throughout the country who
are forming lists OF 90 secesSi1nsls," who, they
say, ought to be mobbed Here IS an avoweG
spcesaonist. 1t is the sentiment of the leading
press Of the Republican party; the same in ef-
feet, if not in words has been uttered IN our
own Court House. Was Greeley ever threat
enSd by mobs tor such expressions? Were
those vino advanced the sarre views in public
meetings ever threatened By mobs-ever called
secessionists No, they were Republicans, good
iogGi citizens. But let Democrat, even though
denying the right Of isrCession but express
desire for peace. and he is called " secession
st" and is threatened by mobs. 1t is time the
people should know the truth. Democrats
have ever denied the right Of secession, never
theleSs have been endeavoring TO bring about
an amICable adjustment; have begged and pray
ed for compromise, and now when the country
is IN danger, they are standing up boldly in
her defence. They Want peace but if peace
cannot be had, they will fight as they have ev-
er done, gallanty and willingly for the Union.
Whole regiments OF Democrats are in the field
Over one halt of the troops now in the field are
said 10 be Democrats, nevertheless they are
termed ''traltors." Is this their reward II is
painful to Us to refer 10 these things in a polt-
caI aspect, yet we cannot help It every day
we hear unprincipled demagogues calling this
and that Democrat a - ssecessonist,' y not because
aF~. acknowledged the right Of secession,
4r only because they are Democrats
Hr say to these busy bodies that when the
time comes iniIy TO test who will fight for their
couutry, 1t will not be those who prowl around
branding loyal citizens as traitors, who will be
iound first TO defend their homes and country,
but they VINO are for peace, and who will on
ly take up arms when peace cannot be had, will
be first in the ranks, and their swords will be
the first TO leap from their scabbards when the
conflict comes, while the big mouthed enthusi-
asts, always towards, trembling aee.-SOmerset
Democrat.