The Council Bluffs nonpareil. [volume] (Council Bluffs [Iowa]) 1857-1867, 1861-06-01

II was not party question, nor queetion
involving partisan policy; il was question
Of government or no government, country
or no country; and hence it became the I'M
peratiye duty Of every Union man, every
friend Of constitutional liberty, to rally 70
the support Of our common country, its
government and Gag As the only means OF
checking the progress of revolution and OF
l am unable to answer your questions IN
respect to the policy Of Mr.. Lincoln and his
Cabinet. am not in their confidence, AS
you and the whole country ought 70 be
aware. am neither the supporter OF the
partisan policy, nor the apologist for the
errors Of the Administrations. MY previous
relations to them remain unchanged but
trust the time will never come when l snaii
not be willing to make any needful sacrifice
Of personal feeling and party policy for the
honor and integrity of my country.
know of no mode BY which loyai citi-
zen may 50 well demonstrate his devotion
to his country as BY sustaining the Tag, the
Constitution, and the Union, under all CIR
cumssances, and under every administration,
(regardless of party politics,) against all
asssilants, at home and abroad. The course
Of Clay and Webster toward the admins.
tration Of Gen. Jackson, in the days OF
notification, presents noble and worthy
example for all true patriots. At the very
moment when that fearful crisis was precip-
itatsd upon the country, partisan strife
between Wings and Democrats was quite as
bitter and relentless as now between DEM
ocrats and Republicans. The gulf which
separated party leaders in those days was
quite as broad and deep as that which now
separates the Democracy from the Republi-
cans. But the moment an enemy rose IN
our midst, plotting the dismenberment OF
the Union and the destruction of the gov
eminent, the voice Of partisan strife was
hushed in patriytic silence. One of the
brightest chapters in the history of our
country will record the fact that during this
eventful period the great leaders of the
Opposition, sinking the partisan in the pa
triot, rushed to the support of the govern
ment, and became its ablest and bravest
defenders against all assalants until the
conspiracy was crushed and abandoned,
when they returned to their former posi-
tions as party leaders upon political issues.
These acts Of patriotic devotions have
never been deemed evidences of infdelity or
political treachery, on the part of Clay and
Webster. to the principles and organization
Of the old Wing party. Nor have any ap-
prehensions that the firm and unanimous
support which the Democratic leaders and
masses are now giving to the Constitution
and the Union will ever be deemed evidences
of infdeli.y to Democratic principles, or a
want Of loyalty to the organization and
creed of the Democratic party. II we hope
to regain and perpetuate the ascendancy OF
our party, We should never forget that a
man cannot be true Democrat unless he is
loyal patriot.
With the sincere hope that these my con-
scientious convictions may coincide with
those Of my friends, | am, very truly, yours.
STEPHEN A. DouGLAs.
To VIRGIL Hrcox, ESQ.,,
Chairman State Democratic Committee.