The Potter journal. [volume] (Coudersport, Pa.) 1857-1872, 1861-10-02

RaS- Of the course to be pursued, Of
the principles involved, and of the result
to be attained in the present crisis much
is said, thought, and published by both
the learned and unlearned. Differences
Of opinion are natural, and where one
counsels one course and another differ
ent, we derive no actual benefit from
either, and are compelled to adopt one of
the propositions, or upon individual
thought erect one in accordance with the
particular ideas we may have. In seek,
ing relief for an injury being inflicted up
on US We instinctively look first to the
cause Of that injury, aud from the cause
we derive principle for our defence.
The natural inquiry, in the present con-
test between our Government and its re-
bellious subjects, is. what is the first
great cause and the end for which the
majority Of the Southern people are now
contendng? From their own words and
actions we must of course take their rea-
ons. After the election of Lincoln, upon
a platform opposing the extension of
Slavery, the South deemed the restric-
tion of its unholy institution sufficient
cause for revolt and the bringing from its
grave the defunct principle Of Calhoun,
that State could 60 out Of the Union
and then settle its difficulties as other
foreign nations would. And as Slavery
was their rcry then so Slavery is Their
war-cry now. And in this contest the
motive power Of the South presents the
arm Of Slavery, and the end for which it
strikes the blow, tie spreading of Slavery
and the overthrow of Free Republican in.
stitutions, and the establishing upon the
ruined foundations this hydra headed
monster, Slavery. Seeing the cause of
the South's opposition to the Govern
ment, the most effective course we can
take is to remove this powerful Stimuiant
from the wheel Of their Government. Up
TO a very late day the men of the North
were divided in opinion as to the mode
to be adopted; but Fremont's proclama-
lion opened their eyes to the fact that al
though the theoretical Abolitionists OF
the country formed but an inconsldcrable
number, the practical Aboltionlsts num-
bered among their numbers all Of those
who have taken their places in the ranks
of the Union; that while considering it
an insult to be called an AboitioniSt
their feelings were such as to hail with
joy the proclamation of Gen Fremont
The best way to accomplish the over
throw of the Slave power, and indeed the
only feasible plan that presents itself,
without the shedding Of the blood Of the
bTayest of Northern men, is the adoption
Of a principle Of Liberty to all the Slaves
OF these who are disloyal." Gen, Fremont
made the first great move in this direc.
tion and the free sentiment Of the whole
country sustained him, President Lincoln
restricted him to the laws and the people
found fault with him for it. True, the
South deny the right Of proclaiming thcil
property free, but if we wait till they are
satisfied we will see the rebellious flag o
Slave America floating from the capito
at Washington. If we neither are noI
have been Abolitionists, yet that sterr
monitor necessity may make US so prac
tically, if not theoretically. The curse
is upon US and we must fight ourselyc.
from it. Money will be but wha
is Money compared with the Life of th,
Nation? We are better able to sup
port the loss now than we may b.
when the time does come, which it surel
will, sooner or later. Let us prepare t.
meet it bravely. Let US forsake Dolla
for Principle, Slavery for Freedom, In
subordination for Government, and th
blessings of Heaven may again rest upol
US which they never will in our presen
wickedness.
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~ Vote for COLVIN and JON III