Indiana State sentinel. (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1861-1865, 1861-08-21
Think Of II.

A fierce sectional war is raging of gigantic pro-
portions, and the people of the North are called
upon, regardless Of past party affiliations, to unite
in sustaining the honor and maintaining the iu-
tegrity of the Federal Government. The admin
istratiOn of the Government is in the hands of
the Republican party and this appeal for the ig
noring of party issues and party sympathies comes
from the leaders of that political organization.
When one party is asked to surrender its distinct
i've principles and policy for the time being to
make a common effort to preserve the Govern
ment, there are at least reciprocal duties on the
part of its political adversaries. If Democrats
are solicited, nay urged, by Republicans, as a pa
triOtc duty to forget party and unite with them in
common effort to preserve the Government,
common courtesy demands that while assuming
equal responsibilities and equal sacrifices to &C
compliSh that object, they should occupy posi-
ton equally honorable with their political adver-
saries in administering the Government and pros
ecuting the war. The fairness and justice OF
such course can not but be apparent to the doll
est comprehension, and the most malignant par
tisan. Has such lofty, patriotic and generous
spirit influenced the party in power2 The present
Administration was inaugurated with full knowi-
edge that the troubles we are now experiencing
would be preciptatcl upon the country. Under
such circumstances it would naturally be sup
posed, if the Administration desired unanimity OF
action in the North, that there would be no polt
cal prescription, and that tolerant policy would
be adopted toward its political opponents. But
what did we see? With the Inauguration of Mr.
LINCOLN the political guillotine was put in mo-
ton, and the heads of Democratic Office holders
were chopped off Unfortunately. Even such
men as HoLr and DIX, whose patriotism the most
radical Republican can not question, and whose
ability and experience in public affairs all must
admit was of great value to the Government
were cast aside with the utmost nonchllance.
And up to this day. in the terrible crisis through
which the country is passing. the President find;
time to prescribe men on account of their pas
party affiliations, and to even write letters to
army commissariats requesting them to make
their purchases of Republicans instead of Demo
Gratis. And while this kind of political proscrip
ton and favoritism is being exhibited, the Presi
dent and the Republican leaders appealing &c
Democrats to forget party and rally to the sup
port of the Government when menaced with the
most imminent dangers. Even the leading Dem
ocrats in Congress, whose thorough devotion Il
the Union could not be questioned, have not beer
counseled by those in power as to tie policy o
the Government. And the same policy has beer
pursued in military appointments. 1t i.
Yates Of the army are Democrats This being
the fact they should certainly have a fair proper
ton of the general officers. But, with two OF
three exceptions, no Democrats, who have the
confidence and would be the choice of their party
have been thus honored And with these fact.
staring in the face, and known to the whole
country. the Republicans have the assurance tC
say there is no party in this war! Was ever thu
patriotism of party more thoroughly tested thar
the Democracy? The integrity of the Govern
ment is endangered by the party in power, and
the Democracy, regardless of party sympathes
manfully come to its rescue. They vote freely
the sinews of WARRIOR all the money aud mer
that the Administration ask for, and they furnish
from their ranks more than half of the army The,
sacrifice all personal pride and all party prejudi
ces to save the Government, and what kind o
treatment do they meet in return? They have
no voice in the direction of the war-they are ex
cluded from positions of honor and profit in tn,
civil administration of the Government, and il
the army they are permitted to do the fighting
with occasionally post of honor and distinction
And where would the Administration have beer
without the support of the Democratic party
Notwithstanding this neglect, the Democracy
will periodically stand by the Government, main
tanning its honor and integrity-but when thu
contest is over. fearful retrbution will visit tn,
party whose patriotism and magnanimity has new
er risen above mere partisanship We ask tn
people to think of these things.