The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1861-05-10

$3.50 -
On the evening Of April "a, there was an
immense Union meeting at Detroit, Michi-
gan. General Cas- presided, and spoke as
follows: ,. - 80
FELLOW CITIzENs-I am sorry you have
not selected chairman to preside over your
assemblage more accustomed to such task
and more competent to fulfill it than | am.
But while feeling my incompetency, am
encouraged by the hope that shall find in
your kind regard an excuse for any errors l
may commit believing it is my duty, while
can do but little, to do all l can to mani
fest the deep interest feel in the restora-
ton to peace and good order and submission
to the laws of every portion Of this glorious
Republic.
l cannot take this seat without contrast
ing the situation in which I now find myself
with that in which 1 was placed on this
very spot almost fifty years ago.
Then, in the days OF our weakness, we
were subjected to dishonorable capitulation
brought about by the imbecility of the lead,
er; while now, in the days of our strength,
neither treason nor weakness can perma-
nently affect the holy cause to which all
hands and hearts are pledged. Applause.
Then our contest was a legitimate war,
waged with foreign foe; our war today is
domestic one, commenced by and bringing
in its train acts which no right feeling man
can contemplate without most painful regret.
But a few short months since, and we were
the first and happiest nation on the face of
the globe. In the midst of this prosperity,
without single foe to assail us, without
single injury at home caused by the opera
tions of the Government to affect US, this
glorious Union, acquired by the blood and
sacrifices of our fathers, has been disowned
and rejected by portion of the States com.
posing it,-Union which has given us more
blessings than any previous Government
ever conferred upon man.
Here, thank God Its ensign floats proud
ly and safely-[applause] and no Ameri-
can can see its folds spread out to the breeze
without feeling thrill OF pride at his heart,
and without recalling the splendid deeds it
has witnessed in many bloody contest,
from the day of Bunker's Hill to our time.
[Applause. And that flag, your worthy
Mayor has, by the direction of the Munich
pal authority, hung out upon the dome
above us. The loyal American people can
defend it, and the deafening cheers which
meet US today are sure pledge that they
wiH defend it. Applause. A stern de-
termination to do so is evinced by the pre-
parations and patriotic devotions which are
witnessed around ms, and in the echoes
which are broght here by every wind that
blows.
You need no one to tell you what are the
dangers of your country, nor what are
your duties to meet and avert them. There
is but one path for every true man to travel,
and that is broad and plain. 1t will con-
duct US, not indeed without trials and suf-
ferings, to peace and to the restoration Of
the Union. He who is not for his country
is against her. Applause. There is no
neutral position to be occupied. 1t is the
duty of all zealously to support the govern
ment in its efforts to bring this unhappy
civil war to speedy and satisfactory con-
cusion, by the restoration, in its integrity,
of that great charter of freedom bequeathed
to US by Washington and his compatriots.
His ashes, humbly trust, will ever con-
tinue to repose in the lowly tomb of Mount
Vernon, and in the United States of Amer
lea, which he loved so well, and did so much
to found and build up. Manifest your re-
gard for his memory by following, each
within the compass of his power, his noble
example, and restore his work as he left it,
by devoting heart, mind and creed to the
cause. Long continued cheering.]