Centre Democrat. [volume] (Bellefonte, Pa.) 1848-1989, 1861-08-22
DEN2oCR AT !.
Eor the Democrat.
Mr.. EDITOR

LOI Ouc OCAVCIdIs
Mr.. EDITOR
Strange times have befallen u.s.
Wars and rumors of wars have taken the place
of peace and harmony. But a few months ago
and the pages of American history bore the name
of but one tt ator, and you had but ask the small
lest chool boy in the land to ascertain that that
name was "Arnold." How changed the scene
Thousands of traitor up in arms against the
Government thousands of arms are raised to
strike at the great heart of the Union. What
ingrati tudechildren striking at the heart of the
mother who has sustained them. And where are
these men-these traitors, to be found In the
South alone Would to God there were none
elsewhere; but while our fathers, our brothers
and our sons are going forth to swell the ranks
of the Unicn army, while every 10y al man is do
ing all in his power to save the country from des
truction there are meH in the North, and even
in our very midst, who are willing to sacrifice
their country, for the supposed interests of men
who have proven themselves traitors to the best
government on the face of the earth-men who
sympathize with them in their ungodly work
and who aid as far as they may in further
ing their nefarious designs. How long shall this
be so? In the name of high Heaven, shah these
traitors in disguise, be permitted longer to wear
the Union cloak to hide their black hearts p
Shall they longer prate about the lights of the
South and enumerate the wrongs they have en-
dured Shall they be permitted to libel the Ad-
ministration, and charge honest, loyal men Of the
North with bringing civil war with all iss horrors
upon us, when they know in their very hearts
that it was caused by their friends of the South?
have been led to these thoughts by reading
the Democratic Watchman, every number of which
is filed with articles better suited to more
Southern community. Such publication would
be no curiosity in South Carolina, the hot bed of
Secession. Its sentiments would be more readi-
ly endorsed by the cohorts of JEFF. Davis than by
the citizens of Centre county. Its course since
the commencement of this war is condemned by
every honest Union man in the country. Every
week this paper is filled with long articles and
short articles, written articles and stolen articles
all of which contain sentiments more or less trea-
sonable, and every one of which express the sen~
timents of its editors. 1t makes it special duty
to express its indignation at the manner in which
the Administration is dealing with the traitors
of the South to deprecate the continuance of
this war, which they declare was brought upon
the country by the "Black Republicans" and to
cry fer compromise" with traitors.
Now, Mr.. Editor, as well you know, have al
ways been Democrat; but if this Watchman is
democratic paper-if to be Democrat is to be
svm na with and defnndar Of traitors
then am Democrat no longer. But this is
not so for many of us good Union men as
we'll as Democrats, and do hope that the people
of Pennsylvania do not judge of the Democratic
party of Centre county by what claims to be its
organ. 1t is true that many honest Democrats
of our county have been misguided and led estray
in these matters by the Watchman, the Day Book
and other kindred sheets. 1t is also true that
prejudice has much to do in this matter-there
are many who are so prejudiced' against every
thing in the shape of opposition to Democracy,
that, like the secessionists at the South, they
condemn before they give trial. am not one
of that kind. think it right to prove all things.
I think that the South should have given Abra-
ham Lincoln trial as President of the whole
Union, before they secceedsd.. If they had done
this believe their would have been no secession
and of course no war. Yet many of us are loyal.
Some of have in the army fer three
months, and are willing to go again if necessary;
but il is rather hard that our friends must leave
their homes and endure the privations of SOL
dier's life, while there are men in our own un-
ty who are in favor of the rebellion, which We
L H.
they in the South, take up arms against us. l
think, myself, that editors should not be allowed
to publish, or citizens to speak treason in the
North. w ere Union man to go South and talk
in favor of Union, we all know what would be his
fate.
The Union feeling is very strong in Harris tp.,
and have heard men of responsibility, threaten
to 90 down and demolish the printing office of
Il Watchman, if its editors do not change their
course l am in favor of free press, hut I am
not in favor of allowing men to publish treason,
and hope that the Union men in the county will
take this matter in hand, earnestly, and inform
these editors that such conduct will not be allow
ed any longer.
There are few me in Harris township, who
are not exactly sound, but then, you know, igno.
rance must be pied in behalf Of great many men
We sent company of as brave men to aid the
Government as ever pulled trigger they did
their duty and returned when their term of en-
listment expired There are but few of US who
are not willing to die for the old flag
If this is acceptable, may write again.
A UNION DEMOCRAT OF HARRIS.
Eor tha