The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1861-06-28


then assign this fact us reason why the sec
tions may not longer live together. II the
disunion candidate in the late Presidential
contest had carried tho United South, their
scheme was, the Northern candidate success
full, to seize tho Capitol last Spring, and by
a United South and divided North hold 1t.
That scheme was defeated in tho defeat OF
the disunion candidate in several Of the South
crn States.
But this Is no time for detail of causes.
The conspiracy is now known. Armies have
been raised, war is levied to accomplish it,
There are only two sides to the question:
Every man must bc for the United States
or against it. There can be no neutrals in
this war; only patriots-or traitors.
Thank God, Illinois is not divided on this
question. (Chcers.) know they expected
to present. united South against divided
North. they hoped in the Northern States,
party questions would bring civil war be-
tween Democrats and Republicans, when the
South would step in with her cohorts aid one
party to conquer tho other, and then make
easy prey of the victors. Their scheme was
carnage and civil war in the North. There
is but one way to defeat this. In Illinois It
is being so defeated by closing up the ranks.
War will thus be prevented on our own soil.
While their was hope Of peace was ready
for any reasonable sacrifice or compromise to
maintain it. But when tho question comes
of war in the cotton-felds Of the South or the
the corn.tields of Illinois, I say the farther
of the better.
We cannot close our eyes to the sad and
solemn face that war does exist. The Gov
ernment must be maintained, its enemies
overthrown, and the more stupendous the
preparations the less the bloodshed, and the
shorter the struggle. But We must rcmem-
Der certain restraints on our action even in
time of war. We are Christian people, and
tho war must be prosecuted in manner rec
ognizcd by Christian nations.
We must not invade Constitutional rights.
The innocent must not suffer, nor womenand
children be the victims. Savages must not
be let loose. But while l sanction no war
on the rights Of Others, ! will implorc my
countrymen not to lay down their arms until
their own rights are recognized. (Checrs.)
The Constitution and its guarantees are our
birthright, and | am ready to enforce that in:
alienable right to the last extent. We can
not recognize secession. Recognize 1t toncc,
and you have not only dissolved the Govern.
ment, but you have destroyed social order and
overturned tho foundations Of society. You
have inaugurated anarchy in its worst form,
and will show by experience all the horrors
Of the French Revolution.
Then VIC have solcmn duty-to maintain
the Government. The greater our unanimity
the speedicr the day of peace. We have
prejudces to overcome from the few short
months since Of fierce party contest. Yet
these must be allayed. Let usl lay aside all
examinations and rccrminations to the origin
of these difficulties. When we shall have
again country with the United States flag
floating over land respected on every inch
of American soil, it will then be time enough
to ask who and what brought oil this upon
us.
lave said more than I intended to say
(Crics of "Go on.'O 1t is sad task to dis
cuss questions so fearful as civil war, but sad
as it is, bloody and disastrous as ] expect it
will be, express 1t as my conviction before
God, that it is the duty of every American
citizen to rally round the flag Of his country.
thank you again for this magnificent
demonstration. BY you show you have
laid aside party strife. Illinois has proud
position. United, firm, determined never to
permit the Government to be destroyed
prolonged cheerlng.)
At the close of his address, nine cheers
were given to Mr.. Douglas, who was escorted
to his hotel by the Committee.