The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1861-09-13
From the Waukesha Democrat.
Freedom of Speech.

Mr.. Editor Il am an old Jackson
Democrat, Tam, and take the response
bility" of saying wha, l believe is true,
hit or miss. Having been brought up in
that way, from quite youth, it comes
rather hard on me to have to keep mum,
rs ! am told to do, when see things
going on that don't look right, either in
the administration or in the war, or any
where else. But, somehow, it has come
to pass, that if person speaks his senti-
ments, and they don't tally with the Re-
publican Shibboleth, or If it amt all in
praise of the course ofMr. Lincon's admin
istration, he is posted as traaor,or seces-
sionist, or some other bad character, and
is exposed to gross insults.
Now, Mr. Editor, l should like to know
what we are coming 10 at this rate +? II
We have got to give up our liberties-es-
pecialy the freedom os speech and debate
to sustsin the cause Of Union, it don't
appear to me that the Union is worth
much. If we have got to be the slaves, or
dumb dogs, of the dominant party, just
because we are involved in war with sece-
ders, it don't appear that the government
can be Of much account, any wav. Or, if
it is only to secure to Republicans The
privilege Of saying just what they please,
and doing just what they please, while
other folks can't lisp a word without the
danger of being mobbed or chased out of
society, it appears to me to be paying
too dear for the WHISTLE quote that
from Ben. Franklin, and | don't believe he
would submit to any such dogmatical
bullyragging, no how. l know of one
that won't; and don't believe Jackson or
Clay, or any such patriots would. The
fact is,gen;Iemen, if our government can't
stand free and fair discussion upon imper-
tant political questions, it had better be
given up to dictstors, and done with it.
The cost Of saving such principles as our
fathers held to, is nothing to compare with
making white slaves.
90 in for sustaining the government
as it was and ought to be, with the stars
and stripes floating over free press and
free speech, or not at all. Truth is not in
any danger if left free to combat error
Il" The truth shall make you free.' That
is Scri pture quotation. And if the Re-
publicaus are afraid anybody will be less
true and loyal to the government because
they can't swallow all the extravagant no
tons of the editors and leaders of the
party, it is the best time now to settle that
account, before it goes to o far. 1t appears
to me that the doctrins Of the present time
as taught by the organs of the administra-
ton, must have been erected from Crom-
well, and for one, l don't like them at all.
And, yet, there amt drop of my blood
but Pm willing to shed for my country
and her just authority. But | wish to do
| IL us a lleeuldll, duu not us slave
"Give me liberty or give me death"-
That's quotation from Patrick Henry
And don't believe he would have sue
cumbed to any dictator. Do you believe
he would
And although don't pretend to be
prophet, yet it seems to me, that the
strenuous course of the powers that be l."
in relation to some Democratic and other
papers, is more cacuated TO weaken the
Union feeling than to support it may
be wrong; but it dosen't appear can be-
Who is going to chain the thoughts and
convictions of the people, I'd like to know
Some people honestly think the policy OF
Gen. Seoott was not wise Some thiuk it
was. Now. who is to stand up and saw
that each shan't have the right to give hi.
opinion, public or private! Some think
there has been degree Of partiality shown
by the President.and by the Departments,
in appointing officers; and can't man
say tiff he thinks so, without the danger
of hemp? aa,.
Gentlemen, best way is, to let men say
what they please, and not go to persecut-
ing them for opiniou's sake for if YOU 90
the devil will be to pay, aud no mistake