Centre Democrat. [volume] (Bellefonte, Pa.) 1848-1989, 1861-11-07
More History.

When the development of this rebellion
appeared in the secession Of South Carolina,
the announcement was boldly made. that it
was an effort to vindicate the rights of the
people of the South with regard to the ex-
tension of Slavery, the increase of its loliti>
cal power, and the protection Of its domestic
influence. On the pretence first that these
rights had been threatened, the south prepa-
red to resist aggression, and when the lead
ers in the rebellion had succeeded in fortify>
ng their harbors and frontiers, they openly
proclaimed their purpose so destroy the
American Union, that the institution of sla-
very might be increased in numerical strength
the advocates OF secession were in earnest
Alexar der II. Stephens openly proclaimed
the doctrine of universal slavery for every
description OF labor, and made the system Of
human bondage the basis on which the
south intended to rear it's fabric of govern
ment. These are facts which already con.
stitute part of the history Of tkis rebellion
facts Incorporate d into the confederate con-
stitution-facts stamped upon their legisla-
ton, and facts which have prevented the
powers uf Europe thus far from recognising
the Confederate States of Americs, SO called
by the rebels, as an independent sovereign
power among the nations of the world. 1t
the basis of government fixed by tho rebels
had been any other than that Of Slavery,
England and France, would have long since
recognized JEFF. Davis & Co., as leg timate
rulers. 1t is the fear of qualification that
prevents these powers from this recognition,
and even this motive may not much longer
deter them from such proceeding, if the
federal powers of this government do not
sson move in manner to prove that they
are competent to cope with insurrection. able
to crush OCT rebellion, and prepared at all
hazards to meet and defeat the armed trait
ors Of the south. Public sentiment cannot
be forever restrained on this subject. The
loyal states, after having almost spontaneous
ly poured aut their wealth ia men and trsas-
ure in money in response to the government
have right to demands that blow be struck
regardless whether it be in the emancipation
of every slave in the south, or the condagrs
ton OF every rebsl city aad village, SO that
the American Union is rescued and restored,
the land delivered from rebellion, the laws
once more respected, and the federal author
ity again recognised.
In the face Of these historical facts. it is
passing strange that thore are those in the
loyal states who still demand that ia the eff
fort to crush rebellion, no stroke must be
struck at slavery. When the slave power
declares it to be its purpose to break up the
Union, to destroy the federal authority and
desolate the land, others who give the fede.
raj government sort of negative support,
claim that those who's are risking life and for
tune to estore the majesty of that power
must refrain from all interference with sla.
yery-must no attempt the emancipation of
single slave, and in all particulars, must
respect the local and general rights Of every
slave holder. whether hs is found with arms
in his hands, or is secretly abetting the ef-
forts OF those who arc openly engaged 10
trsson. Such policy in this struggle can
not be productive of success. If the hope is
entertained that the Institution of slavery is
to be saved and maintained in the social Wig.
or and political power it possessed before
this rebellion was orsanixed, and at thesame
time the rebels be forced to sbedieace and
respect, then are our armies a useless or
ganixation and burden to the government,
and ell our efforts to preserve the Union
must eventually become failures. Only one
Of the two can survive this struggle. Sla-
very must be rebuked-its development re-
tarded and its spread prevented, if We ever
ever hope to secure the future peace and
prosperity OF the American Union. The in
stitution has eroven itself a. element of des-
trueticn in cur government. Its influence
has introduced corruption into our syeten-
its prestage has arrogsted to itself power
superior to the constitution and laws of the
land, and the issue must sooner or later be
presented to the people, Shall the Union be
restored-or shall slavery be maintained and
perpetuated in the land Telegraph.