The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1861-07-05

formal speech IN the SENATE, uen's
18th OF march last-one month before the at
tack upon Fort sumter, That speech Is held up
as ne speech by which Mr.. Douglas should be
known and remembered. The same thing was
done by the Bangor Union. n, also, repro
duced extracts from that speech as the "idst
,Gort'' Of Mr. Douglas, and as The speech which
would show TO pOsterity the position he oceu-
pied on the great question now convulsing the
nation. The Maehlas Union, following closein
the path ofthe Day Book and Union, has re-
produced the extracts from that speech, while
Il has scrupulOusly avoided every word OF his
subsequent speeches at Springfield and CHI
cagO.
Now Of all this, were the object simply to
show the position of Mr.. Douglas in March
before the war commenced-nO one would have
a right TO complain; but since the record OF the
distinguished Statesman has been finally made
up, and upon Il has been placed the broad seal
OF death, Il becomes the grOssest injustice and
wickedness Ia misrepresent his position by ex-
hibiting his views uttered before the war CON-
mencci, as the views entertained by him after
civil war had become terrible reality. And
we here assert, that the course ofthe papers re-
ierred to is as false and as deceptive as i would
be, should Jefferson Davis die, 10 publish his
speeches in Portland, faneuil Hall aud other
New England cities, TO exhibit 10 pOsterity the
relation he bOIe to the American Union and its
aag.
In March Mr.. Douglas was laboring to pre-
ssTre peace that had not been disturbed by
actual conflict. Virginia, Tennessee, North
Carolina and Arkansas were then regarded as
loyal "botIler States;" Sumter had not been
assaulted by rebels; the Peace Convention was
in session trying to fix upon acceptable terms
OF permanent settlement; John Tyler aud his
confederates in treason hal not thown their
hands in that conventions; Mr.. Douglas be-
lieyed the preservation OF peace, the restortlon
Of good feeling and the reunion OF the States
possible, and that offensive war against the Sc
eeded States on the part Of the Government
would be fatal to any such prospect, and with
these views and from such standpoint he
made the speech Of march the l3th, IN which ne
used language Ike the following;
The speech is then given, and on this the
Democratic Editor remarks:
This speech was made March 18th. The
Peace Convention proved an abortion. Some
Of It's leading members, like John Tyler, proved
themselves rebels only playing game to deceive
the government and gain time for their own
purposes. Congress proposed Constitution
al amendment, guaranteeing the rights of the
slave States in relation to their peculiar insti-
buttons, republicans rs well as democrats sup
porting the proposition. But the tide OF re
bellion rolled on. Forts, arsenals, revenue
cutters minis, &C., were seiIed by armei rebels.
and military commanders proving traitors,
surrendered, without firing gun, To inferior
rebel forces. Finally the heart Of the nation
was thrown into violent palpitatiOn by the
rebelliOus assault upon Sumter, and the demand
for the capitulation OF that Fort without con-
ditiOns War was then inaugurated. IL had
been precipitated by the rebels themselves
Flushed with victory they threatened to fly their
confederate flag over the federal capitol
Peace was not To be preserved, for II did not
exist. Compromise, cancellation and guaran-
ties were alike spurned. Then II was that Mr.
Douglas, in the magnanimity ofa great mind,
rising above party considerations and party
animOsities, went to the President and cOun-
selled vigorous measures, and pledged the whole
weight of his influence To sustain the govern
ment in its efforts to defend the daS and to
maintain the integrity OF the Union.
Leaving the Capital he went on mission OF
patriotism TO his loved Northwest, there TO
make his final speech-there to lay down in
his peaceful grave. AT Dellaire, Ohio, oppo-
site Wheeling. he freely declared his position.
At other places he did the same BY invita-
ton he visited Springfield, the Capital of his
own State, and addressed the Legislature
That speech has been given in our columns
The scroll of his mortal life was not quite ready
20 be rolled up. lie was to speak once more
TO the people who knew him 50 well and who
loved him so tenderly-the people Of his own
chosen city-Chicago IL was now but five
weeks 10 his death. No Roman cOnqueror ever
entered the imperial city with more tokens OF
honor than marked Mr.. Douglas entry TO Chi
cago. lie was conducted 10 National HALL
the very building in which his successful com,
patitor was nominated for the Prcsidency-and
there he made the last public speech OF ms me
the speech tor which he will be held in lasting
remembrance.
We will not argue with the Democrat its
puerilc ideas that the Republicans should
have rendered pledges "then and there" to
the South. The man is tool, if nothing
worse. who supposes the members OF Con-
gress could have given pledges, which would
have bound anybody, to alter the Constitu'
ton to satisfy the demands Of the SOUTH
All propositions for alterations Of the Con-
stitution are to be submitted in prescribed
way to the Legislatures of the States or.
the people themselves directly, for adoption
or rejection. Had the Democrats secession
friends in Congress chosen to have remained
there. they could have submitted just such
propositions as they might have desired to
the Judgment of the people-thc Crittenden
proposition, or any other plan. Why did
they not do this? Will the Democrat in
form the public? Our own opinion is that
they feared the Judgment Of the people. and
hoped to gain by rebellion what they had no
promise Of obtaining by any other method.
In the attainment of their unholy desires
they hoped for divided North. They have
found, too late for their safety, united one,
and determined one (; for let us say to the
Democrat that there were proportionally in
the war OF the Revolution moro tories than
there are now friends offs secession, like himself,
in the free States Here and there speck
of treason, such us il displays, appears, hard.
ly perceptible, and only sufficient to give ad-
ditional lustrc to the surrounding patriotism,
and in itself of very little consequence. 1t
will not prevent the success Of the arms of
the republic, or dampen the courage of its
soldiers. II will not even tinge with disloy-
atty the community in which it exists, but,
separate and alone, stepped in its own nau-
soousncss, it will only adhere to the individ-
uals tainted with its corruption, to remain
with them to the end Of their natural lives,
making them and their pOstcrity the objects
of perpetual reproaeh and iniamy. such as
is ever the retribution Of all who strengthen
the arms of those who raise parricidal hands
against their country.
y The Mills Of the Pepperill Corporation
w;n sion sn,;rsly after n week from Saturday,