Democrat and sentinel. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1853-1866, 1861-12-18
&. ID. MURR Editor.
James S. Todd. Publisher.
wednesday DEC. IS. 1861.
For what are we Contending {,

We have been frequently asked during
the last six months, for what purpose is the
National Administration carrying on his
war, and have uniformly answered-for the
purpose of saving the Union and Constitu-
ton from destruction, bringing back the
revoltcd States to their allegiance, and re-
storing tranquility to the country. To sus>
tain the correctness Of this answer. we pro-
duced the declarations Of President Lincoln
In his Inaugural address and in his Message
to Congress at the commencement of the
Extra Session of that body last summer.
We knew, of course, that alarge portion of
the Republican Party, was in favor of max
ing the war crusade against slavery, and
therefore advocated the arm;ng of the Slaves
and encouraging servile Instructions a
mong them, but we could not bring oarself
TO believe, that any member of the AdmiLis>
tratIon, was so dead to every feeling Of hu-
manity and enlightened patriotism, as to up
hold such unconstitutional and revolving
doctrines. But we are compelled 10 believe
70 now because we have inccutrOvertible
evidence Of the fact before Us. Simon Cam
eron. the Secretary of War, mas proclaimed
himself to the world, in favor of emancipa~
ting the slaves belonging to the rebels, and
arming them for the purpose, Of course, CT
numbering their masters and their families.
1t IS reduced to . certainty, that the oc-
cupant Of the most important position In the
Cabinet al the present time, is an ultra
Abolitionist, and wishes to carry on, not
Constitutional war for the preservation Of
the Union, but an unnatural and inhuman
war, for the purpose OF liberating the slaves,
and abolishing slavery entirely, in the
Southern States.
We are glad 10 learn that President Lin
coin, and majority OF the Cabinet, rcpu-
diate Simon's Abolition Platform. In this
we find strong ray of hope, that :his war
for the Union is not to be transformed into
remorseless crusade against slavery. But
on the other hand, large majority of the
members Of Congress, are disposed 10 suS-
tain and carry out the most ultra and extreme
measures, for the purpose of consumating
fear will be passed during the present ses-
sion. TO abolishslavery in the District Of
CnlumSia and another for confiscating, or
in other words liberatiug and arming the
slaves If Congress should be blind and
fanatics,l enough to pass such bills we trust
in God, that Lincoln, will have patriotism
and frmness enough TO veto them.
1t is extraordinary and painful thing, t.
teenth century, in this age which we claim
to be one of light and knowled &c, men OF
character and position in society, men who
claim to be statesman, indirectly advocating
the massacre, in the most brutal and blood
thirsty manner imaginable, of large portion
Of their fellow countrymen; advocating in q
word, q war Of determination against the
Southern States. What would be the r,
suit Of the arming Of the slaves, letting then
loose to plUnder the homes of their former
masters. Would they pay any regard tc
the age, sex or condition of these whom the
Abolitionists would instruct them TO regarl
as their oppressors and enemies what mercy
could helpless childhood. woman's beauty
and chastity, or old age trembling on The
verge Of the grave, expect from such ignor
ant and infuriated wretches. If our armie.
shouldbe victorious would they not max,
their marches fully realize the description 0
the Jewish Prophet; "a fire deyourett
before them, and behind them q flame
burnett. The land is as the garden, ,,of Eder
before them, and behind them 4 desoIatt
wilderness Yea, and nothiug shall cscap,
them Is he really man who possesses :
heart sufficiently barbarous and depraved
20 plan and advocate such q war IS tLu
against the fairsst portion of the American
Republic, or is he not rather fand Z
Devil incarnate. freshi.from his penal ele
ment, and bent on venting his malice agains
the human race.
For what are we contending in the present
waE2 Why (as we have time and agaiI
said for the preservation of the Union. ant
not for the abolition OF Slavery Have ",
not enough of white men in the North
have we not treasure enough TO conquer the
South, without calling the ignorant slave,
t. our aid, without trampliug on ani ignor
ing the rules Of civilized warfare, and with.
out carrying ou a war of carnage and ez,
termination If ws have not. then abandon