The Alleghanian. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1859-1865, 1861-12-05
The war and Slavery.


iment paid visit to the headquarters of
Gen. Lane, at Springfield, Mo-, and called
for the ''Liberator Jim Lane" Gen. Lane
made his appearance amidst the loud huz-
zas of the whole camp, and made one of
his characteristic speeches. We take a
few extracts:
GENTLEMEN: I shall not conceal the
fact, that in one respect differ from some
of Iny com peers in command as to the
mode Of warfare which is best calculated
to bring this wretcheG contest to a speedy
durable and honorable close. The point
of difference refers, Of course, to slavery
the cause of all diferences-the Pandora S
box from which has issued all our nation
al troubles. My creed is-let sIoU9y take
care Of itself If it can survive the shock
Of war, let it live, but if between an upper
and neither milestone it be ground to- pow
der and the winds drive it away, it is Lot
for me to gather up the dust again. | do
not propose to make war upon slavery,
but upon rebels, and in the meantime to
selves An oligarchy more cruel and pro-
scriptiye than ever scourged and cursed a
nation, ancient or modern, has brought or
this war for slavery, and if we are requir-
ed to protect, defend, or in any way help
slavery, then we are required to cooperate
with the enemy, help him, defend him,
and to work for the same end. Can We
pace ourselves thus in alliance with our
deadly and barbarous foes, and at thesame
time conquer them, subdue them, crush
them When lesser contradictions are
reconciled, We will think Of harmonizing
this
War, at the best, is terrible calamity
to a nation. In all the country through
which we have passed, the mails are
stopped, schools are suspended, churches
are turned into hospitals for the sick and
wounded, and general Generalization pre-
walls: Protract the war one year and
desolation, moral and material, alone
would mark the track of armies. Justice,
humanity and mercy require that the con-
fict should terminate as soon as possible,
and with the least practicable shedding Of
blood.
Astounding as it may appear to you, gen
tlemen from Indiana, yet it is fact we
have repeatedly demonstrated, that a
heavier blow is dealt out to the realm Of
seccssia in the abduction or freedom of a
slave than the killing of a soldier in arms.
Yes, and [ may put the truth in a strong
er light still. Abduct from the same
family a slave, and KIN in arms son, and
the loss Of the slave will be regarded as
the greater misfortune-the calamity for
which there is no healing balm [ could
Il nd DI
servation and experience qualify them to
speak Of the truth Of my remarks.
If, then, by allowing the slave to fall
into the wake Of the army and find the
priceless boon of freedom, we avoid
bioodshed, save property from destruction,
and strike death, dealing blows upon the
head and front of this rebellion, does not
every consideration that is good and just
require that this policy be adopted? This
war is for slavery-let US make it the
mighty engine for slavery's destruction,
and the rebels viii soon cry enough
They will see that, like Saturn in the ia
bic, they are eating up their own children,
and will consent TO cut short the repast.
Every guarantee that is given to slavery
by the government strengthens the rebels
III OiiCil tOuiSC-
The Kansas Brigade has met the enc
my in battle and routed him in every con-
fict We have destroyed Osceola, a sort
Of half town and half military post; but
all these things combined have not brought
the rebels to their knees as have the es-
Gaping of few hundred slaves, by fol-
lowing the back track of the army
[Cheers.
Since the rebels have failed to nation
alize slavery, their battle cry is down
with the Union" Let slavery lift up its
crest in the air, and here | solemnly vow,
that if Jim Lane is compelled to add
note to such an internal chorus, he breaks
his sword and quits the field Thunder
ing applause Let us be bcld-inscribe
freedom to all upon our banners, and
appear just what we are-the opponents
of slavery. It is certain as if written in
the book of fate, that this point must be
reached before the war is over. Take
this stand, and enthusiasm will be inspi-
red in the ranks. In steadiness of pur-
pose and courage each soldier Will be a
Spartan hero The spirit of the Cr'lsa-
der will be united with the iron will of
the Roman, and an army of such soldiers
is invincible. TCheers.] These things
to you, Indianians, may appear strange,
but when your military education has re-
ceived that peculiar cast which experience