Indiana State sentinel. (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1861-1865, 1861-04-24

This event, fearfully apprehended for months
past, is at length a startling reality; and now,
for the first time in the history of our heretofore
united and happy country, we behold its citizens
preparing to shed elch others blood. Ii is un-
natural! It's horriblel
War, at all times and under all circumstances,
is dreadful alternative; but civil war increases
the desolatng horrors OF a resort to arms by
evoking the herceSt passions OF the human
heart, aud transforming, ordinary peaceful citi-
zens, into iniuriate madmen. In such unhal
owed strife. passion dethrOnes reason, violence
is OmnpOtent, and madness yields the sceptre.
1t is folly to delude ourselves with the thought
that the effects of such strife would be less ter
rbe with US than they have been among other
nations and people. History is re-enaetng itself,
and what has happened heretofore may reason
ably be expected to occur again under like cir
cumstances. Hence il is that our influence, how
ever feeble, has been exercised to avert this aw-
full calamity. We have hoped that the causes
which produced distrust aud arrangement be-
tween different sections of the country, would be
sought for and removed, and our favored land
continue in its course Of uRexampled prosperity,
but if this could not be done, still, that the dire
full alternative might be delayed, confidently
believing that the time for calm reflection would
restore the harmony which excitement aud an ex
aggerated view of grievances had interrupted.
which is fast settling abont us. that the same
benefcent Providence which has watched over
and guided US as nation thus far, will not aban-
don in time of greatest peril. Forum
ately, citizens blood, shed in fratricidal conflict
does not complicate the terms OF an adjustment
and there is still hope Civilization, humanity
and religion, bid US foster every hope that prom
ises an adjustment, with bloodshed
We think we speak the sentiments Of the dem
Ocrlts of Miami we know We Ia Our own
when we avow our love of and fealty 70 the
UniOn-that the Union which was transmitted to
Us by those who purchased il with their blood and
know its value But have differed and still diff
fer with the party now in power, as to the means
OF preserving and transmitting the legacy. Dem
ocrats in the nOn-savhOlding States-of Miami
county-have no interests TO be promoted or puT
poses to be subserved by the policy of the gen
eral government. different from those of their
neighbors of other political principle.
Citizens OF Indiana are such by their own choice;
they are all engaged in such pursuits as are most
congenia, and ALL without distinction of party or
creed, have the same common Object-their own
welfare and happiness. Ii is a necessary cOnse-
quence then, that no policy, either State or nation
al affect one citizen without equally affecting
all Others. When Democrats, therefore. advo-
cate the policy of compromise and peace, they do
so, not because they hope to benefit themselves
alone, but because they honestly think their poll
CIV the best Tor the whole country They exer-
else the great American right of free speech and
the freedom OF the press; and the right to discuss
every measure of public character which is to
affect their well being IA citizens, and they ac-
cord the same rights to others.
While they advocate pence they are loyal citi-
zens, and while they would avert war by conces-
sion they are obedient to the laws.
Ii, however. their hopes of peacelble settle
ment are disappointed, and the lime unhappily
comes when they must take pirt in the SD drama,
they will be found supporting the Union, the
Constitution and the Government under which
they live. and mant lining, ever heretofore,
the ascendency of the stars and stripes Miami
C0unfg Sentinel