Juliet signal. [volume] (Juliet [i.e. Joliet], Ill.) 1844-1???, 1861-07-16
Our Position.

Our Position.
Certain Of our contemporaries seem to be
sorely perplexed in regard to our position
relative to the civil war that is at present
raging in this country. They cannot see
how we can be consistent Democrats and
at the same time loyal to the Government
as administered by a Republican Presi-
dent.
Now, in regard to this, there is nothing
strange or inconsistent. We occupy pre-
cisely the same position that the Albany
Argus. Concord Patriot and most of the
other leading Democratic papers do on this
question. While we firmly believe that
the calamities of war were brought upon
US by the disunion agitators of the North
as well as the secessionists of the South,
yet when it became fact-a thing accom-.
plished-that actual war existed between
the Federal authorities and certain of the
State authorities, we at once, with the
whole Democratic party of the North, raj
lied to the support of the General Govern
ment. Committed as we ever have been to
the support Of the constitution and the
Union, AID the endorsements of the laws,
We could not hesitate in our choice of po-
sitions.
Without regard to The origin or cause of
our difficulties, and though the theory of
our Government is, and must be, that it is
merely queiling rebelion-the fact, never
theiess, is, tina. we are practically and for
the time being, two nations waging war
against each other. We are obliged to ac-
cept this state of things aud act according
ly.
We belong to the North and are identi-
fed with its destiny, whatever that may
be-whether it is in the future to be linked
with the South, or whether the separation
is to be perpetual. As a part of the North,
recognizing this existing state of warfare,
While we, as Democrats, reserve to ourselves
the right to discuss or protest against the
policy of the Administration, yet every
impulse Of interest as well as patriotism
induces us to stand by the Federal Gov
ernmeut in this struggle, 10 see that it is
not Inundated and even if the conflict is
to end in separation, which may Heaven
forbid, to fight for terms of adjustment
consistent with the future prosperity and
/ greatness Of the North as an independent
nation. We cannot agree that this Union
must be dismem bered without a struggle to
preserve it. But if the sececdel States
cannot be brought to recognize the Federal
Union again, il they are determined on
separation at all hazards, we cannot spare
Mary laud-we must have the Capital of
the NatiOn-we must never surrender the
Chesapeake and the Potomac; and Mis-
souri,, holding the key to the Northwest,
must remain an integral part of the North.
Such considerations as these satisfy us,
and we have 10 doubt also satisfy our Dem
Ocratc friends who believe, with us, that
this war might have been avoided, and
that it is u needless calamity, that it is
| nevertheless our duty To recognize it as an
existing fact, and, as matter of self de-
fence, to sustain the Government in its
prosecution, until the way opens for an
honorable peace.
But while we go thus far in sustaining
the Government under which we live, we
can tell our Republican rulers that the
Union loving Democracy is not obsolete
1t is true orders have been issued that it
be crushed under the heel of the majority :;
that those believing in its ever living prin
ciples be prescribed and silenced that they
must fall into the ranks to do battle against
their Southern brethren without opening
their mouths to inquire when an end will
be put to the terrible conflict. However,
we apprehend, that few Democrats will
obey these Republican orders.
We intend to stand by the Government
and at the same time to stand by the old
Democratic party. We believe that if the
Government can be preserved it must be in
accordance with the principles of the party
that has always Carried the flag and kept
step to the music Of the Union" And to
that party as well as our country we &C
knowledge our allegiance.
il the expression of these views be trea-
son, then are we and million Of Northern
Democrats traitors.