The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1861-08-09
Tho Means to the End.

II all the articles which have appeared in
the Democrat Of late had been written with
the same regard for decency Of expression as
that which appears in the last Democrat under
this head, there would be little cause for
complaint. The article, with the excep-
ton OF a recurrence TO the customary slang
about the sectionalism Of the Republicans,
Is not obiectional in its tone, and on this ac-
count is entitled to notice. The argument,
il we understand the Democrat, is. that the
war is not calculated to preserve tho Union'
and if preserved at all. it must DO by some
other means. What are the other means
that will preserve it! II we are not in err
ror, they must be by such alterations OF our
Consultation as shall be satisfactory to the
South. The very demand which is made for
Constitutional amendments, which will satisfy
the South, and through these amendments
preserve the Union, presupposes, on the par'
of the South. Constitution, now existing
which does not accord TO them such rights
and privileges as they want. 1t may be en-
tirely satisfactory to a great majority OF thu
people, indeed it may be precisely the ono
the people want, but it does not satisfy the
minority, and therefore il must be altered, OF
the Union must be forever destroyed. The
argument in the case is, that the minority
must rule the majority, and unless this is
submitted to, the Union must be destroyed.
The very assertion Of this demand OF the
South for amendments of the Constitution,
is complete Justification for all that has
been done politically by those who are salts
fed with its provisions, and who have acted
in obedience To its requirements in Other
words, no allegation of wrong doing on th'
part Of Republicans, can DO sustained, DO
cause they have and do stand on the COnsti
tuition. On this point there is no room FOL
argument, for conccding equality under the
Government to Republicans at the North a.
well as to Democrats at the South, those only
can be in the wrong who, dissatishcC
with the present Constitution, seek to chang
its provisions through the agency OF force
Ii will not DO disputed We take it, seriously
by any one that the citizens Of the Ere
States would have as good right to propos
changes in the Constitution Us the people ii
the South, and unless they resOrtcd to fore
to accomplish the desired changes, they coul'
not be accused Of wrong doing. 1t is onl.
when force is used to accomplish alteration
that there is wrong doing. Now the pcopl
of the Free States have not asked for chan
ccs, nor have they taken up arms. On tn
contrary, the South has, and is determines
to force the alterations, or to remain dissev
cred from the Union. They are the tsrong
doors: and there is no force Of logic or o
argument that put them in the right.
Now as to the character Of these amend
ments, which the South require as the pric'
Of returning fidelity to the Union. The!
are such as the North cannot and will no
accept. In substance they demand this Gov
eminent, founded on the principle of tn
right Of the majority to rule, should DO over
turned, and that a privileged class. acting
through so called domestic" institution
should forever rule, though in a minority
and they 90 further, and ask that the basi
Of freedom, on which the Constitution wa
placed, should DO removed, and the rock o
slavery be substituted therefor to uphold tn
pillars Of the Government. These are. il
substance, ,hsat 'rations in the Con- SUTTON
which, in the Judgment OF the Democrat AM
those who entertain similar opinions, are tn
"means to the enc" for bringing back tn
seeding Statcs-and the Democrat, forgetfa
of tho evil example which 1t would be fo
the future. and Indifferent to the honor anc
dignity of Government, would even, while
the rebels are in arms, concede the requirec
alterations. II would save the Union at tn,
price of disunion; il would save il at the
price Of is future greatness; it would save
IL BY giving up the right of the majority to
rule In popular government; save il by
the substitution Of the curse of slavery for
the rock Of Liberty in its foundations.
we love the Union, q thousand glorious