The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1862-08-22
Prom the Dover Gazette (DemOcratic).
Opposition to tho War.

The Maine Democrat is rcstiyo under tho
position it has been compelled to take in the
course Of this discussion. Step by step 1t
has incautiously revealed its true character,
and now stands aghast at the hidcous deiorm-
ity it presents. II now. by its own admis-
sions, is the avowcd advocate of the right OF
secession. and practically tho open sympa-
thiser with JEFF Davis and the rcbellion-an
outcast from the Democratic party, and an
opponent not to the Republican party alone,
but to the Government of his country in the
hour of its greatest peril, when any man
would DO prompted to lend his sympathy and
aid, If there glowed in his bosom single
spark Of patriotism, Of honor, or manhood.
The apology which the Democrat makes for
jeff Davis is tame and unsatisfactory. Ii
saws that Davis was once willing to be con-
tent with the old Constitution las no under
stood it) and the old Union, but iorgets to
inform his readers that now he declares that
the day Of compromise is past, and nothing
will satisfy him, but an utter abrogation OF
tho old Constitution and dissolution of tho
old Union and to accomplish this wicked
and malicious purpose, he has, by welding
the power OF a military despot, gathered to-
eether largo army and is now threatening
the Capitol of the country.
In all this the Democrat can sec nothing
to condemn, but much toapprove. Wei thus
Judge, because he never condemns the acts
and purposes of the rebels, but rather bc-
comes their apologist and defender. But we
do not wonder that the editor of the Demo-
crat feels uneasy at the attitude in which he
finds himself placed before the country as TO
yealcd by this discussion. He has, however,
no one to blame but himself. 1t was con-
troyersy of his own seeking, and the only
way he can honorably avoid the consequences
is TO confess his error, cease his opposition to
the war, and return to the Democratic fold,
and act in harmony with the entire party
throughout tho country in supporting the
war for the suppression OF the rebellion ana
tho maintenance of the Constitution and the
laws. We have thus far maintained this dis
cussion for the purpose, first, OF indicating
the loyalty of the Democratic party against
the aspersions of all those who have charged
them with disloyalty, upon the declarations
of such men as the editor Of the Democrat,
that the Democratic party was opposed to
the war and secondly, that the war has
now become u matter OF absolute necessity
for the salvation Of the country and the pre-
seryation of the Government as our fathers
made it.
These two propositions. we have clearly
proved, and the Democrat has entirely failed
to bring any argument to bear upon them,
but has furnished column upon column on
collateral and irrelevant subjects, based on
nero assumption, or Misrepresentation oil our
sentiment or language, in tho vain attempt
to avoid the true point at issue, which Is 80
PLAIN that tho "waylaring man, though a
fool, need not err therein" Opposition to
the war is his grand principle, and upon
which he pridcs himself and claims II DO IN
consequence thereof, simon pure democrat, a
leader and guide to the intelligent yeomanry
of York County. He still has o effrontcry
to set himself up as teacher of Democracy
par excellence, notwithstanding he has Jailed
TO name single Democratic Journal or Con-
ycntion throughout the loyal States, that has
openly advocated his fayorite doctrine OF Op.
position to tho war; though repeatedly chal-
lcngcd to do 80.
Our second proposition, that an abandon.
ment of the war in its present stage is yield
ing tho whole question at issue between the
rebel and loyal States, dissolves tho Union,
and establish tho Southern Coniedcracy, is
too plain, too scli-evdent, to admit Of mo-
ment's dispute. 1t is 80 plain that tho Dem
ocrat dare not meet it, but seeks TO cover it
up by adroitly introducing into tho discus.
sion side issues, in order to avoid plain con-
illusions, drawn from plain facts. But our
purpose is fixed. Tho Democrat must meet
these points before we widen the field of de-
bate.
The Democrat, in its last issue, says that
We asked for reasons why support OF the war
was not democratic, and no gave nine and
We did not deign to notice them. We did
notice his third reason, rs q sample OF tho
whole, and shcw it utter ialacy, and he now
passes over our remarks upon it rs though
we never noticed il; and so it has boon with
every argument of his, when reluted he has
nothing further to say about it, but passes 1t
byand proceeds to some other bubble, found
cd upon some garblcd extract, or some bold
assumption, that suits his purpose to adopt.
We are not disposed to follow the Democrat
in its rambling course. We have neither
time, nor space, nor inclination to do it,
Our only purpose is to learn our duty in tho
present exigency OF our country. We can
get no light from the Democrat. He raises
his hand against the Government that hasshol-
tered and protected him. lilo declares him
self in opposition to the war, upon which de-
ponds the salvation of the country. lilo dc.
serts the Democratic party in their adhcr-
enco to the Government in this contest for
the Union. He is alone in his glory. The
infamy is his, as well US the honor.