The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1862-06-18

"Hamlet" left out, is not more ridiculous
than Union party that leaves out the
Constitution. a5t
I entertain the hope that the conserva-
tive men of the North will in some way
unite and act in concert with the loyal
citizens of Kentucky, Maryland and all
other Southern States that are or may be-
come free from the usurped power of
Jefferson Davis 1 trust that there will
be some movement for this purpose at
Washington before the adjournment of
Congress. But whether this shall be ac-
complished or not, certainly can enter
into no combination with Republicans to
overthrow the Democrats of this State
Whatever faults they may have commit
ted in the past, the Democrats in the
North are in the main loyal and patriotic;
they are the chief bulwark against the
Northern Disunionists; upon them rests
in great degree the hopes of the Union
They have not only magnanimously fore
borne from factious opposition to the
Government, but have even made no
slight sacrifices of partisan feeling in its
support. They have sustained the Presi-
dent when many of his professed partisans
have assailed him: and if, as continue to
hope and believe, he shall prove true to
himself and his country, he may, perhaps
find among them some of his best friends
and irmest supporters.
l. I have written somewhat at length, be.
cause, having no opportunity OF personal
consultation, it is only in this way that
can present to you and through you to
other friends in the city, the reasons Of
my course. My opinions and feelings up
on this subject are both strong. l am
and have been from the beginning, in ia
vor of putting down the rebellion by force
of arms But am for mercy, for human
ity, for constitutional law and liberty; and
l abhor the fanatical spirit that to liberate
the degraded Africans would put the
whites in chains, and condemn to misery
and despair eight millions of people OF
our own race and blood. l know indeed
that this atrocious scheme can never be
accomplished; know that the North
would not support a war for this purpose
| know that the South would resist it SC
long as the white race should survive;
know that all Christendom would rise and
forbid it. The end, reached at last, would
be the dissolution of the Union, but after
the most frightful expenditure of money
and sacrifice of life.
l am confident, my dear sir, that after
some experiments, perhaps, you will al
last reach the conclusion at which have
arrived For myself, sec no use II
meeting with gentlemen with whom | an
sure beforehand to disagree. The whole
basis of the proposed organization il
wrong. 1t wants the vital principle of /;
Union party, fidelity to the Constitution
1t imposes test that the Southern UnioI
men will not admit. It embraces mel
who ought to be excluded, and excludes
those whose cooperation is essential. L
is but the Republican party without th
Republican name; and l fear its tendenc,
may be to strengthen the radical brancl
of that party and to weaken that portion
which is best disposed to support tn
/ President in Constitutional and conser
i, vative policy.
/ If am not mistaken, the Executiv
Committee of the constitutional Unio
Party of 1860 still survives, and yo1
and you and myself arc both members Q
7 it. Indeed, l suppose that it is in tia
capacity your letter was addressed to me.
: Be SO good as to communicate my an
swer to the other gentlemen of the com
mittee, as | suppose the question to whic
; it relates may come before them: and be
lieve me, sincerely, your friend and sers
) ant, WILLIAM DUER.
: E. j. .BRowN, Esq, New York.
,