The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1862-04-25
What OF the War;

domestic war that now conyulses it like an
earthquake And are we never moro to
have the country Of which We have been 50
Justly proud? These are questions Of mo-
mentous import just now questions that
awaken deep interest in the breast Of every
true and loyal American. II slavery has
been the cause Of all our woes, who has been
the aggressOr' ltcertainly is difficult, to find
even decent preteIt on the part Of the re-
bellious States for the preparation Of any
hostile oct against the National Government.
No one Of their constitutional rights had
suffered the slightest infraction-no one Of
them was ever even threatened TO be molest-
ed. Nobody ever hated the Southern slave
holders for the mere fact OF their holding
slaves, and few failed to make due allowance
for the circumstances that have led them into
such u ruinous system. This is clearly
evinced by the adoption by both houses Of
Congress Of the resolution recommended by
President Lincoln, Offering aid and co-opera-
ton with the slave States which may consent
to emancipate their slaves, the General Gov
eminent agreeing to compensate loyal owners
therefor. Never in the history of the world
was any thing half 50 abhorrent as Southern
slavery treated with such forbearancc and
leniency as this system and its adjuncts have
been treated by the General Government
And it is a fact too apparent to admit of de-
NAL, that, comparing the present tone of
public sentiment, Us reflected by the leading
Journals Of the American press, with that
which characterized it one year ago, mani
fest change has taken place in reference to
the institution Of slavery and its continuance.
The Union that we once knew is forever de-
parted, and let those clamor who will for the
restoration Of the Union Us il was before the
first shot was fred at Fort Sumter. That
day will DO distant, or We mistake the signs
of the times. That we shall have q Union,
a more perfect Union, such US our fathers de-
signed to establish-a Union which shall
establish justice, ensure domestic tranquil
ity, provide for the common defence, promote
the general welfare. and secure the blessings
of liberty to ourselves and our pOsterity"-
cannot be questioned for a single moment.
This Union the people in their might will so
ON to establish. This they must do, or I'M
worthily accept tho suicidal alternative of
divided country, occupied by bitterly hostile
populations, and distracted by continual war
fare.
If we are not tending to the inevitable
demolition Of slavery in this country as in
dispensablc to national existence, then We
fail to comprehend the logic Of events as they
are transporting in this country at the present
time. What means the Presidents recon-
mendation Of emancipation, the abolition OF
slavery in the District of Columbia, the re-
peal Of the law prohibiting colOred men from
carrying the mails, and the growing scnti-
ment in favor Of employing the courabands
in holding possession Of forts, If there is not
n change Of sentiment Id the public mind in
relation to the slavery question, rs it stands
connected with the prosecution OF the war
and the suppression Of the rebellion'
Less than a year ago, Maryland was guard
ing slavery as the apple of the eye. To-day
we find one Of her ablest and most inauen
tial journals, the Baltimore American, max
ing an elaborate argument in defence OF the
emancipation policy. Speaking Of secession
lists, it says;
"They have aroused thousand enemies 10
slavery, where il had but one before; and
their course has been especially fatal to the
States that were tn serve as their bulwark.
The Americans article was called forth by
. letter from a gentleman at Washington
high in the confidence Of the Government,
whom the New York Evening Post suppOses
to DO Reverdy johnson. After justiiying the
course adopted by Mr.. Lincoln, the writer
says:
"There Is not thoughtful man in our
country who now thinks that slavery will en-
dure. Much has been said, and, perhaps,
some will continue to dispute, respecting the
class Of people whose conduct in regard t.
the institution has caused the present calam-
tiles. Some blame the abolitioonists some
the nullifers: others both these parties. But
the time for this disputation is past. Wheth-
ar either or all these parties, and Others, have
done wrong. and undoubtedly they have, il
Is not now material to inquire. All practi-
cable men are now sensible that slavery 81
Affects the people, whether il ought to do 50
or not, as TO make il terrible institution to
our race. They see that il imbues broth
err, hand in q brothers blood, and invites
foreign despots to plant mOnarchies on our
continent. With this result before US, the
only inquiry should be how to get rid OF an
Institution which produces such miseries.-
Some urge instant and universal abolition as
the elective and proper course but the Prs
ident adopts the Recommendation OF our
great Southern statesmen, made before sla-
very became political hobby, viz: gradual
emancipation, with compensation, and the
separation oil the races. Many Of our peo-
pie, and especially the secessionists and those
who-without having any property interest
in it-haye found their account in slavery AZ
q political hobby, will oppose Mr.. Linccln's
policy, and 30 do their best TO bring upon usl
the more violent alternative. But the peo.
ple of the State will sustain him. They will |
no. listen 10 the sages and patriots WIN