The Smoky Hill and Republican union. [volume] (Junction City, Kan.) 1861-1864, 1862-12-20
STATE OF THE UNION.


The hour is at hand when not only the states
man and philosopher, but the patriot and phi
hntl,ropst Struggles to grasp the question of the
eventful present, and analyze them in reference
to the coming future. A new page in the world 3
history is being turned. The past, however
replete with instruction, throws but feeble
light on future filed with the most thrilling
national events.
The unity and nationality of a great Republic
Of varied pursuits and interests, taxes and puz-
zles the most experienced statesman and the
most profound political philosopher. Can q
Republic of diverse interests stand the shock of
protracted war? Other forms of human govern.
ment have demonstrated this fact, but to US is
left the test of Republican nationality America
is the field, and this the eventful hour of testing
this gigantic problem Are you patriot, view
with the most anxious solicitude the political
wave of discord that either momentarily derides
the North or encourages a marshalled rebel army
in the South. In an hour like this, do you cling
to old party issues as an antidote to the evils
If SO, history will hurl your censorious and
antiquated party headlong from her firm battle
ments. Are you a politician, canvassing the
future for party purposes, by raising exquisite
questions Of constitutionality, while the very
existence of your nationality is most deeply
imperiled Then with philosophic precision
resd your coming destiny in the historic sun
light of the discordant aid you have rendered
this great nation in the hour of her deepest peril
The North is jubilant over the recent Democratic
victories in the State elections, and the South
celebrates the event with joyful demonstrations.
Thus the caviling of party politicians ministers
to rebel necessities, and protracts the war. Is
this an hour for caviling? Is it one for the
Of party? Is it one in which to
measure Administrative military acts in a mag
nifying glass ? This Government is one Of
checks and balances, but based, as all human
governments necessarily are, on the sword as the
ultimate source of reliance. Will wise nation
approve Of such party purposes, as have ten
dency to weaken and paralyze the Presidents
arm, when national necessities demand the
drawn sword =?
The Constitution of the United States places
the President at the head of the Army, and
clothes him with all the war power of civilized
nations. The hour for the use of this power has
come, and the voice of the nation demands of the
President its energetic and successful use. We
have passed, though we may not have realized
The fact, from civil to a military nation. The
President has become the constitutional Comman.
der Of our Army, and his power bounded only
BY military necessity and the laws of civilized
" arfare. Does this proposition startle an Amer
can? Let him remember that this power,
though dangerous and formidable one, under
lies our civil institutions. 1t is the ultimate
source of reliance, and really forms the basis of
Ill human governments.
The President of the United States is under
the most solemn obligation to use any and every
means in his power, in accordance with human
ty and the laws of civilized warfare, to suppress
4 rebellion which has no parallel. How utterly
foolish and absurd is the idea that it is consti-
utlonal to invade, and slaughter rebels in battle
slaves. Abraham Lincoln, as civil President Of
he United States has no such power, but Abra-
lam Lincoln, Commander Of the American Army,
S under the most solemn obligation to preserve
he national existence and see that the laws are
aithfully executed, though it sets every slave in
he land free.
And it is his imperative duty to set aside the
writ of Habeas Corpus, whenever the public
safety requires it. Has this resulted in the
of a few innocent persons Let
such psrsons remember that such results are
incident to the imperfection of human action.
No man is worthy of the name of patriot who
is not willing, for the benefit and safety of his
country, to run this risk.
Let the American people stand as one man by
he President of the United States, while he
Yields the war power of the nation to crush this
'ebellion /; and let the people mark the men and
,arty, who do ought to weaken his hands or to
foe who are struggling for the over
hrow of this glorious Republic.
General Blunt has been placed in command of
Kansas, Western Arkansas, and the Indian Ter
re attracting the attention of the people of the
Cast, and high encomiums are passed upon him.
lis friends are claiming Major Generals Com.
mission for him. He is certainly entitled to it,
nd we are confident he will get it.
Major T. j. Weed has been appointed Provost
Iarshal General of the State of Kansas.
MAJOR Russell.
By dispatch from Gen. Blunt we learn /
hat the brave and gallant Major Russell
Vas mortally wounded at the recent battle
q Arkansas. 1t is due to the high merit
nd patriotism of this noble young officer,