The Richmond palladium. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1855-1875, 1862-10-03
A Noble speech Of General John A.
Logan.

General John A. Logan, before the war a
member Of Congress, and one of the most
influential leaders Of the Democratic party
in Southern Illinois, now a Brigadier Gen.
eral in the Federal Army, was on visit to
his home last week. and. in speech at
Carbondale. uttered the following noble SEN
timents. The Carbonate Times gives the
report of his speech which it says was the
best of bis life, and drew forth applause
from his hearers:
| The circumstances uIder which we meet
are strangely different from those of any
other period of our history. At other times
we met to descsnt upon the advantages aud
blessings of this great and good government,
and the best political measures to perpetuate
free institutions; now the great question is,
how shall We save it from the vortex Of re-.
bellion. from the whirlpool of treason, which
is threatening to overwhelm and utterly des-
troy republican liberty! In regard to the
best method Of crushing the rebellion and
ending the war. almost every one has his
own views, and not few are ready to lose
confidence in the ability Of the Government
because this or that policy was not adopted,
because this or that defeat occurred, or in
consequence Of some imaginary or real mis-
take that has been made. This is all wrong.
The men who are guiding the Ship of State
have done the best they could, and are en-
titled to our confidence and sympa by
They are but men, and we should strength
en- the hands of the President and our Gen
erals in this trying hour by overlooking mis-
takes and using our influence in trying to
i'm part to others confidence in those on whose
shoulders rest much responsibility. How
little do we know of the tolls the cares, and
the anxiety of those brave hearts who have
labored with all their mi .ht to crush the
monster secession.
These are times that demand the most
heroic energy and undaunted bravery. Ev-
cry patriot in the land is called upon to come
to the rescue of his country. to do his part
in this struggle, and the man who fails to
lend his influence and energies in this crisis,
who fingers while liberty bleeds, is worthy
Of a traitors doom. This is fearful war,
the influence Of which will be felt for ages.
It is struggle between repubicanism and
anarchy. 1t is too late now to inquire into
the causes that brought on the war-the
day of compromise has long since ended; it
is by the sword. tie bullet, and the bayone
that this national difficulty is to be settled.
We have a cunning and powerful foe with
which to contend-he is liz fearful earnest,
and has been all the whie--the die is cast,
the Government must be preserved. 1t
may cost millions of blood and treasure,
but we must conquer. The world is looking
with anxious heart TO the resul. OF The war,
the prayers of the down troddcn portion of
the Old World are ascending to God for
the preservation of the Union-this hope Of
the world. All things else sink to insigni6
canoe compared with the solution of this
problem. Party lines and partisan feelings
should be swallowed up in patriotism. 10
this connection [ must say that l am sorry
to see men in Illinois forget their country
for their party. While your brothers are
falling in their country's service like leaves
Of autumn before the wintry blast; while
their bones are bleaching beneath summer
sun; while the nation is suffering throes OF
agony, and crying for help, you are wrang
ling over conventions and candidates. In
the name of God, fellow citizens, cease this
clamor, turn politics over to old men and
women, and rally like true soldiers to the
standard of your country. | was once
politician, but SO help me God, will never
sheathe my sword for courtiy halls or civil
honors until my country is saved from the
bloody tornado that is desolating the fairest
land on earth--never until the old fiar floats
in triumph from every bill top on Colum-
bias soil. These are NV politics. and all
there is in the army a, Jackson. Indeed,
am surprised to 6nd men talking of any
thing else.
Your country calls for aid. snd it needs it
now. 1t will accept voluntary assistance If
it can get it; if not. men will be forced into
the ranks. There are many reasons why
men do not go to war. aud very few why
some men should no. go. Frivolous reasons
are often given for not volunteering, but the
most powerful reason is, they do not want
to CO. When hear a man say be will 60
ouly with q certain man, or . certain CON-
pany or regiment. or tha, be will not 60
without an ofice. feel sure there is some