The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1862-09-05
General Fremont on the War.

At war meeting al Boston, on Thursday
evening, Gen Fremont made a splendid
speech of which We give below telling ex-
tract. The Journal SAYS: The reception Of
Maj Gen John G.. Fremont at fremont Tem-
was in every respect one of the grand
est ovations ever accorded to any man by the
people of Boston. The name of the gallant
Pathfinder of the West the peoples candi-
date for the Presidency in 1856, is house
hold word in thousands of New England
homes, and the spontaneous and enthusiastic
welcome of the masses who gathered to lis
ten to his voice last evening, attest the fact
that the hearts of the people beat warmly in
sympathy with the gallant Fremont.
"Six years ago, when had the honor to
represent YOUR views upon national affairs, l
held, in common with yourselves, the opinion
that slavery should not be disturbed within
its existing limits. When the confederate
States announced their existence, their exec
utive proclaimed slavery 10 be the corner
stone Of the new power. In Missouri, year
ago, as a war measure, declared the slaves
of rebels free, Immense applause, cries of
Gosd, and great chsering,) believing this to
be the most incisive, searching and deadly
blow that could be aimed at the heart of the
rebellion. (Applause and Good, good, Bully
for You, and cheers.) l Judged it to be the
quickest mode 10 damage and disconcert the
enemy, AMI to gain great advantages with
the least cost of life to the good citizens who
were acting with me in maintaining the laws.
4 general in the field, in distant and rebel
lious district, invested with pro-consular pow
ers, | did this in the exercise of what / be-
lieved to be my legitimate authority
(Cheersl Later, as the war went on, / be-
came satisfied that with its successful termi-
nation must also terminate slavery in some
form. GOOD, good, and cheers.)
l considered it then sufficient that some
measure should be adopted by which it should
Immediately cease as political power, and
begin to cease as a social fact. But as the
contest was protracted the conditional opin-
ions with which we all entered upon it, in my
mind, gave place to the conviction that every
advantage which the laws of war allowed to
us should be employed, and that to be effect
i've as a war measure this act should be thor
ough and immediate. 1t became appa, ent
that the slower process would be Intellectual.
And so the events of the year have brought
me to the conviction that there can be no
lasting peace while slavery exists on our con-
tinent. (Great applause.) Therefore all
other considerations apart, and regarding it
only as measure for the effectual suppress
sion of the rebellions am in favor of the i'm
mediate abolition of slavery (great cheers)
and in favor of using every practicable means
to make that abolition effective (cheers) and
so deprive the enemy of their great element
of strength. (Great applause.)
Wherever our flag wave. in jurisdiction,le Jet
| it wave over free men. (Cheers.) Let it an
swer all questions, and give all passports.-
Loud cheers.)
1t is urged against summary measures that
the liberation of the slaves would be an act
of great injustice to the loyal men of the
South. But can such war as this be car
ried on without sacrifices from the loyal peo-
pie in every section Of the country. The
loyalists of the South would be required to
contribute portion of what is held to be
property, and for which they would doubtless
be afterward remunerated. Against this the
people OF the North give not only absolute
property, but their own lives, and the lives of
those most dear to them. (Cheers.) TAT
this point Gov Andrew came upon the plat
form, and was received with loud cheers. To
them their loss never can be repaid. How
then can such distinctions be entertained p
And how can We in making warupon coun-
try protect its vital interests s-separate it
into parts, and for the sake of protecting the
property ofa class forego our greatest advan-
tages? Such policy would carry within it.
self the elements of sure defeat, and the real
Unionists of the South are ready for the sac
: ri6ce Nor do share in the belief that there
is large body of fUnionists in the South. In
my individual experience have found them