The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1862-07-23

1 y
extra session were passed by a Republican
or unconditional Union convention, as
it was called, in one of the counties OF my
district. Notwithstanding | have voted
for all supplies of men and money, | now
find myself arrai gned by gentlemen on this
floor as disloyal and a foe to the Govern
ment. This will, indeed, be news to the
people of the seventeenth congressional
district of Ohio
That [ may not misrepresent gentlemen
intend reading, in the course of my re-
marks. some extracts from the remarkable
speech. of my colleague from the elgh-
tcenth district, Mr.. EDGERToN remark
able in nothing save in its abuseof men
of purer patriotism than himself; and l
regret exceedingly that he is not now in
his seat. He says:
cit will be apparent, Mr.. Chairman,
from what we have seen for the last few
weeks, and more especially from whatlwe
witnessed on this floor yesterday, that
while, the Government OF the United
States is engaged with powerful enemy
in the field, it has also here an organized
foe to contend with. While this Govern
ment is exerting all its powers to crush
out this rebellion, attacks arc to be made
upons it at home to weaken its power and
paralyze it's arm in crushing out the trea-
son that stalks abroad in the land. That
effort has taken form and organization.
/ find it inthe form of an address issued by
| certain men in this House.
Here the charge is distinctly made tha
the gentlemen signing that address arr
foes to the Government; or, in other words
that they are disloyal. Sir, | could no
find words sufficiently strong, were t,
try, to express my feelings for those VIII
make these charges of disloyalty.
! &. asa'Tis impndently, basely done;
They had been in a mean man lies, AM
foul ones.ps tt't
But many persons, as well in this Hous
as ont of it. confound the Administratio
and the. Government They speak of ther
as Synonymous or convertible terms. Sue
position is not tenable. President Lin
coin and his. Cabinet Me not the Cover
d mentof, the United States We may OF
stpose the policy of the Administration
} and yet not oppose the Government.
lrnay be true and loyal citizen of the I'm
ted, States and faithful to the Constitr
= tiong and atthe same time oppose certai
/ measures of the Administration as III
o. wise and impolitic. In so far as this Ae
i miniistration has sought to suppress til
$ rebellion. restore the Union, and uphol
L the Constitution, I accord it.every need {
f praise. About the policy and means use
i for that purpose, men may well diffe
: without subjecting themselves to tt
e charge of disloyalty by every corner gr'
n Gerry politician in the land. ,s,4r,5
e lr Sir I. have never held a sentiment
: the least degree recognizing the doctrir
= of secession, or thearight claimed by pol
n ticians, In certain sections, to withdra
,ft from the Union, whenever their rights,
e their own Judgment, are infringed. | ha'
d always opposed, and expect ever to oppo
i: the disruption of a Goyernmcnt-proper
et and constitutionally administered - Il
# purest and best ever. devised by the wi
h dom of man. But, sir; it has been le
t, for gentlemen. of the dominant party
l. this Congress to make the grand discove
re that that man is disioyal who happens
e. differ with the Administration as to t
1e Iproper policy tosbe pursued in administe
as ing the Government in this hour of
C. greatest peril. Have We, indeed, arriv
!. at that period in our national history VIII
at lit is treason to utter a sentiment in OPP
al sition to the policy of. the party in pewt
er Never before, save perhaps during t
he administration of the elder Adams, We
g. men held fespensible for their opinio
a and language. No overt aeteis lAehars
upon the authors Of that Address, no fl
n nishing information to the rebels, no g
ae ing aid and comfort but simply becau
Is! they happen to differ with the majority
this House as to the proper policy to