The Richmond palladium. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1855-1875, 1862-08-08
The last speech of stephen A. Doug
las, Delivered In National llniI,
Chicago, M~y 4, 1861.
EXTRACTS. |


/ | will not conceal my qualification at the
incontroveItible testimony which this vast
assemblage presents, that however differen-
ces of opinion on political topics aud parti-
zan questions may have divided US. yet you
all have a conviction that when the country
would be in danger my loyalty may be re-
[ have not only rendered to these discon-
tented States full aud ample justice, bat
have gone further to the utmost extremity
of magnanimity and generosity. The re-
turn that we have received is war upon the
Government, the marching of hostile ar
mics. 10 reduce our national capital. the de-
struction of our commerce on the great faith.
er of waters, the issue Of letters Of marque
to pirates to commit depredations on our
commerce on the high seas, and a concerted
movement to blot out the United States of
America from the map Of the world. The
simple question is whether we will main-
tain the Government established by our
fathers, allow it to be stricken down by
those who when they can no longer govern,
endeavor to destroy il.
There has not been a day, from the time
when George Washington was inaugurated
as the first President of the United States,
down to this moment, when the rights of
the Southern States stood frmer under the
laws of the land than they do to- day. There
has never been time when those States
have not had as good cause for dsunion as
they have to-day.
l ask what excuse can these disunionists
of the South urge for their scheme to break
up this Government? The slavery Ques-
ton is a mere excuse. The election of Mr..
Lincoln is mere pretext. The present Sc
cession movement is the result Of tremen-
dous, enormous conspiracy. formed more
than year ago. fCheers.) This conspi-
racy to break up this Union. was forced by
the leaders in the Southern Confedcracy
more than twelve months ago. They use
the slavery question a means to accom-
plish their desired ends.
This is not time to go into discussion Of
the causes that have produced these results.
The conspiracy to break up the Union is a
fact now known to all. Armies are being
raised and war levied to accomplish it.
There can be but two sides to the controver-
So. EVERY MAN MUST BE ON TIE SIDE OF
UNITED STATES OR AGAINST II. There can
be no neutrals in this war.
There can be none bat patriots and trait
ors. Thank God! Illinois will not be diyi-
ded on that question. | know that they
have expected to present united South
against divided North. The onspirators
have been led to the hope that, in the North
ern States, it would be a party question,
producing civivil war between Democrats
and Republicans, and the South being uni
ted. could step in with their. legions and
help to destroy the other, and thea conquer
the victor. Their scheme was blood shed .
and all the horrors Of civil war in every
Northern State! There is one way to pre-
vent it;-united action on the part of Hi
nois; closing up the ranks, renders il impos-
sible that war shall rage on our soil.
/ repeat that SO long as it was possible to
settle this question BY peaceable means.
was willing to make any reasonable sacrifice
comes whether the war shall be transferred
from the cotton fields ofthe South, to the
of Illinois, choose to say that
he further off the war the better.
Whoever is not pre-
pared to sacrifice party organizations and
platforms on the altar ot his country does
lot deserve the support and countenance Of
,ouest people. How are we TO overcome
partisan an,ipathies in the minds Of men Of
Ill parties 30 rs TO present . united front in
upport of our country. We must cease
discussing party issues, make no illusions 70 4
i'd party tests, have no examinations and re- i
indulge in no taunts one
Lcainst another as 10 who has been the
.au>e Of these troubles.
When we shall have rescued the govern
cent and country from i,s peril., and ssen
IS flag floating in triamPh over every inch
4 Aneriesn soil, is will then be time
nou1h - inquire a. 20 who and what has
,onehs these troubles upon us. When ~
ball have country and government for
ur children to live 10 peace ana happiness
will be tine for each Of us 70 sstnen 20 :
mr. pssty banners according 70 our ecovio.
Ions Of right and du.y. Lss him be mark.
d ~ no true patriot who will pos Abauden 4
u xnea ixsass In al.nna LIE AA{x 80 n Il.