Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1862-06-18
BY SAMUEL ]. ROW
CLEARFIELD, PA, JUNE 1s, 1862.
SOME LIGHT AMID THE GLOOM.


In State Convention recently held at Raj
eiph. North Carolina, the Hon. John A. Gil
mer, in speaking of bill for the taxing Of
slaves to pay the debt contracted by his State
during the rebellion, made use of the follow
ing language:
oI had no hand in bringing about this I'm
holy war. was not in favor of secession, and
am not now. love the old Union, and long
to return to its folds. 1 had no voice in con-
tracing this debt; have been opposed to 1t
all along. Notwithstanding this, am willing
that my slaves should be heavily taxed to
liuuidate this unjust debt. Yea, Uould glad
iy ernancipate them all fit ,could restore back
as re ,cere before. The slavery question is the
cause of this uar, and ue neuer shall hare peace
until a gradual emancipation measure is adopt
ed."
Such are the words of Southern Slave
holder. Although, at the time, member of
q Convention which devising ways and
means to liquidate debt contracted in sup
port of the rebellion; yet it is clear, to every
candid observer, that his heart was with the
old Union, and that he spoke like man who
would sacrifice every negro he owned rather
than the Union should be destroyed. But,
while there are some such bold and patriotic
me.. Ia the SOutn, tucTc many HI viz
North who sympathise with traitors and trea-
son. Such northern men are unworthy the
name of "freemen." The masses in the
South are deceived by the leaders in the re-
bellion, and therefore deserve our pity. But
the intelligent men OF the North have no good
excuse for the course they pursue, and conse-
quently deserve the contempt gof all honest
nd for fhav of n
would sell their "brth- -right'' for ssa mess of
pottage," ii. Q. for negro slave,) if they
could thereby gain political distinction and
political power. They would see the Union
destroyed rather than one of their "Southern
brethern'' should lose negro, or they be de-
prived of the emolumeDts of office. Not SO
with Mr.. Gilmer. He toves the cold Union" Z"
and "longs to return to its folds" He would
"gladIy emancipate them ALL" (his slaves,) il
that would place North Carolina in the same
position in the Union that she enjoyed pievi-
Gus to secession. He says, ssthe Slavery
question is the cause of this war, and we shall
never have peace until gradual emancipa-
tion measure Is adopted" Let the sympa-
tbisers with secession in the North ponder
well the words of this Stakeholder. They are
evidently the promptings of generous and
patriotic heart, that longs to be freed from the
despotism which surrounds it. Mr.. Gilmer
has put himself boldly upon the record. There
can be "only patriots and traitors' now, and
he places himself in the former class. Let al
Northern men initiate his example and his
willingness to sacrifice their all for the sake
OF the Union. Let them generously submit to
the fates Of war which this rebellion for sla
very has brought upon us for the probability
Is, that the free people Of the North will no
soon again SHOW their necks under the yoke
of any party that refuses to sustain the Ad
minstration'' in the present hour of the ma
tions peril.