Columbia Democrat and Bloomsburg general advertiser. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1850-1866, 1862-05-31
For twelve years back | bayo thoupht


that there was q necessity for a Constltu.
tional Union party. l wished that such a
party might be formed in 1856. l hoped
for it again in 1860. think that loyal
Democrats, loyal Republicans, and all
other loyal men ought to unite and form
such party now. The basis Of such an
organization (Which might be temporary,
leaving present parties to resume their for
mer relations when the Union shall be re-
stored) may be found in the resolutions
adopted by the committee of conservative
members of Congress of which Crittondon
was Chairman. But look in vain for
any such declaration as the times demand
in the address and resolutions adopted by
the (so-callod) Union men Of our State
Legislature There is much there about
Slavery; but little or nothing about the
Constitution. There is no declaration
against abolition or general conGScation /;
no assurance to loyal Southern men that
their rights shall be respected; no recogni-
ton of any rights remaining to the people
of the seeded States no condemnation
of that most absurd form of seccssonism
which converts States into Territories, and
crects a military dospotism upon the ruins
OF the Constitution. The play of Hamlet
with part of Hamlet left out is not more
ridiculous than Union party that leaves
out the Constitution.
entertain the hope that the conserva,
tive men Of the North will in some way
unite and act in concert with the loyal
citizen OF Kentucky, Maryland and other
Southern States that are or may become
free FROM the usurped power of Jefferson
Davis. / trust that there will be some
movement for this purpose at Washington
before the adjournment of Congress. But
whether this shall be accomplished er not,
l certainly can enter into no combination
with Republicans to overthrow the Demo.
Gratis Of this State Whatever faults they
may have committed in the past, the Dem,
ocrats Of the North are in the main loyal
and patriotic; ; they are the chief bulwark
against the assaults of the Northern disu-
nionists; upon them rests, in a great de-
gree, the hope of the Union. They have
not only magnanimously forebornc from
factious opposition to the Government, but
have even made no slight sacrifices of par
tizan feeling in its support. They have
sustained the President when many of his
professed parizans have assailed him
and, if, as | continue to hope and believe
he shall prove true to himself and to hi:
country, he may, perhaps, find among
them some of his best friends and Grmest
supporters.
have written somewhat at length, be-
cause, having no opportunity of personal
consultation, it is only in this way that
can present to you, and through you t.
other friends in the city, the reasons of M.
course. My opinions and my feelings up
on this subject are both strong. l am
and have been from the beginning, in ia
vor OF putting down the rebellion by foro
of arms. But am for mercy, for human
ity, for constitutional law and liberty: an
l abhor the fanatical spirit that to libcr
ate the degraded Africans would put til
whites in chains, and condemn 10 miser
and despair eight millions ofpeople of ou
own race and blood. know indeed tha
this atrocous scheme can never be accom-
plished l know that the North woul
not support war for this purpose; | kno
that the South would resist it, so long q
the white race should survive; 1 kno
: that all Christendom would rise and fol
bid it. The end, reached at last, woul
be the dissolution of the Union, but aftG
the most frightful xpenditure Of none
and sacrifice of life.
I am confident, my dear sir, that aft(
some experiments perhaps, you will t
last reach the conclusion at which I hay
arrived, For myself, | see no use
meeting with gentlemen with whom l a
sure beforehand to disagree. The who
basis of the proposed organization is wron.
1t wants the vital principles of Unic
party, fidelity to the Constitution. 1t in
poses test that Southern Union men wi
not admit. 1t embraces men who ougl
to be excluded, and excludes those who
cooperation is essential. 1t is but the h
publican party without the Republict
. name; and l fear its tendency may be
|, strengthen the radical branch of that pa
G ty, and to weaken that party which is be
o disposed to support the President in co
servative and constitutional policy.