Daily Ohio statesman. [volume] (Columbus, Ohio) 1855-1870, 1862-06-05

Union party IN the NORTH, IL 10 In order to de-
feat the schemes Of these men7 But how can
that be II they are Invited TO take part In the
movement? 7'a J-i i
There 10 no resemblance between this move.
ment and that which resulted In the nomination
of the Union ticket In this State last fall
There was then show Of opposition to the war
at the North, but no difference as 10 its pur-
pose. We all then were or proposed to be Con-
stitutional Union men. Nov all opposition TO
the war has disappeared, but controversy has
arisen as to the object for which It shall be pros
ecuted; whether to establish the Constitution
or TO overthrow il, and reduce the South 10 tho
condition Of conquered province. Upon this
question, the only political question that really
divides the people Of the North, true Union
party can not be neutral or silent. hNl
For twelve years past have thought that there
was necessity for q Constitutional Union party.
l wished that such party might be formed in
1850. ! hoped for It again in 1860. / think
that loyal Democrats, loyal Republicans, and
all other loyal men ought to unite and form
such party nov. The basis of such an organ.
ization (which might be temporary, leaving pres
ent parties to resume their former relations
when the Union shall be restored) may be found
in the resolutions adopted BY the committee Of
conservative members of Congress of which
Crittenden was chairman. But / look in vain
for any such declaration as the times demand in
the address and resolutions adopted BY the So
called Union members of the State Legislature
There is much there about slavery, but little or
nothing about the Constitution. There Is no
declaration against abolition or general confs-
cation; no assurances to loyal Southern men
that their rights shall be respectedj no reeog:
milton of any rights remaining to the people of
the seeded States !; no condemnation Of that
most absurd form Of secessionism which con-
verts States into Territories, and erects mill
tary despotism upon the ruins Of the Constitu.
tion. The play of Hamlet with the part of
Hamlet left out Ia not more ridiculous than q
Union party that leaves ont the Constitution.
| / entertain the hope that the conservative
men of the North will In some way unite and
act in concert with tho loyal citizens Of Ken
lucky, 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 Con.
gess. Bat whether this shall be accomplished
| or not certainly can enter into no oombins-
tion with Republicans 10 overthrow the Demo
Gratis of this State. Whatever faults they may
have committed In the past the Democrats OF
the North are In the main loyal and patriotic;
they are the chief bulwArk against the assaults
of the Northern disunlonists; upon them rests
In great degree the hope OF the Union. They
have not only magnanimously forborne from
factous opposition 70 the Government, but have
even made no slight sacrifices of partisan feel
ing In iss support. They have sustained the
President when many Of hls professed partisans
have asssiled him; and II, ss continue to
hope and believe, he shall prove true to himself
J and 10 hls country, he may, perhaps, fnd among
them some of his best friends aud hrmeal sup
porters. "
have written somewhat at length, because
having no opportunity Of personal consultation
it is only In this way that can present 10 you
and through you to other friends In the city, CHI
| reasons OF my courae. My opinions and M
. feelings on this subject are both strong. am
and have been from the beginning, In favor o
! putting down the rebellion by force of arms
But am for mercy, for humanity, for con
: stisutional law and liberty; and l abhor th'
> fanatical spirit that to liberate the degrade
Africans would put the whites In chsinl
!; end condemn to misery and despair eight NIL
Q lions of people Of our own race and blood
J, know indeed that this Gtrocious schem
II can never be accomplished; know the
. the North would not support o war for this pui
!. pose; know that the South would resist IL, {
D long ~ the white race should survive: knoI
y that all Chrissendom would rise and forbid it,
% The end, reached at last. would be the dlssolI
o ton Of the Union, but after the most fEightfr
y expenditure of money and sacrifice of life.
v am confident, my dear sir, that, after eom
u experiments perhaps, you will at last reach th
conclusion at which have arrived. For my
= self, see no use In meeting with gentleme
d with whom am sure to disagree. The Who'll
. basis of the proposed organization 10 wrong,
L wants the vital principle Of Union party, Ade
i ity to the Constitution. II imposes test thi
u the Southern Union men will not admit. Il en-
o braces men who ought to be excluded, and e.
% cludes those whose cooperation Is essential.
u is but the Republican party without the II
Z, publican name; and fear its tendency may
a. to strengthen the radical branch of that part.
ot and to weaken that portion which Ia best dl
90 posed to support the President In conservati'
and constitutional policy.
N II am not mistaken, the Executive comml
ot tee of the Constitutional Union party" OF lel
It still survives, and you and myself are both mer
70 beFs of 1t. Indeed, 1suppose that 1t was IN tn
9" capacity your letter was addressed to me-
D. Be so good as to communicate my answer
ie the other gentlemen Of the committee, as Isu
y pose the question to which ID relates may CON
It before them; and believe me sincerely yol
= friend and servant, WILLIAM DUER.
Ut E j. Brown, ESQ.,, New York.
he +The invitation was addressed by Mr.. Brown, Nhc
ty placed ct the head Of the Legislative Cauc
committee, to Mr. Duer, because he is not only me
ber Of the present Constitutional Union committee
lt Union organization Of 1861 which nominated the st
In ticket elected last year, and now holding ONCE