Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1862-08-07
SREAT WAR MEETING AT THE Ma
TIONAL CAPITAL.
THE PRESIDENTS SPEECH.

WASHINGTON, Aug. 6.-The immense meet
ing at the east front of the capitol this after
noon, was preceded by the ringing of bells,
the firing OF cannon, and music from the ma
rine band. The portico and platform was oc-
cupied by many ladies, and military, civil, and
naval officers of distinction. The mayor of
Washington presided, with thirty-fonr vice
presidents and twenty-five secretaries. After
Il prayer by Rev. John c. Smith, the following
resolutions were read by Edward Jordan, So
Hcitor of the treasury =
Resolved, That we, residents of the District
of the District of Columbia, but having in our
number citizens of every portion of the coun-
try, regard the dismemberment of the Union
as an event not to be contemplated in any con-
tingency whatever, it being forbidden alike by
our geographical, commercial, social, and po-
litical condition, by our domestic and foreign
interests, by the shame which the world
would attach to us did we suffer its accom-
plishment, and the worthlessness of what
would remain to us afterward, by the mighty
interests involved in the Union, and the vast
sacrifices which have been made for its de-
fence, by the hopes of the living and the MEM
ores of the dead, and we deliberately and sol
emily declare that rather than witness its
overthrow we would prosecute the present
war until the towns and cities should be re-
ted and we and all that are dear to us should
have persisted with our possessions. Let the
Union be preserved or the country made des-
ert. (Applause.)
Resolved, that we have not doubt that
almost the entire population of the loyal
states are animated by the same sentiments
which we express, and that if there is at the
present time any hesitation manifested by
them in devOting themselves or their property
to the cause of their country, it is owing
solely to their misgivings as to the prosecu-
ton of the war. Applause, and cries of
''good" To an apprehension that there is
on the part of those who direct our military
operations, whether in the cabinet or in the
field. a want of readiness and determination
to employ at once decisively and crushingly
the full power of the nation, which all feel
and know to be overwhelming.
Resolved, That profoundly convinced as
we are that such is the cause of the hesitation,
we deem it the duty of the president, and we
therefore most respectfully but earnestly urge
upon him to adopt effectual means of assuring
the people that he is resolved to prosecute the
war on scale limited only by the resources
of the country, and we hail with joy the re-
cent order directing the immediate draft of a
large additional force as cheering evidence of
such resolve. (Applause.)
Resolved, That while there are among us
differences of opinion upon minor questions
of policy in the prosecution of the war, we
are all agreed that the measures adopted
should be those which will bear with the most
crushing weight upon those in rebellion,
whether in arms or not. (Applause.)
Resolved, that convinced as we are that
the leaders in the rebellion will never sincere
Iy return to their allegiance to the Union, or
quietly submit to its limits, we are of opinion
Al. IL L. Cd irr0 aif,,nlN
traitors who are to be stripped of theirposses-
sions of whatsoever character, and either de-
prived of life or expelled from the country.
vivid applause and cries of ''good."
Resolved that in our judgment, whenever
our armies go within the rebelous states,
means should be taken to test the loyalty OF
the inhabitants, and those who refuse their
unqualified adhesion to the cause of the Union
should either be placed under restraint or be
compelled to go beyond the lines, while their
effects should be taken from them, and, as far
as available, be converted to the use Of the
army. (Applause)
Resolved, That the national capital is emf
nently the place where treason should be in
stantly denounced and punished.
(Atthis point the applause from thousands of
voices was deatening, and again three cheers
were enthusiastically given with EXPLANATIONS
of "Read that again" Good" "Good."
'Read it again" Mr.. Jordan was about to do
so, when he was interrupted by the heavy and
continuous sound of cannon mingled with
the music from the marine band, for the pres
ident had now made his appearance and was
proceeding to the front of the platform, where
a chair had been placed for him in conspic-
nous place Cheers were given in his honor,
and, when this pleasant excitement had
somewhat subsidized, Mr. Jordan read the en-
tire resolutions as follows
Resolved, That the national capital is emf
nently the place where treason should be in
stantly denounced and punished, and that the
most stringent measures should be adopted by