The Bedford gazette. [volume] (Bedford, Pa.) 1805-current, 1862-10-03
VOL. 6. NO. 9

it is at present. Now, let me urge you, if yo
are going to send Republicans to Congress a
all, let us have the ful-blooded fellows, and non
of these men who talk one way and vote anoth
er. l know Lovejoy will not cheat me. That
to be cheated, so / would rather have the full
blooded abolitionists to deal with. understan,
their position. The danger of the country a
rises not from these men, because we can sriI
them; but it arises from these conservatives,
falsely SO called.
| There is a class of men who are always very
! busy-who go about the country denouncing ev'
cry man who does not agree with them as a trai
tor to the country. You talk to one of these men,
and ask him what he is for, and he will tell you,
If he tells the TRUTH that he is for divering this
war from its legitimate object, so as to make il
a war Of emancipation. Ask him then-"Are
you for the Constitution r. He will answer,
"Oh, no, the Constitution is played out the
South has overthrown the Constitution" Sir,
that man is no more nor less than traitor, and
wheneverit becomes bis interest, no matter where
he may be, North or South, East or West, he
will betray the country. Such men occupy a
double relation. In the first place they are cow
ards, for they will not enlist in defense of their
principles; and, secondly, they are traitors to
the Constitution of their country, for they de-
clare it is no longer binding.
Now, it's plain that if we wait for such fell
lows as these and for the negroes to put down
the rebellion, we will all die before it is DONE
When this rebellion is put down, it will be put
down by men who are devoted to the Consttu-
tion and the Union.
One thing is certain--if these Republicans
tha,
with constitutional liberty, is gone forever. If
you return to the next Congress conservative
men, who are anxious only to preserve the con-
stitution, we are safe, and the old ship of state
will land in a safe harbor, where we can find
protection.
The stake we are playing for nowis infinite
ly greater than we ever played for before. If
the Republican party is retained in power in
Congress, we are gone. If we send different
class of men, they can but lose all, and they
may save all
This much viii say for Illinois-we intend
to maintain. our ground in that State. We shall
advance our line somewhat; and | think that
when we shall come to present these great issues
to our people, duty to the dead, duty to our
selves. and duty to those who are to come after.
most of these men from Congress IN the State OF
Illinois.
One thing know will be 1one--Ae issue Uill
be presented 1t will be presented in no coward
ly, trucking spirit. 1t will be presented by men
who are not afraid to speak their true sentiments,
with the panoply Of American citizens around
them. |
My fellow citizens, I can hardly express to
you my feelings when have seen these terrible
disasters coming upon my country, and when
reflect that her free institutions are all the her.
itage Ihave to bestow upon my children have
seen more of the good results that have flowed
frorn our institutions-more OF prosperity and
happiness among my wcitizens--than most
men of nv day And now, in the decline OF
life, with sun tending towards the twilight, no
LONGER with vigorous arm to defend or assail,
I shall en9eayor cheerfully to accept whatever
the Almighty may place upon me- But, If 1T Is
in the providence of God that he is to punish
US with Affections, to destroy our government,
then l care not how soon the summons may
come to 90 hence would not desire to i've
longer. Hence it is that say that in the dis
charge of the duty before our people, there is
no power ON earth that shall prevent me from
telling plainly and candidly what think ought
to be done for the welfare OF our beloved coun-
try.
But not only does every consideration of pa.
triotism urge us to the vigorous prosecution OF
this war, if restricted to its legitimate objects,
but every consideration of interest also
As for me, feel that all that hold dear is
at stake--all is involved in the safety OF my
country, and would be willing even now to
close my eyes forever if l knew that was be-
queathing to my children, unimpaired, the civil
liberties which have enjoyed under the ccnsti-
tuition. desire to live long enough to see peace
all over the land from the great lakes
to the Gulf of Mexico. desire to see all my
countrymen worshipping once more at the same
altar, and all united in an effort to transmit to
posterity unimpaired the glorious privileges won
for us by the blood Of our patriotic ancestors,
Loud cheers.