Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1862-11-22
Judge Scates' Letter to War Democrats

a vacancy, aud took part in the proceedings
of the MISUNDERSTANDING that every men,
ber had right to be heard and to present
resolutions for consideration. After the APP
propriate committees had been appointed, and
the nominations had been made, and there
being nothing to occupy the attention of the
convention, | offered for consideration three
resolutions, in substance as follows Il give
them from memory, the originals have been
suppressed, like was so tar as the manag-
ers and officers of the convention could 90
so:)
Resolrcd, That we believe with the prcsi-
dent that
There is large class of citizens who are
in favor of the restoration of tho Union, but
only OF condition that the institution Of slave
4ry shall be preserved.
And that there is another large class who
are willing to prosecute the war and MAIN
tain the government, but only on condition
that slavery shall be cxtermnated.
But there is another class Of The loyal peo-
pie, many times greater than both these ex-
tremis.s, who are in favor Of prosecuting the
war with all possible vigor, to maintain the ma
tional constitution and Union without condi
tions.
Whether in so doing slavery shall survive
or perish is a question, not for the govern
ment. but those engaged in rebellion.
And We avow and declare that we are of
the class who are Internationally for the I'm
ion and the enforcement of the laws.
Resolccd, There is only two sides to the
question-cvery man must BE- for the United
States or against it. There can b. no neu-
L., :,.A IN, ~ Il troi Z
ors'-" and the more stupendous our prcpa-
rations, the less the bloodshcd and the short
er the struggle" And therefore.
"It is the duty of every American citizens
to rally round the flag of our country"
Rcsolrcd, That we most heartily approve
of the presidents call for 100000 volunteers,
aud pledge ourselves to use our utmost eXer-
tons and to offer every facility to hasten
them into the field at the earliest possible
moment, and advise and sanction the most
vigorous prosecution Of the war, until all it's
enemies are subdued, tho public authority
fully restored, and the laws are enforced and
obeyed by ALL"
Immediately upon the introduction of these
resolutions, some person, know not who.
moved to refer them without reading to tho
committee on resolutions l, with others, de-
manded that they be read for tho information
of the convention before it should be called
upon to vote upon their reference. Objection
was made to having the resolutions read, but
the president decided that we had right to
call for their reading; but before the Secre-
tary could begin to read them, another men,
Der, know not who, moved to lay them on
the table without reading. Again l, with
l.,tI,. I..I tn..sw
vote should be taken. The president. by
this time, got the cue into his head, and he
now decided that we had no right to tho
reading Of tho resolutions. and put the ques-
ton upon laying them upon the table scltAoxt
reading. From the sound the vote was about
equal. but the president decided that the
ayes had it. A division upon this vote was
called for, but the president refused to take
the vote by dividing the house-yet the rules
Of the last legislature had been adopted by
the convention. Thus the anti-war men, aid
ed by president willing to violate every
, : principle Of parliamentary law, succeeded in
gagging me, 30 that should not bc heard
and in smothering these resolutions. Within
two hours after this proceeding, these same
freedom lovers passed the following resolu.
tions:
Rcsolved, "That while VIC deprccate and
condemn the extravagance Of some portions
Of tho public press, We will ever protest
against all unjust interference with the free
dom Of speech and Of tho press" And
applauded to the echo tho acceptance Of
it by candidate who declined to make them
a speech until a platform was put under his
feet, including this precious diamond stone
for his foundation. But this foundation had
also ruby in it. as follows;
Resoircd, "That the recent arrests Of citi-
zens Of this State, charged with violations Of
civil law, and their transportation to military