Indiana State sentinel. (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1861-1865, 1862-01-13


fuppressing the rebellionf 10 said nothing
he had no words 20 waste on these subjects.
lie was discussing far more important questions
tho inci. Cnsable Obligation TO suspend parti-
san cuni.ict--sLe magnitude Of the interests in
volved la tie war-aRd the duty which the crisi.
demands at all true patriots. He knew that tle
deliverance Of the country from the hands Of
traitors, and the restoration Of peace, would be
worth more than the pecuniary cost, and more
than all the laws which government can pass IN
der existing circumstances. We can make and
unmake, change and modify, all our usages, Gus
toms, and laws, and even cur organic law But
God has given us, and our children, but one
country. rHre Fr
On all questions affecting the honor and safety
of the country, and the maintenance Of the Con-
siitution and laws, he was, unlike msny Of the
politicians of the day, always prompt in the ex-
precision of opinion, and in action When dury
required him 10 act, or 20 speak, be tarried not,
waited not, evaded not For example
AT his own home, law in pursuance Of the
COnstitution-the fugitive slave law-was de-
nounced, not carried out-the officials refusing
to obey it. He took issue, made the effort, the
law was obeyed, and official records were
changed
When the news reached him. from Charleston.
of the conduct Of the men protesting TO be Dem
oorats, has prompt remark Was" This means
secession %
Assaiis-How true were his words when in the
presidential contest of 1850, in sl,eakng of one
of the candidates. be said-"H he nav not be
Disunionist; but every Disuniouist in the country
will vote for him..
/ Again:-0n the 4th of March. after the in.
auguration, standing, amidst enemies, close by
the side Of the President, he said TO hing Come
what may in the dark and cloudy future, he would
stand by the Government and Strengthen it, arm
TO crush traitors and rebellion"
J The day after the proclamation was issued
calling for volunteers. he received a teeer@phic
despatch from the only State whose electoral
vote was cast tor him, seeking TO know what his
course would be. and he immediately repied-
stand by the government, TO put down the re-
bellion."
A few days after this event, he returned to his
home; and, in public addresses. and in private
conversations among the people, he spoke of the
lnesumable value OF the country, aud its institu-
tons, and urged all Glasses and parties of his fell
low citizens 10 stand By the Union under all cir
cumstances, and IN every emergency; and to aid
/ the Government, earnestly and effectively In nut
ting down the rebellion. He fully comprehended
the appalling horrors Of war, with its sacrifices of
life. property and temporary prosperitv-vet. he
exclaimed-'It is a war of defense Of our own
just rights-in defense of the Government which
we have inherited. as priceless legacy, from our
patriotic fathers"
He believed in this contest, the cardinal prin.
ciples Of our whole system of government were
on trial and in course Of vndicatiOn:-That the
war was 10 defend the Constitution of the coun-
| try, which alone is the sure guarantee of human
liberty He was for carrying on this war within
| the limits of the Constitution: and believed that
in striking for the Government, we would be
strengthenedby the consciousness and settled con-
yiction that We striking for our affairs fire.
sides and the welfare of every citizen. Let all
who would, under pretense of hatred against a
party adversary, seek to weaken and strike down
the arm OF the Government when engaged in this
terrible contest, reflect upon tie sentiments Of
this champion Of true Democracy. Stand not be-
hind the ramparts Of your party creeds to shoot
poisoned arrows at the true defenders of your
country.
The first objects of this war to bring about
the supremacy of the laws, to restore the Govern
ment, and TO yindicate the wisdom OF its trainers
When these are accomplished. il will be our duty
TO see what changes. if any, are desirable to fur
ther the cause Of liberty. The man who seeks a
peace from those who, with swords and bayonets
in their hands, are in open hostility the Union,
virtually demands a surrender of the Government
to rebellion. We are not only cOntending for the
triumph of the laws, unity. selfrespect, and our
high place among the first nations OF the earth;
but we testing the manhood of our nation
/ In this, the hour Of our countrys calamity, We
are not only surrounded by enemies in disguise
and almost betrayed by leaders incapable of solv-
ing the tremendous questions presented but our
institutions exposed TO danger from the vio-
lence of ultra factionists who seem to be willing
to destroy the Government if they can not carry
out their peculiar notions of humanity. And,
more than this there is a want of nerve and firm
ness IN those who occupy high places of authority
What the country wants and demands is a strong
GOvernment-one that will execute judgment.
The mOnstrous and unparalleled crimes commit
ted against the Government must be avenged be-
fore we may expect a peace. Justice cries for
blood against the man who conspires to destroy
this Government. 1t is the highest crime before
God and humanity.
Our people have met this terrible crisis with
promptness and energy. Notwithstanding the
incompetency of commanders, treacbe-y, and
corruption in many of the Departments, and de-
feats calculated to discourage the most resOlute,
yet, with cheerfulness, their blood and treasures
are offered up. With irmEess and steadineSs Of
purpose, they press forward and obey the call of
the Government for the suppression of anarchy
and treason. To those in authority they look for
wisdom and guidance in this the hour of their
calamity. If We fail in preserving the unity of
this last and best heritage on earth, to man, il
will be because our rulers are incompetent, and
not equal to the trusts committed to their
hands.
Douglas died at the commencement of this
great contest between the Government and
Traitors-between order and violence, between
peace and misunderstanding. in the closing
hours of his life, the confidence of the people,
more than any man living. The heart affections
and sympa:hes of the masses we're with him, and
had been, for many years. He the Repre-
sentative Man of the times. Had he Ii, ed, he
would, in nv opinion, have natiOnalzed the Ad-
ministraton; and the whole country would have
looked TO him it's great leader, in this unnatu
raj strife. His death, and that of the great
statesman, Count Cayour took place about tie
same time. One the representative Of constitu-
tional government in the Old World:-The other
the leader and representative Of Democratic prin-
ciples in the New.
stood, not long since, BY the grave Of Doug
las. There was hardly rude lettered stone 90
mark the spot. 1t is near the shore of Lake
Michigan, and within the sound Of the busy hum
OF the great city which bis influence and ent-r-
prise nourished into strength and commercialim-
portance
/ have said that Douglas died poor In the
great State which be served so long and so faith
4 fully. be did not own ground enough 20 serve him
for grave: and his devoted aud true-hearted
wife gave up, for his place of burial, the small
lot of two acres, which was all the land she own
ed. This noble and gifted woman was always
true to the patriotic principles of her husband.
/ The false glitter of the fashionable society Of
W ashington could not tempt her to become one
of its devOtees: nor could the powerful treason
that ruled in high places at the national capital
ever win her from her devotion TO the Union.
When delegates came 10 her TO ask her tor her
children. in order that they might be removed to
the South to save their inheritance from con6s-
cation, true TO the dying injunctions Of her hus-
baud. she promptly and firmly refused TO give up
his children to be the recipients of wealth, and
to be educated under the Gaze and patronage of
! traitors.
Will not the people Of Illinois and lndinna-wll
-.