North Branch democrat. [volume] (Tunkhannock, Pa.) 1854-1867, 1863-09-30


principles of Woodward devotion to the
Union His words come to us like ian echo
from the grave at the Hermitage, or at Marsh
field or at Ashland, or at Mount Vernon
They were spoken on the occasion of the
erection of the monument to Governor Skunk
at the Trappe, Montgomery county, July a,
1851:
"These States are glorious in their ind-
uality, but their collective glories are in the
Union. By all means, at all hazards, are
they to be maintained in their integrity and
the full measure of their constitutional rights
for only so is the Union to be preserved
only SO is it worth preserving. 1t is the per-
fection of the prsmatic colors, which, blend
ed, produce the ray of light. lt is the com
pleteness of these assembled sovereigntles,
lacking nothing which they have not lent for
great purpose, that makes the Union pre-
cious. This word Union is word of gra-
cious omen. 1t implies confidence and atfec-
tion-mutual support and protection against
external dangers. 1t is the chosen expires
sion of the strongest passion Of young hearts.
1t is the charmed circle within which the
family dwells. 1t is man helping his fellow
feet in themselves, confederated for mutual
advantage 1t is the people of States, sepa-
rated by lines and interests, and institutions,
and usages, and laws, all forming one glori-
Gus nation-all moving onward TO the same
sublime destiny, and all instinct with com
mon life. Our fathers pledged their lives
their fortunes, and their sacred honots to
form this Union-let ours be pledged to
MAINTAIN 1t.
Here is the shadow of this venerable
temple, against the graves ofthe Muhlenbergs
and over that of Skunk, let us renew our
vows of allegience and devotion--let us look
yonder to Valley Forge, and yonder to Ger
mantown. and yonder to BrandywIne-let
us recall the blood poured out on oil the 9TH
er battle tields-let Us think Of the treasured
dust of our heroes, and patriots and martyrs
let us remember the achievements of our
arms, by land aud sea, and the growth and
prosperity OF our country, and then, looking
forward TO the exalted position among the
nations OF The earth to which We are hasten
ing, let us swear one to another, by all the
memories of the past, by all the glories Of
the present, by all the hopes of the future,
that the States as they are, and the Union as
1t is, MUST AND SHALL BE PRESERVED"
And again, at the Union meeting held De-
cemher l3, 1860, in Independence Square,
called by the Mayor and Councils of Phila-
delphia, Judge Woodward thus pleaded for
the Union. (rhIs meeting was at the time
denounced and ridiculed by the Abolition
ists:)
Here on this consecrated spot of earth
where the foundations were laid of the best
Government the world ever saw, let us re-
new our vows TO the Union, and send saluta-
lions to our brethren. Talk not Of secession
| go not rashly out of the Union--dm no
star of our glorious fag-give us time to
place ourselves right with regard to your
peculiar institution and to roll back the
| cloud that now obscures, for the moment
our devotion TO the Union as it was. Speak
thus to the Southern States, and follow our
words by fitting deeds, and Pennsylvania
can stop secession, or cure it, fit occurs
We can win back any State that may stray
off, If only We can prove our own loyalty to
| the Constitution and the Union as our fa-
theirs formed them. ..
And would it not be proud page in the
history of Pennsylvania that should record
the rescue of the American Union as our ia
theirs formed them.
And would it not be proud page in the
history ct Pennsylvania that should record
the rescue of the American Union from i'm
pending ruin by the prompt, glorious, united
action of the people of Pennsylvania That
great glory may be ours. Let us grasp il
ere it be forever too late"
Let his opponents show one word, one act
in Judge Woodward's whole life, to contra.
dict these glorious utterances. Now, let US
apply, with strict mpartiality, to Judge
Woodward and to his defamers, the sound
est of all tests, by their fruits We shall
know them" Let us see how those acted
who are most affected by the influences of
the next Governor of Pennsylvania, and by
those of his opponents. In 1861, the people
the Democracy of the United States, assure
by Congress and by the Admins tration that
the war is to be conducted solely for the
restoration of the Union," that +" the rights ot
the States shall be preserved unmpaired, ,
and that the status of slaves in the States
where it now exists shall not be disturbed, .
rushed to the field. Among the most prompt
TO fight in such cause was a son of Judge
Woodward; Captain (now Colonel) Geo. A
Woodward. Another son also entered the
service when the soil of Pennsylvania was
| invaded, His nephew is also in the service
Now, what is Judge Woodward's opinion
of the course adopted by his sons and by
Colonel Biddle, the Chairman of the Demo
cratic State Committee, who resigned his
position to raise regiment for the defence ol
Pennsylvania Let him speak for himself
Hon. Char es J BiddLe
Dear SIR: | have received the commu-
nication of your wish to resign the position
of Chairman of the Democratic State Central
Committee in order to give, as private sold.
ier or IN any sphere that may be open to you
your whole exertions for the defence Of our
invaded Commonwealth
4" AS the Craftsmanship was accepted by
you with the express understanding that il
was not to prevent your compli ance with