The Portage County Democrat. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1854-1868, 1863-08-12
.ssEHs. sEH }ypH X.-Ne. q WrocrB No. 4s9.

know, fellow citizens, that the great boay
of the Democrats of Ohio are what is called
War Democrats They are opposed to the (
rebellion, wish to subdue it, and see no way
but in vigorous determined war Why then
is such a man as Vallandigham nominated for
their support? The facts have already
stated show he did not agree with you in pol
| icy. How comes it then that Peace Demo-
Gratis, mostly old broken down party leaders,
have seized upon your political organization,
and now seek to commit you to the support
bof a convicted traitor? 1t is, because the ae-
tive and patriotic spirits of that party are far
off in the presence of the enemy, or our quiet
farmers, or citizens, engaged in Industrial pur-
suits. 1t is for you to say whether allegiance
to party is stronger than allegiance TO the
country. The Union party has certainly
shown no narrow partizanship which should 4
prevent any man from acting with them 1t
is true, it composed mainly of Republicans,
but all the nominees but one on the State
ticket voted against Mr.. Lincoln Mr. Brough
is nominated wholly because he is gentle
man of great ability and experience, who viii
stand by the government in the prosecution
of the war. He surrenders none of his polit-
ical convictions. He is a War Democrat, and
although am Republican and would much
prefer TO vote for man who belonged to
that party and who agreed with me in all the
tenets of that party, yet shall vote for Mr.
Brough, simply because, though Democrat,
he will stand by the constituted authorities in
supf'ressing this rebellion. / ask you when
the choice is presented between Valandigham
and Brough if every sentiment of patriot
ism, every feeling of manhood, the love of
!, Nationality, the honor of our brave soldiers,
the cause of liberty and humanity do not de-
mand your vote for Mr.. BrougE S,iE}
But, fellow citizens, Ihave already dwelt
} perhaps, too long upon the present aspect of
] this contest as presented by Mr.. Pugh. The
; contest is between two political organizations
each of which have announced their prinei-
a pies aud nominated their candidates Re
member, it is not contest between the Re
e publican and the Democratic parties. The
It Republican party organization was voluntari-
n ly surrendered in june, 1861, in the hope to
: unite all men of all parties in hearty sup
c port of the war. I then regarded and have
e ever since regarded this surrender of the Re-
i publican organization as unwise and impoli-
It tic. Two opposing parties are indispensable
e in free Government. They check each
o other and make issues which are from time to
: time decided by the people. Had the Re-
= publican and Democratic organizations been
Dr. pursued, both would probably have been 10y
e al, and in a generous strife as to which could
y. best maintain the Union; and in the healthy
a rivalry as TO the best measures for that end
ID botk would have been preserved IN patriotic
'e devotion to the Union and the Constitution.
as The Administration would have been com
n PEELED to adopt fixed policy, and the antag-
n. onism of a powerful and loyal party wonld
ry have been a healthy check. By the abandon
ee ment of the Republican organization the Ad
slr ministration was left without competent po
a litical support. Its measures lacked consist
ld ency, and vibrated from the surrender o
DIS States to rebel masters to the proclamation o
b. universal emancipation. Men of the mos
ly divers. views were acting together withou
he discipline, in concert, and without party
ed name, while the name and Organization of tn
he old Democratic party drifted into the custody
or of men without spark of patriotic sympa
IS; thy for the Union OF the Government -
Id { blame no one for the surrender of the Re
to publican organization. 1t was the impulse o
ire of the best party, with the soundest princi
rs, pies and the most honorable record in our po
~, itcalhistory, 1t was done to secure unity il
ng a great cause. The Union party to which
IN gave wayis founded upon the necessity Q
he supporting the constituted authorities in
es-- time of war. It's purpose, aim and end is t
-s- m intain the just authority of the Unite
nd States iu suppressing great rebellion. -'7
IS. And here is the marked distinction betwee
ID the two parties. The Union party strike
rg, only at the rebels The Democratic part
Ky, strikes only at the Administration. Th
Ids Union party insists upon the use of ever
Of means to put down the rebels. The Demo
for cratic party uses every means to put dow
he the Administration i read what is called til
es- Democratic Platform, and find nothin
OF against the rebels who are in arms against th
9us best government in the world but find nj
merous accusations against the authorities
.nu the government who are struggling to pt
ut down the rebels. find no kindly mention
10 the progress of our arms, no mention of vic
ne tories achieved and difficulties overcome; n
Oh. mention of financial measures without pal
\ IAN alle in their success; no promise of suppor
ps lel no word of encouragement to the constitute
~ authorities no allowance made for hum
ny error; not a single patriotic hope. 1t is
pUy long string of whining scolding accusation
er is dictated by the spirit of rebellion, and b.
lt,'s fore God, believe is originated in the san
t tle malignant hate of the constituted authorize
!, no as has armed the public enemies. 1 appe
'ne to you if that is the proper way to suppo
your government in time of war Is this tt
example set by Webster and Clay, and II
he great leaders of the Whig party when Gel
~ jackson throttled qualification ), or is it tt
- example of the tories of the Revolution
ave Without well organized, and powerfl
ion Government, able to put down all opposition
,eir there can be no liberty. Liberty does nj
nm consist in license it consists in the secure
cad joyment of the privileges prescribed by Il
ntil law It implies obedience to the laws.