The weekly north Iowa times. [volume] (McGregor, Iowa) 1857-1867, 1863-03-04

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Union Clubs.
a writer in the Clayton county Journal
Of last week, over the signature of Union, "
urges the unity Of action on the part OF all
loyal citizens, and closes with the following
unexceptiohable conclusions:
80 Is it not, therefore, high time for the
Union citizens Of Clayton county, to arouse
from their slumber, and instruct the county
rommittcc to call meeting of all citizens,
who are f,r the speedy and complete sup.
preston Of the rebellion, and the punish
,ncnt Of treason, and who are in favor OF
the good old doctrine, tho Union, it must
and shall be preserved at an early day and
convenient place for the purpose of en-
couraging each other, and also for the pur-
pose of appointing the proper committee in
each township to organize thorough and
complete Union party. Let us meet fire.
quently, and converse together, let us cast
aside all sclfshness and take each other by
the hand with cordial grip, and with an
honest determined purpose. For we are
living in an age when my life and property
may depend upon your actions and inAu.
encc, and your life and property may hang
upon the same brittle thread"
On the 18th Of Aug lst, 1861, a Mass
Union Convention was held in Elkalcr, Of
citizens Of Clayton county, irrespective OF
party, which was presided over by Judge
Nurlock, assisted by S. Il. Poet, and G.
Douglas. Vice Presidents At this convcn.
ton, delegates were nominated to the State
Union Convention, speeches were made by
Sen. Hammer, Jno. +. Stoneman, Judge
Baugh, Judge Murdoch, II. L. Newell, w.
Drummond, and others, and resolutions BY
II. E. Newell, in effect that it was the duty
of all loyal citizens to lay aside all differ
enccs of politics, and to unite in one cordial
effort to sustain the government Of the
United States, in its efforts to suppress the
rebellion, were unanimously adopted
There was good ground for hope then, Of
unity, harmony, and perfect concert Of &C.
ton, 30 far as this county was concerned,
throughout our heavy struggle with the
conpirators who were cndeavoring to break
this Union in twain. Similar conventions
were held in this and other states, and
political selfishness stood awed and abash.
ed by the coz populi. This was an era in
the history Of this county upon which we
delight to linger; but alas ! the disinterest-
edncss Of . pure patriotism, though bright,
was brief. How it gave way to the vindic
tive clamor Of partisans, and how patriot
ism became not even latent sentiment in
the heart Of the politician, it is not neces.
sary to relate. Every citizen Of Clayton
county can repeat the history Of this change
for the worse. AS in this county, 80 every.
where. Every day the condition of public
sentiment has grown for the worse, until
now none but the most sanguine tempera-
,nents expect restoration Of the Onion.
The history Of the past two years should
not be lost to Us. In brief, the lesson is
this: the hope Of the Union rests in the
abnegation Of partisan spirit.
We IRE glad to see the letter of ''Union."
1t looks like the dawn Of better e,a. We
have abidcd by the patriotic resolutions Of
our friend II. E. Newell, while one after
another of those who sat with US in the
old stone hall, have switched off to their
old party affiliations, and the prospect OF
their return is cheering to US.
We welcome Union" to the old ground.
As the lonely lookout welcomes the sail on
the horizon. We cordially fall in with his
proposition for union of all citizens who
are in favor Of the Union, but let it be
union without reservation. If man can.
not come to the high. patriotic position OF
the Union of all citizens without political
reservations, he is not of the right material
TO stand fire. At the first blast of his old
party leader, he will fall back into the beat
en- track Of partisan life.
Our heart, hand, press, everything,
stands pledged to true union for the sake
OF the Union. Shall we have is?