Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1863-04-29
Colonel Bullock and the Salem Union
EcugUe,


The meetings of the Salem Union League
have proved to be among the most attractive,
popular and enthusiastic gatherings ever as
sembled in this place. Indeed such sue
cession of crowded, public and patriotic con-
vocations is quite unparalleled here. Night
after night the largest hall in the city is
thronged with dense mass of citizens.
The last meeting Of the league, ON w edmeS-
day evening, was quite as earnest and enthu-
siastc as any OF the preceding, and if posi-
BILE, more crowded.
Hon. Alexander Ii. Bullock, of Worcester,
the speaker Of the Massachusetts house of
representatives then addressed the audience
for nearly all hour and three quarters, COM
handing the closest attention and admirng
appreciation of his hearers from beginning 20
end. He was very happily introduced by the
president as from the heart of the common
wealth, and was most warmly welcomed. He
discussed with mastery ability the situation
OF our public affairs, the necessities of the
hour, and the duty of patriots, Illustrating his
arguments with remarkable felicity and
point. In dealing with those who so
persistenty raise constitutional bubbles
against every act and measure Of the
government, he was very severe against
those lawyers who, i'll this crisis and agony of
tine nations fate, measure everything 10y the
rules of their professional dialectIcs-who
seem to think it necessary, every time the
morning or evening bulletin announces a
proclamation or order from the president, or
a decision of the cabinet, that the people
should climb to the second or third story of
some lawyers offices in Boston or Salem to
inquire whether 1t is constitutional or not
and whose stacks Of pamphlets, lying in piles
unread, now cucumber the shelves of the
booksellers on Washington street. If mans
influence and example, either in the street, in
the club house, on the exchange, or in the
social circle, are with those who now war
against the government his place is in one of
the forts. Everything must be subordnated
to the public safety; and no matter how much
questions may be befogged or pettifogsed-
no matter what may be the impeachment to the
salvation Of the country, whether the south
ern disloyalist with his deadly rifle, or the
northern lawyer with his equally deadly
crotchets-all must give way the preservation
of the republic
He alluded with great felicity to those who
contound the objects of the conflict with the
events OF the conflict; said that although
while plans and policies were under advise
ment, they might be subject to criticism, yet,
when once decided upon, they became meas
ures to be supported; and sarcastically de-
scribed those who, protesting to be friends of
the Union and the government yet carp at all
the measures adopted for the salvation of the
country-who say they are in favor of carry
ing on the war, but are not satisfied with the
manner of waging it; who are in favor OF
raising money, but do not like the financial
scheme by which it is to be raised; who are
in favor of a CONSUMPTION law, but opposed to
the provisions of the law; who are in favor of
employing the negroes but find fault with the
particular mode of their employment; and
who in everything, while protesting friend
ship for the government, seem to act in SYM
pathy with its enemies. For himself, lie con,
sidered tia duty to stand by the president and
the administration. He knew only the party
of the Union; he had no misgivings in bid
ding farewell to republican who refused to
recognize his duty, or in shaking hands with
democrat who was willing to act upon this
principle.
Col. Bullock is one of the most polished and
accomplished speakers in the commonwealth,
and on this occasion fully sustained his repu-
tation, and satisfied the high expectations of
the audience.
The singing of "America" by the audience
closed the exercises in the hail; and suisse
quently, large number OF gentlemen paid
their respects to Col. Bullock at the elegant
mansion of John Bertram, Esq, whose guest
he was, where they were elegantly entertained
by the respected host Salem Register.