Winchester journal. [volume] (Winchester, Indiana) 1862-1863, 1863-03-27
Union Meeting at Winchester.

numOer IN town. ne 01y was p1rticu-
Iar'y unpleasant, so much so that an out
door meeting was impraeticable. The
Courtroom was packed to its utmost ca
picity, and vet but meager proportion of
the people present could obtain access to
the building.
Thomas w Reece was chosen President
and Dr. John E Beverly Secretary.
Hon. T. VI. Browne, Gen. A. Stone and
c. s. Goodrich, ESQ, were appointed
committee TO prepare resolutions for the
consideration of the meeting.
Able and eloquent speeches were made
by Hon Walter March Col. Asbury Steele
and Elder Linn.
I The Committee reported the following
preamble and resolutions, which were
unanimously adopted:
WHEREAS. The Government is Engaged
I in stupendous struggle to put down a
most wicked and causeless rebellion,
/ threatening its existence and the exist
: ence Of Republican Institutions and free
popular government;
AND WHEREAS, Ii is the duty of a loyal
people to strengthen and uphold the Gov
erument in this contest by every means N
their power-in men, money, and express
sion of sympathy therefore,
Rcsolced, LIST. That we are uncoDd-
tionally aud determinedly in favor of a
vigorous prosecution Of the war, by the
employment of every Legitimate power of
the Government, until the rebellion is
finally and effcctualy suppressed.
2nd. That we utterly condemn all pro-
positions for an armistice or peace con
vention, coming from whatever source
they NAV, until those in rebellion acknow-
ledge their allegiance to the Constitutions
aud TIE Laws of the National Government
We believe NIL such propositions tend to
divide the people of the loyal States, en-
courage the rebellion, and weaken the
Government in the prosecution of the
war.
3rl. While The Administration may
have committed mistakes, (whlt Admin
str1tion has mott we have the fullest
confidence in its integrity, and we believe
il is actuated by an honest ami anxious
desire 10 restore the Government to its
constitutional authority over tho revolted
States, without interfering with or modest;
ing any of their constitutional rights or
! institutions.
9TH. That democratic government can
only be maintained by the unconditional
submission OF the minority TO the legally
expressed will Of the majority. that such
majority j.. for the time being, the Gov
trnmcnr. aud. If it be wrong, or abuses
its powers. the evil only can be properly
remeliei nv resort To that great bulwark
Of American liberty. the blllot-hox; and
while We recognize the right OF the peo-
PIE follv and freely to criicisc the con.
duct OF their pnhlic servants. yet We hold
that no ons can withdraw his allegiance
from or support g the Government be
cause he may dislpproye its conduct or
condemn it's action.
9Th. That il Is the dnty Of all good cit
liens TO submit to the law; and we Dis
countenance and condemn all resistance,
by force. to the authority of the Govern
nent, believing it's tendency l., and eyer
has been, 20 inaugurate in the country an
archy and civil war.
9Th That while We regret the necessity
for the conseription provided for by re-
cent act OF Congress, we believe at the
same time that it is the duty Of all TO
cheerfullv submit to il. The noble vol
unteer army that has fought so CALAMITY
for the Union. has been depleted by sick
ness and death is now in the country OF
the enemy, boldly battling under the old
flag Of the Revolution, and we will be re-
ereant TO ourselves and our duty. II We
refuse 90 ELL up It's decimated ranks, and
aid them in conquering permanent and
enduring neace.
It'll. That we condemn all secret or cih
cr organizations having for their purpose,
or tending in their effect TO encourage de-
sertio- :, or to demoralize the army of the
Republic. We regard such societies or
lorr.,,;,,t;o,s donrerous and treasOnah HE
and believe it to be the duty of all LOYAL
citizens TO discourage and denounce them.
9Th. That we exho.t the people to peace
and harmony to abstain from exciting
and heated discussions, and TO use their
whole influence to preserve order and
quiet.
9th. That we deny that the Government
is prosecuting this war for the abolition
of slavery. or to deprive any OF the States
of any right or institution secured by the
Con -titutior Mt the same time we fully
indorse the Emancipation Proclamation
of the President, as a legitimate and con-
stitutionsi war measure.
10Th That We indorse and reaflirm the
platform of principles adopted ty the Un-
ion Convention held at intiauapc.is IN the
iolh of June. 1862.
llth. That we are opposed, now AMI
forever. to any AMI all schemes for the
formtti.n of a Ncrth-Western Conf.der.