The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1863-06-10
NUMBER IA.

"Well, exclaimed the Pfeeidsnt, ssopin-
ions differ among the saints al we'll az
among the sianers. They don't seem to
understand running the nsehins suoug
the ceiestials much better than We do.
Their talk and advice sound very mnch I,
like the talk of my Cabinet-don't xo1
think so, Mr Welles?''
''Well, don't know-I will think the
matter over and see what conclusiess 70
arrive at.
Heavy rsps were heard and the slpBa.
bet was called for, whom ssThat What's
the matter was spelt out.
There was a'shout Of laughter and Dir.
Welles stroked his beard.
"That means, Mr.. Welles," said the
President, "that you are apt to be long,
winded, and think the nearest way homo
is the longest way round Short cuts in
war times. wish the spirit could tell us !,
how to catch the Alabama"
The lights which had been partially
lowered almost instantaneously became 90
dim that could not see sufficiently toll
distinguish the features of any one in the. !,
room, and on the large mirror over the !,
msntle-piece there appeared the most beau
tifui, though supernatural, picture ever
beheld. It represented sea view, the
Alabama with all steam up, flying from
the pursuit of another large steamer.
Two merchantmen in the distance Vsra
seen partially destroyed by fire. The
picture changed, and the Alabama was
seen at anchor under the shadow of an
English, fort, from which an English flag
was waving The Alabama was foatipg
idly, not soul on board. and no signs of
life visible about her. The picture van
ished, and in letters of purple appeared,
"The English people demanded this Of
England's aristocracy.r
$50 England is to seize the Alabama
fnally;" said the President. 'sIt NAV be
possible, but, Mr.. Welles, don't let one
gunboat or monitor less be built"
The spirits again called for the slpba-
bet, and again "That's what's the matter''s
was spelled out.
/ 81 see, l see" said the President,
mother England thinks that whats 3 sauce
for the goose may be sauce for the gander.
It may be tit, tat, too, hereafter. But iss
is not very complimentary to our Navy,
anyhow" ~.
"We've done our best, Mr.. President"
said Mr. Welles. I'm maturing plan
which, when perfected, think, if it works
we'll, will be perfect trap for the Ala
bama"
"Well, Mr.. Shockle," remarked the
President, Il have seen strange things and
heard rather odd remarks, but nothing
which convinces~ne, except the pictures,
that there is any thing very heavenly
; about all this. l should like, if possible.
to hear what Judge Douglas says about
this war;, -.
'l'll try to get his spirit" said Mr..
Shockle; "but it sometimes happens, AZ it
did to night in the case of the indian,
4 that though first impressed by one spirit,
yield to another more powerful If
perfect silence is maintained, will see IL
We can not induce General Knox to send
for Mr.. Douglas
Three raps were given, signifying
assent to the proposition. Perfect silence
was maintained, and, after an interval Of
perhaps three minutes, Mr.. Shockls rose
quickly from his chair and stood mn be-
hind it resting his left arm on the back,
his right thrust into his bosom. In 5
voice such as no one could mistake who
had ever heard Mr.. Douglas, he spoke.
shall not pretend to quote the language.
j ltwas eloquent and choice. He urged the
President to throw aside all avdisers who
hesitated about the policy to be pursued,
and to listen to the wishes of the peoplS,
who would sustain him ut all points if his
aim was, as he believed it was, to rsstors
the Union. He said there we're Burrs
and Blennerhessctts living, but that they
, would wither before the popular approval
which would follow one or two victories,
, , such as he thought must take place ere
long. The turning point in this war will
be the proper nse Of these victories-if
wicked men in the first hours of euccess
9 think it time to devote their attention to
: party. the war will be prolonged, but &
: victory is followed up by energetic actisa,
all will be we'll,
II believe that" said the. President.
+, "whether it comes from spirit or human =
Mr.. Shockle was much prostrated after
this, and, at Mrs. Lincolns request, il waa
thought best to adjourn the eeance, which,
J, if resumed, I shall give you an account Of:
y Yours, as ever, MELTON.
o T1ndor Whok n W