The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1863-01-17

r,ously associated with the history of the |
revolutionary struggle. They bear names |
that are honored, and have memories that
are cherished in every part of the land.
They must not, through the folly of blind
and bigoted leaders lose the great special
political powers which are given to them
by the compromises of the constitution.
They must not suffer that instrument
which secures to them peculiar advanta-
ges to be weakened or destroyed. The
Union must be restored. There is but one
way to save US from decentralization, dis
cord and repundiation. Our Union must
be restored, complete in all its parts. No
section must be disorganzed beyond the
unavoidable necessities OF war.
All mus, be made tc feel chat the mighty
efforts we are making TO save our Union
are stimulated by purpose to restore
peace, prosperity, and happiness to every
section Tho vigor of war will be increas-
ed when the public mind and energies are
concentrated upon the patriotic generous
purpose to restore our Union for the com.
mon good Of all sections 1t cannot be so
united upon any bloody, any barbarous,
any revolutionary, or any unconstitutional
scheme, looking merely TO the gratifica-
ton Of hatred or purposes Of party ambi-
ton or sectional advantage. Every exer-
ton Of power, every influence Of persua.
sion, every measure of reconciliation, must
be used to restore this Union to its former
condition. Let no one demand that the
blood of his neighbor shall be she'd, that
the fruits Of the labor Of our citizens shall
be eaten up by the taxation, to gain this
end and then refuse to give up his own
passions, or to modify his own opinions, to
| frx, nd he TIL
waste we are now making Of treasure and
| life. Let no one think that the people
who have refused to yield this Union to
rebellion at the South will permit its res
| toration to be prevented by faaatacisms at
the North.
The pervading sentiment of the great
controlling sections of our country will
not only save our Union, but it will do so
| in a way that will harmonic with the ge-
MUS OF our institutions, the usages of our
people, and the letter and spirit Of our
constitution. II will manifest itself in tho
customary manner: by discussion and po-
! litical action. The trainers of our consti-
tuition, forseeing that events would render
! it necessary for the people of the several
States not only thus to address our govern
ment, but also to produce a concert Of
I purpose and action between different com
Z
! Congress shall make no law abrIdging the
freedom Of speech or of the press, or the
right Of the people peaceably to assemble
to petition the government for redress
of grievances. Our present alarming cou.
ditional naturally calls for such expressions
of public opinion with respect to the
objects of this war, and the spirit in which
it should be conducted, and the end for
which it could not be waged. when the
public will is so clearly expressed, it must
be recognized and be respected by govern
ment. 1t will also make itself effective
in our frequently recurring elections
which peaceably, but rapidly, form body
of government in harmony with its pur
poses 1t will influence Congressional &C
tian or il may lead to convention Of the
States
The condition of our country is no'
hopeless, unless it is made so by passion.
and prejudices which are Inconsistent with
the government Of great country. Thi:
war, with all its evils, has taught US grea
truths, which, if accepted by our people
will place the future relations of the variou.
, sections OF our Union on the trmest basis
, 1t has made Us know the value of tn,
: Union itself, not only in our internal bu
in our foreign relations. 1t has given US ;
= wisdom and knowledge Of each othe
which, had we possessed earlier woul,
e have averted our present caiamitics
, the Interests of different sections Of on
i country are conflicting in some respect:
: they are SO balanced and adjusted by ma
. ture that there is an incxpressble teaden
a cy to intercourse, harmony, and unior
This tendency must. in the end, overcom
. mutual apprehension. We have ais
Y learned the great mutual strength of tn
a North aad OF the South, and. amid all tn
n bitterness of feeling engendered by wal
: each section has been taught TO respec
, the power resources, and courage Of tn
6 other
# We must accept the condition OF affair
:. as they stand. At this moment the fort,
y nate of our country are influenced by til
= results of battles. Our armies in the fieI,
!, must be supported All constitutional d,
tnands of our general government NUT b
promptly responded to- But war alon
n will not save the Union. The rule
h action which is used TO put down an ord
II nary instruction is not applicable to
n widespread armed resistance of grea
, communities. It is widucss ard folly t
Il shut our eyes 10 this truth Under n
= circumstances can the division of til
II Union be conceded We will put fort
e every exertion of power. We will US
Il every policy of Cancellation. We wi
$ hold out every inducenlent to the Poop!
q OF the South TO return to their allegiance
y consistent with honor. We will guarante
IS them every right, query considerable,
!, demanded by the constitution, and b
. that .ratcrnai regard which must preva
q in common country. But we never ca
e voluntarily consent to the breaking up
n the Union OF these States, or the destru
II ton of the constitution
n Humbly acknowledging our depend
o ence upon Almighty God, and repentin
II our pride, ingratitude and disobedienc
II let us pray that our minds may be inspire
II with the wisdom and nanimity, tn
r faith and the charity which will enable ,
Al TO save our country.
.