The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1863-05-29
Letter from Hon. Henry M. Rice,
on National Affairs.

The Loyal National League, of New
York city, commemorated the anniver-
sary of the bombardment of Fort Sumter,
by an immense meeting at Union Square,
on the 18th of April last. Among the
distinguished gentleman who were invited
to be present and address the meeting,
was the Hon. HENRY NJ. RICE, of our
State. He was unable to attend, but sent,
instead, the following stirring, eloquent
letter, which we find in the pamphlet &C
count of the proceedings:
WASHINGTON, D. c., April s, 1868.
DEAR SIR: l cannot be with you on the 18th
instant. The present war may last as long as
slavery is a recognized American Institution,
or until it shall be so modified as to partake of
the benefits of civilization and Christianity,
with view to its ultimate extinction. Slavery
is the cause of continued strife; the cause must
be removed, or the disease will extend to every
extreme of the Union, and in the end prove its
ruin. A long war is better than short peace
better for both sectiOns-and yet, the sooner
it is closed, themore quickly will the anvil, the
pillow, and the loom, respond to the happy
songs Of the wOrkmen throughout the entire
land. Hence the necessity of a united North.
Our fOrefathers formed league for the defence
of liberty-the South have formed a league in
defence of human slavery. Are we of the
North less brave, less patriotic than our fore
fathers !?
Why can we not lay aside party, petty fault
findings, and unite as one man, until the honor
of our country, liberty and the names of our
fathers, shall have been indicated? The
South were traitors to the Constitution, the
country and the Democratic Party, and now
persistently insult those who for years, fought
solely in their defence. Yet they find in the
North democratic sympathiZers! Who can for
get how they left us-cOwardly left us-with-
out any feeling of gratitude for the past or
hope of future renniOn? Prior to their say
ing good bye, they were informed that the de-
mOcracy Of the North were not discouraged;
but if they would remain that the fight should
be renewed with increased vigor. They could
aceU smile at this simple yet generous PROPOSE
ton, for their own full, fat ranks showed that
they had not suffered; but the carewOrn, thin
ned Northern wing told but too well who had
met the shock of our political foes. And yet
democrats can be found doing out their sick
ening sympathy for the success of their unhOly
cause. Those of the South have frequently
said that they will listen to no compromise
short OF recognition of their independence;
this being true, peace democrat IS q disunion-
ist for the South acW haze no peace short of dis
union, unless compelled by force of arms to aban-
don her present position.
Those in power have erred, will again err
but because pilot occasionally misses the
points of the compass, shall we scuttle the
ship?
The administration may not confer any civil
appointments upon democrats; what then?
It gives the democracy the greater opportunity
for showing its patriOtism-its love of country
of liberty. Ever since the republican party
came into existence, it has, until recently stood
patiently out in the cold, even beyond the
crumb boundary, while the democratic party
for years waxed fat upon the good of the land.
Now that the tables have been partially turned,
can we not show little patient modesty until
we shall again be triumphant?
End the rebellion-make war upon the west
ern mountains, cause them to throw out their
untold and countless millions of hidden treas
ures-open up to seed the great prairies of the
West-develOp the manufacturing wealth of
the country-spot every sea with American
sails as thick rs Ow-tiakes-CicilizdtiOn and
christianity will do the rest, eren to the making
Of a proper disposition Of the african.
Very respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
HENRY NJ. RICE.
Hon. Mr.. ROOSEVELT, Secretary of the Union
League Association, New York City.