Indiana State sentinel. (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1861-1865, 1863-03-16

mistice, which would subdue the martial spirit of
their gallant army. No, sir, they nave only de-
cIded that this war shall be carried on, not to de-
destroy the Constitution, but to preserve it in
every one ofits essential features; not to dissolve
the Union, but to restore it. IL was a triumph of
the Constitution. The people have decided that
then blood and treasure shall be poured out like
water rather than the Constitution and the Union
shall be destroyed. That is what the Democratic
masses of the country have decided. They will
stand by the Union and the Constitution, By their
army in the field. but they demand, sir, that the
priceless blood of the nation shall not be wasted
by wild and visionary schemes. or the nation de-
stroyed in miserable efforts of pretended reform.
L say TO gentlemen that by pressing their extreme
and visionary measures upon Congress, they have
contributed to destroy that unity OfopiniOn which
had pervaded the loyal States of the Union. At
the time that party assumed the powers of the
Government, after the most bitter political con
test ever waged in this country, followed by the
tocsin of war, the whole people of the loyal
States, forgetting the feuds of party. exhibited a
patriotic devotion to their country and an indomi-
table resolution to sustain the Government at
every hazard and peril, that has not its equal in
self-denial and strength of purpose in the annals
OF the world. Never, sir, we're n people more
brave and resolute; never a people so controlled
and guided by one great idea; and never, sir,
were Il great and patriotic people mOIe %unfortu-
nate in the men placed Tor the time at the head
of their affairs.
The gentleman from Nebraska IMr. DAILY
said well on yesterday that IN the Revolution
there were men who opposed the Government
which patriotism was seeking to establish by the
war of lSl2-men, both in Congress and out of
it, bitterly opposed the administration of Mr..
Madison. The war of 1916 was opposed in the
spirit OF partisanism by a great aud controlling
political power. When, sir, in the past, has n de-
feated party cordially sustained the Government
in the hands of their successful opponents when
administered on partisan issues?
But it came to pass, sir, that when that party
which is denounced as traitors, that party which
has never failed, through eighty years of peace
and war. in its devotion to the cause of liberty as
involved in the perpetuation of the Union, came
here with a minority, representing a minority at
home, the party in power found that minority pa
tent under defeat. self DENYING. CO operating
with them i'm every possible effort to sustain the
Government. Sir, the present will not, but his
tory will do justice to that party, the party which
represents the people. the living maSsesAwhich
saw not the helmsman at the wheel, but only
liberty in danger, and rushed forward in its de-
Tense.
AT the outset, sir, the purpose of the war was
clearly determined. A solemn pledge of the pur.
poses for which this war was to be prosecuted was
announced. 1t was clearly and wisely expressed
in the resolutions brought before Congress by the
venerable statesman from Kentucky, Mr.. Crit
tenden, on the 22d day of July, 1861, that the
war forced upon us by the diSunionists OF the
South should not be prosecuted for the purposes
OF conquest or suhjugation, or to overthrow the
institutions of the States, but to re. tore the Union
with the rights, dignity and equality OF the States
under the Constitution unimpaired. The Demo.
cratic party remained tue to the whole of that
pledge, for it was a pledge on the part of Con
gresS, a pledge TO the country. We have not
wavered from our engagement. We stood by it
in It's letter and spirit; We stand by it still, while
the Republican party has trampled that engage
ment under their feet. They have repudiated
and spurned that solemn compact made in an
hour of danger and distress. They have violated
every one OF its provisions. and have sought 20
carry on this war, not TO restore this Union and
unfurl the old flag, the symbol of the old Union,
again, from the Gulf to the Lakes, but for the
purpose of carrying out, at every cost of life and
treasure, the partisan dogmas which lie ut the
foundation of that party.
And vet they dare TO complain of divisions of
opinion Had they been willing to yield a little;
had thew been willing to make some sacrifices for
their bleeding country had they exhibited even
the patriotism and self denial of many of their
constituents at home; instead of divided counsels
and Earring factions here, and widespread distrust
and apprehension at home; instead of the clouds
gathering darkly over US and the earth rocking
beneath US, the people. still loyal to the Union,
would have stood united and firm as one man in
the solemn resolve that the war should he carried
on until the Union. the priceless legacy of our
fathers, should be restored. Yet, still. sir, | trust
IN God, our people, rising above the weakness of
this temporary Administration, Inspired by the
patriotism of their fathers, will sulemnly resolve
that, cost what it may of life or treasure. the
Union shall be maintained.