The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1863-08-19
THE LETTER.

TABLE Rock HOUSE, NIAGARA FALLS,
c. W., July 81, 1863.
Mcssrs. Thomas Dunlap, FL. 2. Platt,
John T. Maher, John G. Isham. j G.
Wales and others, committee, etc.
GENTLEMEN: Unable to attend your
meeting of the 9th of August, in person,
permit me to address you by letter
briefly.
l waste no part of your time in personal
defense To the candidates, speakers and
writer's of the Administration party /
leave, undisturbed, the brave and chival
rous work of assailing an opponent, ab-
sent because the tyranuic power of their
master, executed by military force, com
pels it. The great issues cf the day ought
not to be subordinated to things merely
personal; and I, recommend to my friends
generally, that they initiate the wise Re-
mans, and 'scarry the war into Africa. ="
The Democracy of Lucas, postponing
all other issues, and ignoring all differ
encos of opinion in regard to them. as
semble, of course, to consider what Gen.
Fremont, the candidate of the Stree speech
and free press" Republican party of 1856.
very aptly styles ''the uppermost ques-
ton of the day''-the question of their
own constitution rights and liberties
This is the practical issue in the Ohio
campaign, forced by the President and his
party upon the people, and boldly met by
the Democracy in their nominations, as
also in their admirable platform, which
as candidate, accept as their solemn
and deliberate confession of political faith
and their pledge to the country, that they
| mean to defend the rights asserted in it
with their lives, their fortunes and then
sacred honors. Until these shall have
| been made secure, it can be neither usefu
nor possible to discuss any other question
not directly connected with it. There is
indeed, just such a question. one secont
only in importance to that of public lib
erty-the Union of the States. worth tn,
whole world to the American people. Blu
Liberty is the soul of people; and wha
shall it profit US to gain the whole wprl'
and lose our own seul2 The Constitution
made the Union, and, when the war be
gan, it was proclaimed to be for the su
Epremacy of the Constitution and laws; an
whatever difference of opinion there ma
4 have been, even then, as to the mode G
securing it, every patriot citizen Of tn
United States know what the laws an
& Constitution were. But what do We sc
to day? za - aaeses -
The opinion and will from hour to hou
of the President--and such President
is solemnly and officially proclaimed su
lperior to the Constitution aud thczlaw
even in the States wholly loyal. So tn;
: upon the present policy of the Admins
tration and its party, declared unchang'
able, the South is to be forced to subm
to the will and opinion of Abraham Lii
coin, instead of written fundamental sta
ute and common law. And if we ou
selves scorn to yieldup our constitution
rights and liberties to this monstrous d.
mon, does any honorable man, any sar
man, ask or expect the States and peop
Of the South to surrender, SO long as
i man survives to strike blow, or a woma
# to strengthen his heart or nerve his arm
Upon such policy this war must al
s will be interminable. SO many squa
miles may be overrun, so much soil ms
be conquered, but the hearts of the peop
: never.
How, then. stand the chances of Il
Union, measured by the two different pc
' icies of the Abolition and Democrat
parties?
The party of the Administration d
clares that the States spd people of Il
South shall be forced Jay down the
arms and submit. What then? Conf
: ! cation of all property; emancipation of 3
I slaves, and execution of all who, direct
/ or Indirectly, have taken part in the r