The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1863-02-13
The Way Loyal Democrat Talks

ring of the true Jetfersonian metal:
The recent partial reverses of arms at Fred
ericksburg has caused some to look with Ges-
pondency upon the prospect of the suppress
sion of the rebellion. Such should not be
the case. The most successful armies in the
world have met with reverses. The battle
at Frederick sburg seemed to be almost a nee
essity. the public sentiment would not
longer brook delay. The decentralization of
the army, and the exhausted patience of the
country, demanded toward movement at all
hazards. The battle at Fredericksburg has
established the important fact that the Grand
Army Of the Potomac is net wanting in will
or courage, and that upon an equal field, our
triumph would be sure and glorious Il can
be no cause Of exultation to the enemy that
he has maintained his ground when fighting
against direct assault from behind impregna-
BILE Notifications. That way will be found
to dislodge him, have no fears.
My faith in ultimate triumph is stronger
now than ever, because | believe that the
administration has settled upon the true, the
only policy under which it is possible to
achieve success. That policy consists, first
in more igorous prosecution of the war
second in the proclamation Of emancipation.
A sickening dependency, occasioned by
painful delays has been preying fearfully
upon the heart of the nation. But true. 10y
al hearts beat with quicker pulsations when
the administration, freeing itself from the
incubus which seemed to weigh it down re-
solved upon the policy henceforward "to
move upon the enemy's works"
guration of the policy of emancipation may
have seemed rash and the clamorS raised
against it may have had their effect in recent
elections but this effect was temporary
lime will abundantly prove that this policy
was dictated by just and wise statesman
ship, and that it will followed by successful
termination of our troubles.
There are but few. even among the polltl-
clans, who openy y avow that they are op-
posed to emancipation in the abstract. The
pgetense is that it is unconstitutional. free
" confess that in peace times there existed
no power to issue proclamation to free the
slaves. In peace, when all the people obey
ror the President could interfere with slay
cry. ANY attempt to do 50 would be an un
authorized and fragrant usurpation of power
In such case the jurisdiction of each stat,
over its domestic institutions would be ample
and complete The right Of intervention Wa.
never claimed in such a case. On the con
trary, it was pcrsis tently Gcnie,; by the Pres
and the party tha: elevated him to the presi
dency.
am for the constitution of my country
and desire to SEE It sustained ii its true spir
it and according to It's honest and fair inter
probation. may not be able TO appreciate
highly the wisdom Of the provision for III,
return of 4 tusittye slave to 4 bondage from
which he is escaping, is al independent prop
ositior; vet, because it is in the constitution
and was one of It's COMPROMISES. in consider
alton of which the free states got tie Jetfer
aonian ordinance Of l1S7; because 1t is i
the constitution, and because the constitution
was il every other respect 50 perfect; becaus
IL is the work of our fathers and the organ
Jaw of the land, have been and still am vii
ing to see its every provision enforced All
maintained, in the protection of every rlgh
claimed by those who submit to lis author
lty. l have always stood ready with my vote
my voice, and II need be, my life, to protec
every section IN the enjoyment OF It's rights
II the seeding states had remained quiet an
not aSsalled the government, nor trampled l
the dust the very constitution which secure
them the uninterrupted enjoyment OF the
cherished institution, there would have bee
not only no right, and no disposition to hav
proclaimed emancipation. But they hav
overthrown this constitution and establishe
for themselves new one; there they ca
claim no rights under the old. After yeal
of deliberate premedltatlon, and secret pref
aration, they prepared the act of secession
they denied their allegiance 10 the constit'
ton, set up an independent government, de
poiled the nation of its money, its arms an
n,un;,ion of war Spzpd unon orr forts !,