Indiana State sentinel. (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1861-1865, 1863-05-06
Word of Counsel.

DEMOCRATS: Permit fews uggestions from
one OF your number-one who loves your princi-
Piles and 0llrGyS votes your ticket--one who has
abiding faith in the success of your mission,
and who never deserted your ranks in peace or
in war. We have fallen upon troublesome times.
War, the worst of all wars. civil war, is devasta-
ting our beloved country. "Blood toucbeth
blood" Violence stalks abroad in the land The
wall of the widow and the cries OF the orphan are
heard in every gale Many are asking. anxiousIy
asking-ls there to be no end to these things?
What must do 10 be saved?
! speak, knowing well the character OF the
question quote and its subject, but | think it is
none too sacred for the time and the place The
salvation of our country and its millions of in
habitants is worthy OF every effort of every sacri
fee. How shall we accomplish il? By submis-
sion to law. You say there are bad laws. /
know it, Many of them are most odious, but
they are laws nevertheless. Although they can
not command our respect, they require our obe-
dience. Not on account of the penalty, but be-
cause we are Patriots. We love our country,
therefore law abiding and order loving
citizens. If our Legislators pass laws which we
consider unconstitutional let not resort to force
against them, but appeal to the courts You
saw the courts are closed against u.s. Then
truly. our case is a hard one. But still there is
remedy-the ballot boz-we must wait for that
that is final. 1t will redress our grievances; at
its sacred precincts we must do or die While we
allowed TO vote and speak sentiments,
there is no excuse for violence in this land These
two things we must do at every hazard Even
life itself is too precious lose, if need be,
in defense of these sacred these inestimable priv
ileges. But whilst we are firm in the exercise of
our rights. we should be careful not to offend.
These are exciting times. Passion, in too many
instances, has usurped the place of reason Men
heretofore quiet and noffensive, are now hard
hearted and cruel. A thirst for blood is now
with many the ruling passion; human life is cheap
in their estimation. Shall we respect their rage?
No. Snail we fear iti Never. What thenf
Attend To your business and let them alone. If
you are taunted, bear it. IF you are called hard
names for your conntrv's sake. endure it. Time
will do YOU Justice History will exonerate you
Regard not words. Let acts only provoke re
talation; and even then be slow to take ven
geance IN your own hand till the law has denied
you justice
Democrats may well afford to be magnanimous
They are members of great paTty-a time hon.
ored. Union-oving party; party in the major
itv in most of the States: party which has
safely guided the Ship of State through many
storm. and which is destined, verify believe to
rescue her from the dreadful whirlpool in which
she is now so nearly engulphed..
This being your past record, and your future
destiny, you can surely bear the insults of your
slanderers-those who are unable to appreciate
you with patience. Their exultng will be short
Your triumph is sure; and permit me to tell YOU
that it will not detract from, but enhance the en-
joyment of your success-that you achieved it in
moderation. When the madness of the hour has
passed. you will receive the applause of all good
men. and those who now your bitter enemies,
won by your forbearance, will then be your warm
friends. / know have been inculcatng Chris
tian virtues. hard to be practiced but the times
call for the effort. If wise councils prevail, all
will yet be well. II madness rules the hour
Heaven close my eyes to the consequences.
l respectfully submit these thoughts. Ny
name would do you no good.
April "a, 1863.