The Nashville daily union. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1862-1866, 1863-05-01
OHIO TO THE SOLDIERS.
ADDRESS Of as Union Members Of The Senate
and House Of Representatives Of tie STATE
of Ohio 10 the Soldiers Of Ohio.

SOLDIERS OF 0Ho.-In behalf of the
loyal people of Ohio, we respond to your
patriotic and thrilling appeals. Men
who have dedicated their lives TO their
country, and shown their devotion by
tolls aud sacrifices, have the right to ad-
dress us, reposing in peace and prosperi-
ty at our quiet homes. Ohio owes you a
debt ofgratitude which money cannot dis
charge nor words express. You have
achieved, by your gallant deeds, dis
tinction which will highly mark the
page of history, and impart to the an
nails of our State an imperishable luster;
and you may be assured that our loyal
people gratefully appreciate their obliga-
tions to your valor and patriotism.
We acknowledge the justice and pro-
priety of your rebuke of the "ignoble
contentious of homo politics and wild,
shameless party strife" which unhappily
prevail amongst u.s. We cordially de-
plore this dissension. No cause which
has eyer commanded human energy so
fully merits union Of purpose, of voice,
and of action, as that which has called
you from the endearments of home to
the perils of the BATTLE field, and which
summons us TO the noblest duties and sac
rifices which freemen can render. Whilst
we regret that many have preferred the
badge and success of party TO the old
banner of beauty and of glory, and the
triumph of freedom, we may refer with
patriotic pride to the Union Movement Of
1861, in Ohio, in which you participated
as bright illustration of the loyalty Of
our people.
Then men of every variety of party
antecedents met around the altar of their
country-laid upon it as a willing sacri-
fee all past political prejudices, and uni
| tedly pledged fidelity and cooperation
uutil the rebellion should be crushed, and
our flag float again over all the States of
our once unbroken Union. Nothing aid
ed more 70 consolidate that patriotic
movement than these memorable werds
in the last speech of the lamented Doug
| las:
| awe have a solemn duty to maintain
| the Government. The greater our una
nimity the speedier the day of peace.
We have prejudices TO overcome, from
the few short months since Of fierce
party contest. Yet these must be laid
aside. Let us lay aside all examinations
and recriminations as to the origin of
these difficulties. When we shall again
have a country, with the United States
flag floating over il, and respected on ev-
cry inch of American SOIL twill be time
enough 10 ask who and what brought this
upon us. Whoever is not prepared TO
sacrifice party organizations and plat
forms on the altar Of his country, does
not deserve the support and confidence
of honest people. There are only two
sides TO this question. Every man must
be for the United States or against it,
There can be no neutrals in this war, on
ly patriots or traitors" These senu-
ments became the rallying cry Of ObiO's
patriots; and a multitude Of cur best
and most prominent fellow citizens,
gladly forgetful Of all past political diff
ferences and antipathies, rallied as be-
came American freemen TO the common
standard of our country. Ohio never
witnessed a more impressive spectacle
than that of the Cohvention Of Septem-
ber, 1861. The President of the Bslti-
more Convention was chosen as the
standard-bearer Of the Union hosts. He
generously yielded TO his cOuntry's call,
and bravelY, during the canvass, exhibi-
ted his devotion 10 the great cause TO
which he had committed his heart and
treasures. Those who fought with him
under the same banner shared in the
spirit and devotion Of his deeds, and the
people Of Ohio signalfzed their appro-
baton of the Union movement by Civ
ing more than 10000 majority to
the candidates of this convention.
The power Of that enthusiastic and
united movement caused dislOyalty TO
seek concealment, and aroused the patri-
Otic into generous competition for noble
deeds and sacrificrs, The voice Of 1861
would probably have been re-echoed in
1862 but for the significant facts that
moro than 10000 voters had gone 10 the
battlefield, and the strength and energies
of our people were concentrated upon
vigorous efforts to recruit men 10 OIL the
places Of the brave who had fallen by
disease, or In the armed conflict, and tC
respond TO a call for an increase of oW
army. Those now sympathizing with
the rebellion did not then reveal any
treaoherous designs. Their appeals tC
the brave TO come to the rescue Of the
country, were not tainted with words OI
dishonor or reproach There were a few
shameless political bankrupts who, in
their hiding places uttered words Of dis
loyalty, but even these were rebuked by
political associates who disowned theil
heresies. The majority Of our prominen
men, We'd with one another, both bJ
words and deeds, TO enkindle in thl
hearts Of the people deeper devotion tC
the Union, and deadlier hatred TO the
rebellion Under these circumstance
our last annual election occurred ThI
result is well known TO you. Whilst The
, loyal men of Ohio were volunteering ans
/ laboring with untiring vigilance TO Oil al
your columns, unsorupulous aud iaithles
men were toiling 10 secure a party tri
umph. Many Of those who wore th
I cloak Of loyalty, aud paltered with th
: people In double sense, have thrown OF
their disguise and now shameiully claiu
. the result as a victory for party and
!. / ,..bulo "a our GoVorumnnf Vhav ar