The Kenosha telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1860-1888, 1863-08-20
Matt. Carpenters speech.

II 10 SCdICcIy hCCOsSdiy W 1CEch1 IilC du-
mission Of every one, who was present in Sim
mons Hall on Saturday night last, that the
speech of Matt. Carpenter, was an effort Of
marked ability. The chief regret is, that it
had not larger number of listeners of that
class of persons. for whose benefit it was more
especially adapted. The democrats-so call
ed-inthis place and vicinity, appear to enter
tain as strong prejudice against listening to
a ror democrat, as to a republican Or an abo-
litionist. They seem to have mortal dread
Of anything that favors the war or support of
the Government. The leaders carefully avoid
going to hear war democrat speak, and en-
courage the copperhead masses to stay away
''They will not come to the light lest their
deeds should be reproved."
Although the speech of Mr. Carpenter pre-
scented many strong points, yet there were
opinions expressed, which of course, Union
men will differ about. The blows struck at
the Ryan address, and the platform of the late
democratic convention at Madison, were of the
most damaging sort. The traitors in Wiscon-
sin, who are seeking to aid and abet the Con-
federacy of jeff. Davis, were castigated as
they deserve, with a lash of scorpions. The
duty of supporting the Government, in all its
measures for suppressing the rebellion, was
enforced by unanswerable argument The
! protested constitutional scruples of the copper
head democracy,as to to the manner in which
the war is being conducted, were admirably
answered. The address was thoroughly 10y
al, and just such an one, as is needed tx
strengthen the cause of the government, in
the present crisis of our national affairs.
AS has already been remarked, there were
opinions expressed, and statements put forth
which probably the majority of union mer
do not subscribe to- These opinions and state
ments are not referred to for the purpose Of
fault-fnding, or provoking discussion; they
are merely noticed with view of guarding
against any wrong apprehensions, as to the
Union republican party in Wisconsin, as well
as elsewhere. Mr.. Carpenter assumed that
Republicans, were greatly at fault, for too
strict adherence to party organization-fo
an unwillingness to abandon party, and make
common cause with all patriots of whatever
name, to crush the rebellion. There may be
found instances in few localities, where there
has been strong persistency on the part Of
Republicans, to keep up their distinctive or
CARNATIONS; but as a general remark, the
statement of Mr. Carpenter is not sustained
by the facts in the case. What are the facts
in this State ? Two years ago. an effort was
made for State Convention to nominate
State officers, in which all the union element
of the State should berepresented Scarcely
single member of the democratic party hay
ing any prominence as leader, signified any
desire for such union; the democrats obsti-
nately persisted in making distinct party
nomination of their own. Not so with the
Republicans they invited a participation in
their convention at Madison for the nomina-
ton of State officers, of all friends of the I'm
ion, and in favor of a vigorous prosecution Of
INC W I'll. Lilo NlItlIIOl DIS lCSJOIlNtCu W
hardly by single democrat in the State
nevertheless the Republican union convention
nominated men for State officers, one half of
the number ag0r democrats. Does this SAVIOR
of exclusive partyism?
1t is a matter of history, that in no Congress
sional, Senatorial or Assembly district in the
State, in which the democrats were known to
have clear majority, was any proposition
yer accepted, however sincerely off cred by
Republicans, to unite in the election of union
men for any important offices. It was remark
ed by Mr.. Carpenter, that union convention
was urged in this congressional district last
fall; this may be so, but by whom? How
many war democrats can be named who were
willing to identify themselves with such a
movement? Most people here are still ia
miliar with the facts pertaining to the pro-
posed union convention in this congressional
district last fall. The truth is, in this strong
Republican assembly and senate district in the
State, the democrats have made no objection
to taking a share of the legislative officers, I'M
der union auspices. But in many instances
of this kind, Republicans got more than they
bargained for, as was the case in this county
two years ago-as recompense for their mag
nanimity they caught copperhead. There
is an abundance of testimony going to show
that the Republicans of Wisconsin, have been
ready and anxious, to unite in a common
brotherhood, with all true and loyal men, in
sustaining and unfolding the government.
But it is charged that Republicans persist
in keeping up the distinctive name, ''Repub-
Ecan." It's necessary that every party, wheth-
er for or against the Union, should be distin-
guished by some name; party without a
name, would be something the world has new
err yet known. The vital point is does the
declaration of principles as held by Republi-
cans, embody the national necessity of the
times ? Are the declared sentiments of Re-
publicans better fitted to our national emer-
gencies, than those of the copperhead democ-
racy? 1t is now simply question between loyal
ty and disloyalty- between the sustainment of
the government and its overthrow Iii not true
that Republicans are clamorous for the name };
but it is for the principle of loyalty and devo-
ton to the Union. If their creed better ex-
press the sentiment of Loyalty than that Of
any other party or organization, why should
they be found fault with for an adherence to
it. Whenever any national party shall arise,
with a platform better adapted to the wants
of the government, the necessities of the age,
and more complete recognition of the rights
of mankind, Republicans will be willing to
take upon themselves any honorable name, II
thereby the good of the country can be pro-