Juliet signal. [volume] (Juliet [i.e. Joliet], Ill.) 1844-1???, 1863-06-30
The NaIIon,s Peril

Great as the peril 10 which our country
is placed by the action of its public and
ayowed enemies, it may be questioned
whether it is not infinitely more exposed to
danger from the action of it's protested
friends; The assaults of the rebels in arms
are bold, open and declared attempts to
overthrow the government; but the stabs
which the Union is receiving from its pre-.
tended supporters; are all the more fatal
Tor being Inflicted under the guise of low.
atty, and In the name of freedom and lib.
ertV. :--ET ~ ~ = :
The history of other nations uroyes that
the worst crimes have been committed in
the name of liberty-the most dangerous
attacks upon the rights of the people I'm
Ger the pretence Of sustaining the governs
mPnt a.. -
Events rapidly Transporting in our own
country are but repeating those fatal blows
upon the rights of the citizen, and threat
ening under preten3e Of constitutional
authority to overthrow the constitution
itself. .-.l, 81 ~,.- p. - 49,
gle extraordinary spectacle now pre-
sented 10 some of the Western State, of
military despotism exercised by weak ard
arbitrary ccmmanders-the supervision
which they assume over the political &C
ton OF citizens-the undisguised attempt
to control political meetings and suppress
the freedom of speech and of discussion -
all point to dangers rapidly eliminating,
which, If not speedily checked by the force
OF public sentiment, will produce, in due
time, a conflict mere fearful than any in
which our country has yet been engaged.
The assumption of power by military
commanders in States not in rebellion, is
amazing. -
In Ohio and Indiana, especially, there is
apparently no liberty or discussion, excspt.
ing by permission of the military author
tiles. .F-
In the former state, a distinguished man
has been arrested and condemned by mill
tary law, for the expression of opinions up.
on the policy ofthe ADMINISTRATION.
In the latter state convention or meet
ing of citizens, called to discuss public
questions, is compelled to assemble with a
military force to threaten them, aud can.
non planted to sweep them down if they
traDscended in speech the limits which
military commanders choose to allow
them. ..... -.
Tell US of the dangers from the conesG.
crate army-tbe dangers to our liberties
from these assumptions of military power
exceed them all. =.
Tell US OF the wrongs inflicted by rebels
upon our government-the injuries inflict-
ed under the cover of lawful authority
transcend them in every particular.
Gen. Hascall, the military commander
in the district of Indiana-a loyal state,
not invaded by the rebels, or in any sense
rightfully under military law-tslls US, in
aletter to Hon. Joseph Edgerton that
practically, during the next two years,
there is no difference between the admins
tration, and the government
Hence, he cautions the people of Indiana
against speaking i'll Of the administration.
Where now is our boasted freedom
Without the right to discuss the policy of
the admiuistratinn-to criticise its action
to question its ~isdom-Low are we to ex-
ercise the privilege of citizens and charge
cur rulers?
If we cannot speak against their policy.
shall we be allowed to vote against their
car dida:es.
--Mere lies our nations peril.
Inc denial of our rights to sneak and to
vote against the party 10 power, is simply
an attempt 20 perpetuate power, uncou-
stitutionally, uulawfully-in short it is
des?Otism.
Under these great trials and provoca-
tons, our people should be exhorted to
great prudence of speech and of action ::
but all should resolve that our liberties
are sacred and must be mointained.-N
T. HERALD