Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1863-11-11
PARTIES-WHAT ARE THEY ?

PARTIEs-WHAT ARE THEY7
AT present there are but two parties in this
country-the one sustaining the constituted
authorities of the National Government, and
the other condemning their every act. The
Union War party is determined 10 uphold our
Republican institutions and defend them at all
hazards against all domestic and foreign foes,
and therefore is the true National party,-the
other is the ssPeace" party, which is willing
to give up the unity of the States to the de-
mands of those in Rebellion against the Gov
ernment, or who favor a nominal reconciia-
tion of the several antagonistic parts Sc as TO
bring about cessation of hostilties for the
present, but which will, in the future, be like
ly to break out anew in more fearful and
desperate war than that in which We are now
engaged.
These parties are not imaginary-they are
a reality. They have grown out of the exist
ing unhappy state of affairs in our country,
and are the creature OF the opinions and de-
sires of those who adhere to the one or the
other. For instance, the Yallandigham and
Woodward leaders have openly opposed the
terms,'' (Which is equivalent to disunion, }
and hence represent party whose objects are
transparent and comprehensive. The Union
party sustains the Administration in its every
effort to crush the rebellion, ana is op-
posed to any cessation of hostiilies until the
rebels show disposition to return to their al
legiance by Offering TO lay down their arms,
yrIi icI, i;
one that is demanded by the necessity of trans
piring events. The former, the socalled
democratic party, we deem dishonest in
lis pretentions for whilst it Processes to be
in favor of the Government and the war; it ex-
erts all lis influence TO bring the Administra-
tion into disrepute-it endeavors to create a
diStrust in our National currency-it discour-
ages the increase of our armies, and dspara-
ges our victories over the enemies of the
cOuntry-all of which, in our opinion, results
in encouraging the rebels and prolongiDg the
war-hence, their avOwal that they are favor
able 10 the war and desire its speedy and
honorable termination, is too inconsistent to
deceive intelligent and loyal men. On the 9TH
er hand, those who have full confidence in our
free institutions, and who are ready to uphold
them by their influence and all the means that
they can command, are the sincere friends OF
the Union and the Government, and comprise
the true and only National party that now ex-
lists in this country. This latter party encour-
ages our armies in the field, and sustains that
policy, by word and action. which is calculted
TO bring about an honorable and permanent
peace-whilst its opponents are playing the
political hypocrite in pretending to favor the
interests of the Union, when, in reality, their
actions and votes show that they sympathise
with the rebels.
Reader, to which of the two parties do you
adhere To that which has for its obi ect the
preservation of the integrity of the Union 10y
every justifable means consistent with mod
ern warfare? Or TO that which is willing to
abandon the cause of the Union for Southern
Confed eracy in order to procure peace on any
terms The first is the policy of the Union
War party, and the other the intent of the So
called ssDemocratlc'' Peace party The par
ties and the principles upon which they are
based, are before you. We have eudeavored
to present them in a clear and concise manner
and we ask you now to decide in favor of that
which accords with your sentiments as a true
patriot and loyal man.