The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1864-12-14


force Of the enemy aud yet to detach
well appointed large army to meve on
such an expedition.
The result not yet being known, con.
lecture in regard to it is not here INDUCED.
Important movements have also occur
red during the year to the effect of mould
ing society for durability in the Union.
Although short Of complete success. 1t is
much in the right direction--that twelve
hundred citizens in each Of the States of
Arkansas and Louisiana have organized
stitutions and are earnestly struggling to
maintain and administer them.
The movement in the same direction
more extensive, though less definite, in
Missouri, Kentucky and Tennessee,
should not be overlooked. But Mary
land presents the example of complete
success. Maryland is secure to liberty
and Union for all time to come The
genius of rebellion will no more claim
Maryland. Like another foul spirit, be-
ing driven cut, it may seek to tear her,
but it will WOO her 70 more. At the last
session of Congress a proposed amend
ment of the Constitution abolishing sla-
very throughout the United States passed
the Senate, but failed for lack of the re-
qulslte two-thirds vote In the House of
Representatives. Although the present
is the same Congress, and nearly the same
members, without questioning the wisdom
or patriotism of these who stood in op-
position, venture to recommend the
reconsideration and passage OF the meas
ure at the present session. OF course the
abstract question is not changed; but an
intervening election shows almost certain
ly that the next Congress will pass the
measure, if this does not, hence there is
only question of time, as to whsn the
proposed amendment will 60 to the States
for their action, and as it is to so go, at
all events. may we not agree that the
sooner the better. Itis not claimed that
the election has imposed duty ON mem
bers to change their views or their votes
any further than as an additional element
TO be considered, their judgment may be
effected by it. Ii is the voice of the peo-
pie now for the first time heard upon the
question.
In great national crisis like ours,
unanimity of action among those seeking
common end, is very desirable-almost
Indispensable; and yet no approach to
such unanimity is attainable, unless some
Difference shall be paid to the will of the
majority, simply because it is the will OF
the majority.
10 this case the common end is the main
tenance of the Union and among the
means to secure that end, such will
through the election is most clearly de-
cidred i'll favor Of such constitutional
amendment The most reliable in dication
OF public purpose in this country is deliv-
cred through our popular electiens.-
Judging by the recent canvass and its re-
suit, the purpose of the people within the
loyal States to maintain the integrity Of
the Union, was never more firm, nor more
nearly unanimous than now. The extra
ordinary calmness and good order with
which the millions of voters met, and
mingled at the pslls, gave strong assur-
ance of this.
Net only all those, who supported the
Union ticket, so called, but great major
ity of the opposing party also may be fair
ly claimed to entertain and to be actua
ted by the same purpose. j is an unan-
swerable argument to this effect that no
candidate for any office, however high or
low, has veutured to seek votes on the
ayowal that he was for giving up the
Union. There has been much impugning
oi motives, and much hearted controversy
as to the proper means and best mode of
Il ba b,,f 81
distinct Issue of Union, or no Union,
the politicians have shown their instinct
i've knowledge that there is ne diversity
among the people.
In afording to the people the fair op-
portunity Of showing, one to another, and
to the world, this frmness, and unanimi-
ty of purpose, the election has been of
vast value to the National cause. The
election has exhibited another fact not
less valuable to be known, the fact that
we do not approach exhaustion in the
most important branch Of National re-
sources, that of living men. While it is
melancholy to reflect that the war has fill
ed SO many graves and carried mourning
to so many hearts it is some relief to
know that compared with the surviving,
the fallen have been so few-wnile corps
and divisions and brigades and regiments
have formed and fought and dwindled and
gone out of fexistence, great majority Of
the men who composed them are still liv-
ing. r7i
The same is true of the naval service
= he election returns prove 4is. So many
voters could not else be found. The
States regularly holding elections now
and four years ago, to-wit: California,
Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana,
Maine, Mary Land, Massachusetts,, Michi-
gan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hanp-
shire New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Ore
yon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Yer
mont, West Virginia, Wisconsin cast
59S2,oll votes now, against 3,870,222
,cst then, showing an aggregate now of
], ,982,0l1. To this is to be added 33, 762
east now in the new States that did not
To'e in 1870, thus swelling the aggregate
70 4,015,773, and the net increase during
lie three years and half of war, to 145,
l5l.
A table is appended showing particu-
ars, TO this again should be added the
,umber of eldiers in the field from Mas