The Ashland union. [volume] (Ashland, Ashland County, Ohio) 1854-1868, 1864-11-02
..WHERE ARE WE DRIFT
T INC 9,,

81 frH. -- Fral-
Voters Of Ashland County, contrast
the state of affairs now with that four
years ago and ask yourselves, "Where are
we drifting" Then freedom unfurled
her stars and stripes over prosperous
country stretching from the Atlantic to
the Pacific and from Lake Superior to the
| Gulf of Mexico. Our fertile felds yield
! ed their bountlful harvests and the hus-
band men were allowed to gather them in
peace. The family circle was unbroken
and the mothers cheek wa not wet with
tears. Peace then spread her white wings
over a happy and prosperous country and
the battle cry was unheard. America was
then the pride of her people and the won
der and admiration of the world. Then
the liberties of the people were protected
by law and the suppression of the press
unknown. Then every citizen enjoyed
all his. constitutional rights without re-
strietion. But four years has wrought a
mighty change upon our country's his
-
tory. The present Administration had
"cast its shadows before" and the people
dreaded its commencement for its terrors
were plainly seen before its Inauguration,
and no sooner had Abraham Lincoln as
sumed the executive control than the roar
of the hostile cannon was heard and the
alorrar 80 o,boa roeog,.1ad fhrannhar
our land. The people cried for compro-
mise and peace; but the Administration
needed it not, or only answered by the
call for men and money. Many of Amer.
ica's noble sons went out to fight for the
restoration of the Union, but ere long it
was made a war for the abolition of slav-
very. Call followed call, CONSUMPTION fol-
lowed CONSUMPTION until homes were des-
plated and hearts broken. The fertile
fields were laid waste and civil war has
poured out its walls of wrath upon the
bosom of our country. The writ of ha-
6eas corpus was suspended aud the liberty
| of speech and Of the press restricted
Arbitrary arrests became general and
American citizens were torn from their
families and homes and thrown into loath-
some b~astiles. Provost Marshals were
appointed in every own and city in the
county to keep a vigilant watch over the
people and see whether or not they were
''loylL" New offices were creatcd in
both the civil and military departments
who were paid at rates from the
public treasury ; citizens were not allowed
to go from one State to another without a
pass and were compelled to take test
oaths. IF men criticised the acts of she
Administration they were called traitors
and sym pathizers with rebels. 1t they
remained silent they were called "dis.
loyal"
Thus one by one the liberties of wh0e
American citizens were wrested from
them and sacrificed upon the altarof tyran-
ny, and a military despotism was estab-
lished upon the ruins of the once great
American Republic.
Think of the happy and prosperous
times enjoyed in days gone and then
look at our country as she presents her
self now. Where are the peace and COM
forts you then enjoyed =? Where are your
sons and brothers? Where are your lib
erttesT They have all been torn from
you By the arbitrary hand of the party in
power. Your sons and brothers have
been taken to the field of battle and the
songs Of peace you once enjoyed are lost
amid the clash of arms and the shrieks of
dying countrymen. "Where then are we
drifting 2" Are we not fast following in
the footsteps of the Republics that have
lived and died in the Old World Ccun-
trymen !! it is time to rouse to your duty.
Awake from your false security, from
your cruel dangers. Heed the warning
voice of your great men. Follow the
teachings of DANIEL WEBSTER, which
shine forth like a morning star through
the dark cloud that now overshado~s Us
and obscures the brightness of the past
follow these examples which are plainly
marking the way to peace and happiness.
View the facts as presented to you and
tken choose between them four years
more of war, conscription and dssolation;
vs. Mcclellan, peace, happiness and a
restored Union. Vote for the good of
your country, for the good of your faui-
lies and homes, for the good OF your fell
low citizens and yourselves. Vote for Geo.
B. Mcclellan, tie restoration of peace,
our rights under the constitution and the
American Union.