The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1864-05-11
What Democrats Mean by
Changing the PoliCy of the
War.

At the outset of the war, the lower
House of Congress passed, with bat TWO
dissenting votes, resolutions,
"That this war is not waged on their
part in any spirit of oppression nor for
any purpose OF conquest or subjugatien,
nor purpose of orerthrotoitg or interter
ing with the rights or established tastitu-
lions of those States, but to defend and
maintain the supremacy of The Constitu
tion, and to preserve the Union with all
the dignity. equality md rights Of the sev-
eral States tptimpaired; and that as soon
as these objects are accomplished the war
ought to cease - 5
Mr.. Lincoln in his messages and proc
lamations about this time, used great
deal of awkward English in celebrating
and enforcing the assurance that the North
had neither the power or inclination to
subjugate, but desired only the restora-
ton of the Union upon the basis of the
the Constitution.
But the Rebels at this time were flush
with the victories at Big Bethel, Bull
Run and other points, and refused to lay
down their arms, believing they could by
few more victories establish their indie
pendence. In the progress of events the
tide of battle changed. Donelson and
Fort Henry fell into our hands, and we
gained other victories less decisive but
still advantageous, iHa
Now was the time for Mr. Lincoln to
have repeated his assurances that they
should have their rights by returning to
the Union and obeying the laws. There
was now some prospect that they would
accept the terms. Did he do it2 To the
Idismay of all conservative men and friends
! of the Constitution, he did the very re-
verse He issued proclamation-ac-
knowisdged by every man of common
sense In the Union to be unauthorized by
the. Observation-Disclosures totake from
them the very property to defend which
they had takenup arms This undone-
| yes more than undone-ai! We had gained
| by our victories What the Rebels lost
in territory and men, they made up ten
times over by accessions to THEN ranks
from the Union men in the South, and by
their greatly increased zeal. a
| Asthe war progressed it Auctuated for
a time but eventually resulted in further
victories the Union cause. Another
opportunity offered itself for Mr.. Lincoln
to present Constitutional terms to the
Rebels and thus, perhaps, end the war.
Did he do it? On the contrary he issued
proclamation calling out negro soldiers.
Thus not only taking from the owner his
negroes, but putting arms in their hands
with which toedestroy him. Again was
our victories rendered fruitless by further
increasing their forces from the Union
ranks, and increasing their zeafinto fury.
These are but few Of many instances.
| Whenever there has seemed prospect Of
tthe return of the South to it's allegiance
upon the terms offered, some diabolical
imp has suggested to Mr.. Lincoln to add
further and more degrading terms, which
theE could not and weuld not accept.
If our armies should be victorious in
| this spring campaign there are still other
terms which will certainly be added The
doctrine Of political equality with the
negro is almost ripe for promulgstionyand
the sbominabie abolition born doctrine of
miscegonation has more advocates already