The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1864-06-17
For the Gate City.l

For the tate Clty.Js
TIE Prsssns state - tho Country.
propose in this, and several consecu.
tive numbers, to examine some of the |
prominnet questions which have occupied !
much Of the public mind during the pro-
gress OF the existing war. and which have
close relation to the administration Of our |
Government in its connection with the
prosecution of this war. Obvious reasons
seem to indicate the propriety Of such an
exposition. The course pursued by the
President in encountering the extrsor-
binary difficulties and EN- srgencies that
have confronted him in every step of his
progress to restore peace and order, and
In graphing successfully with this gigan-
tic rebellion, has, BY his opponents, been
condemned and villi6ed in the most un-
measured terms. No epithet has been
too low-no assertion too monstrous-no
impntation too outrageous 70 answer the
maleyolence Of party rsncor and personal
mailgnity. Traitor, despot, usurper, have
been sung out and beloved forth With
all the variations of viii ch the language
is susceptible. In one moment he Is ac-
cused of imbecility and vacillation; in the
next, portrayed as trampling under foot
the constitutional rights and guarantees
OF the people, aud marching on with bis
cohorts in one grand procession TO aboso-
Lutte empire.
These are grave charges; they demand
investigation. If true, the seal OF q stern
reprobation should be impressed upon
them forever.
1t Is my purpose to examine some Of
these charges; to probe them with the
tests Of historical and judicial authority,
and 10 illustrate their truth or falsity in
the light of events growing out Of the
early history of our own Government.
This is period peculiarly appropriate
to prosecute such an inquiry. The pub
lie mind is comparatively calm. The
great heart of the country is loyal and
hopeful-susceptibls of correct impress
sons, and pulsates responsive to the high.
est interests of humanity. The topics are
such as to invite investigation, in order
that the people may act understandingly
In the approaching Presidential cam
paign.
In time of peace, questions and issues
growing out of the pursuits of peace,
industry and wealth, are the proper ones
They then challenge our attention and
properly engage the consideration of the
patriot and statesman. But in time of
war, questions and issues growing out of
the relations, management and conse-
quences Of war, its conduct and success,
are those which at once arrest attention
and interest our thoughts, our hopes, our
political condition.
But this is not an ordinary international
war-it is more. 1t is rebellion, deliber-
ate in it's Inauguration, huge in it's pro-
portions, reckless in its consequences. |
The very life of the nation is imperilIed
the Constitution itself, the preservation
OF the Union, and the integrity of the
Government, are alike involved in the
result.
In such a crisis there is, there can be
no neutrality. The civil and political
destiny of every citizen trembles In the
balance. Every man must he for or
against his country, her institutions. her
Tag, her honor, her freedom her fate.
Let us then, look, as clearly as we NAV.
into the causes of this rebellion. it ;pfu.
snces and purposes; and also into the
course and conduct of the Administration
IN regard to it, and ascertain, if We can.
whether that course and conduct. under
all the surrounding circumstances, have
no. been marked by wisdom, prudence.
energy and fidelity to the country.
HAMILTON.
Keokuk, June, Is, 1864.
Hog IN, Aog Ous.