Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1864-07-13

the country represented by it, regardless of
the sea or cline in which it Hoated, so
also does it carry with it for the soldier who
fights beneath its folds any political rights
which these heroes enjoyed before theyWere
mustered into the service and on this
soundiy democratic argument the soldiers
who fought in Mexico were able TO exercise
freeman 5 right, In the wilds OF the chap
peral, the heads OF the sea shore, and dun
OF conflict, and In the shadow OF battement-
ed castles the same as if they had been at
home in their respective wards and pre-
cincts. If men fighting thousands of miles
from home-but off from all communication
scarcely informed at the time on the issues
OF the political campaign, We're able and en-
titled TO exercise the right Of the franchise,
is it not falr to suppose that citizens Of a
ike intelligence, engaged in the same service
OF the Government within the limits of Its
authority, distant Cnly few miles from
home. conversant with all the issues involv-
ed in the political contest, in daily commu-
nication with their friends, and in perusal
also OF Journals discussing the questions at
stake-is it not fair to suppose that such
political rights Only those who act from
perverted policy on this subject, viii seek to
evade the responsibility of such a question.
This is proven by the judicial history already
attached 10 this question. When ii was
deemed expedlent, as 1t was undoubtedly
considered by the Democratic leaders then,
the elective franchise was extended TO the
absent soldiers in Mexico but in the midst
Of war waged by the upholders of an insti-
tuition from which the Democratic leaders
derive all their strength, George VI. Wood
ward, q Justice of the Supreme Court, and
lately the candidate for the Democratic par
ty for Governor, judiciaily denied the sol
diers tie exercise OF the elective fraAchise
denied our brave defenders the risht
almost in the same breath in which he
declared the right of the States of
| the South to rebel and secede from the
Union Fair hIen can see no difference
In an American soldier voting IN Mexico,
while fighting beneath the flag Of his coun-
try, and the same soldier citizen under the
| same circumstances voting III z rebelhouS
State Time nor place, within the limits OF
| I free government, or in the service thereof,
cannot influence, should not be permitted to
| affect the rights OF freeman. The govern
ment which Is not able to insure him tn Sc
| inherent rights Is unworthy his support
| The authority OF 2 free government which
seeks 10 degrade freeman while periling
/ fearful than that which denies ali right to
| the governed. It IS not possible that
| such government can last. At some peri
! cd IN It's history, if the rights Of its defen-
| deIs be disregarded as the Democratic lead
ers now deny the right OF the franchise to the
| soldiers, it will need arms to protect it both
| from foreign and domestic foes, and perish
| eventually, an object too mean for defence.
| In advocating the soldier right to vote,
| the loyal meh OF Pennsylvania are sustained
| by faith in the fact that his services are
| such as TO secure him not merely ali the
rights he enjoyed before he entered the ar
my, but increased dignity and power at the
! hands of the Republic The enemies of
| this great principle oppose it only for rea-
sons of expedlency. There was n time when
! the Democratic leaders claimed that the ar
| my was largely, and even almost wholly,
| composed Of their partizan followers. " hen
! they were most clamorous III insisting upon
| the recognition of such claim, the supper
| ters OF the principle, opposed politically to
! these leaders, Were IN st earnest, and even
| persistent, In its advocacy. To them 1t was
| a principle of Justice too sacred to be disre-
! gardcd- important in It's relations to the
very genius and vitality Of the Republic, to be
denied to all the people thereof, alike those
| who risk the perils Of battle in its defence
| and those who run 10 danger OF life limb OF
| property in the service Of the Government,
and who still claim its highest immunitles
| and most sacred privileges.
| On the second day Of August, ensuing,
! this question viii come practically before
| the people Of Pennsylvania We Go not
! doubt the result Of the election as TO the ac-
| ceptance or rejection Of the soldier right to
vote. But we would be false 10 the party
| which we represent and reCTeant TO the creed
| which we adore if we failed to ayow in ad-
! vance cur approval OF granting this great
| right to our brave defenders PENNSYLVANIA
| has many thousands Of her citizens now in
! the army. They have all gone forth inspir-
! ed by Il sublime faith in the strength of free
| Government to crush wicked conspiracy,
| and does it become Us, while enjoying the
| halcyon blessings Of peace aC home, while
/ the limbs Of our soldiers are wet with their
| own blood, and their weapons are dripping
| with the gore of traitor. 70 say to them,
g You hare forfeited your citizenship yoH
are no longer iG0rthy Of participating i5t tie
control Of q free Government yO1g past
tj03ts must be Jcjth the SlUreS Of the .S0uth-
| among the djSgrace3 and degr0,ledof Gods
/ children ''' We cannot believe that the peo-
| pie of Pennsylvania are prepared to send
such q message to their fellow citizens in
! the armies of the Republic Wecannot be-
lieve that so foul disgrace awaits our war
| worn but still intrepid heroes. The hearts
of the great majority OF the people at home
| are too full of gratitude for return of great
| service by CALLING neglect. Our faith in the
| justice OF the people renders US confident in
| the establishment and vindication of the po-
| litical rights of the soldier. But that faith
must be accompanied by works. Hence it
| becomes the duty of the State Central Com
mittee to urge on the friends of the soldier
actively to labor for the triumph OF this eff
| fort in his behalf. Let it be said of our fel-