Indiana State sentinel. (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1861-1865, 1864-04-04
Then and NOW.


On the 10th Of August. 1863. the self-styled
War Democracy of Indiana held Convention In
this city. General KIxBALL was chosen President
of the Convention and presided over its delibera
tons, although he never was n Democrat and
never was identified with the party. Upon enter
ing on the discharge Of his duties he made a
speech, in which be used the following language:
General RIMBALL deprecated partisan discus
sion at such a time. The country putting
forth all its energies 70 suppress wicked and
unholy rebellion. The supremacy OF the Const
tuition and the Jaws must be maintained, and it
was the duty of every man to aid in the work.
He was for peace--a permanent peace He
wanted when he returned to his home, that it
might be with the assurance that he could remain
there. Such a peace, in his opinion, must DO
conquered He was for the Constitution, and
would restore their constitutional rights TO each
and every State that would retIrn. In his opinion,
the Constitution recognized slavery This was
no for the abolition of slavery. 1t a
war for the preservation Of the Government. The
Emancipation proclamation did not liberate
single slave. The seeding States. when they
fled from the shelter OF the Co1stitution-when
they rejected it and would have none of it, them
selves, gave freedom to their slaves"
The fifth resolution adopted by the Contention
reads as follows:
5. That whenever the people Of any of the re-
bellious States. deluded into secession. lay down
their arms, consent to return TO the Union, obey
the Constitution and the laws of the Federal Gov
eminent, they should be recognized as citizens
and protected in their constitutional rights
On the 9th day of February, 1864, General
KIMBALL issued proclamation to the people of
the State of Arkansas, in which he uses the fol-
lowing language:
"The proclamation of the President, of De-
cember 8. 1863, opens the way for you to return
to that Union, under whose auspices you were
prosperous and happy, and to deliver yourselves
from the anarchy and false position in which you
were placed 10y those who are traitors to their
country traitors to you, and traitors to the best
interests of mankind.
The magnanimOus spirit in which that proc
lsmation is made. and the advantages to be de-
rived from il. are such that it becomes the duty
of every man, who desires participation in its
benefits, and the welfare Of his State. to declare
himself, openly and boldly. true aud loyal man,
by subscribing his name, as required or him, to
the oath. without delay or reservation, and ex
hibitng in positive manner, his confidence in,
and love for, that government under whose pro-
lection only can he hope for peace and security
for himself and family"
In August. 1863. he was for "the Constitution,
each aud every State that would return. In his
opinion. the Constitution recognized slavery.
The emancipation proclamation did not liberate
a single slave"
In February, 1864. he requires the people of
Arkansas to take an oath to support the proclaim
alton that he denounced in 1863 In 1864, heis
unwilling to permit the States in rebellion to re-
turn with their constitutional rights. In 1863, he
said sit was no war for the abolition of slavery"
In 1864, he indorses and approves all the sbOIi-
ion measures Of the Administration, and by his
act makes il a war for the abolition of slavery.
In 1863, be believed that the Constitution re-
cognized slavery. In 1864 he believes that the
President can by proclamation destroy what is
recognized by the Constitution In 1863, he was
for the Constitution; and in 1864 he is for the
arbitrary and unconstitutional edicts of the Pres
iden, General KINBALL may be consistent in
his political views, but the common sense of the
people will fail to see it. In justification. how
ever. if that be sufficient apology. be may
plead the illustrious ~ example of ABRAHAM
LINCOLN, at one time known as honest Abe"