Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1864-12-24
SATURDAY MORNING. DEC. 81. 1864.
Union among Union Hen.

There is no tact more apparent than that OF
tho present unhappy division amongst Union
men in this Territory. 1t would be useless
for US to deny .he fact, and impoliic for us to
seek to hide from ourselves, that there is a
wide diversity of opinion among Union men
as to what constitutes true fralty to the Ad
ministration party, and who are worthy to be
cassed as its members. We regret this the
more as we are on the eve of an important
election, upon which depends in great meas
ure the welfare of our Territory 1t appears
some few men cannot be pro6ted by expert
ence; that there are in the party a few
who seem bent on ruling the organization to
subserve their individual purposes, or to in
volve i: in one common and disastrous ruin.
Their patriotism goes just far enough to in
clude all as their party colleagues who favor
their peculiar schemes, and no further. They
profess the undoubtcd right not only to rule
in those whose views have been adverse to the
policy of the Administration, but to rule out
men whose party fidelity has never before
been questioned, who have stood uncon!i-
tionally by the Government throughout, and
who can to-day show as clear a record as
themselves, not purchased by dollars and
cents, but the result Of true patriotic devotion
to the principles of free government. 1t is
with regret that we say this, but it must be
apparent to all honest men who have given
the subject proper thought and attention.
The objects of these disorganizers is likewise
free from disguise. The fact is, we have too
many aspirants for Congress and too few who
are willing to work as humble co-laborers in
the ranks too much bombastin certain part,
leaders. and too little Of the genuine Union
sentiment, which seeks, not tho qualification
Of selfish ends, but the advancement of the
principles for wich we profess to contend.
We have no fears but that the people will
think right and act right, if they are not
made the victims of falsehood and deceit
but how they are to arrive at anything like a
just understanding of the merits of the pres
cnt controversy, while they are constantly
taught to believe that certain portion of the
Union party, who have no desire for prefer
ment of any sort, are knaves, is beyond our
ken.
The very men who have created this strife
profess to be the strongest advocates ofharmo-
ny and unity, but their every act bellies their
pretended zeal. With them we agree, that
success can only DO hoped for by cordial and
earnest cooperation, but we do not in the
same breath give utterance to sweeping con-
demnation of all who disagree with us, but
who have been and are still firm and reliable
Union men. We do not belive the doctrines
of tho Union party are so mystical and dark
as to need self-constituted expoundsrs to con-
strue what they mean; nor do we believe that
we have need Of oracles and wise men whose
duty it is to .ay their heads together and de.
termiue just the policy Union men shall pur-
sue. and from whose imperial edict their shall
be no appeal; but on the contrary. that every
Union man, no matter how humble or obscure,
has vital interest in the issues now before
the nation, and an undoubted right to a voice
in their consideration. We have never IA
vored the formation Of cliques to do the think
ing for the masses. The former may be
wrong or controlled by selfish considerations;
the latter arc generally right. and free from
trammel or restraint. They are the the proper
tribunal to decide upon the worihiness or un-
wor,hiness of those who claim their support.
Let those who seek TO divide our strength be
cast aside. and all work sealOu>ly for the sin
gle object to be attained. the success Of our
cherished principles. and we will have union
harmOay. and s;rsneth to carry the Cnion
party through the approaching e0n,ess With
sicsey.