The Howard union. (Glasgow, Mo.) 1865-1866, 1865-09-21

BILE feelings. Gentlemen, If my acts will
not speak for me and themselves, then any
professions ! might now make would be
equally useless. But, gentlemen, if know
myself, as think do, know that | am Of
the Southern people; and | love them and
will do all in my power 10 restore them to
that state of happiness and prosperity which
they enjoyed before the madness of mis-
guided men in whom they had reposed their
confidence led them astray to their own
undoing. If there is any thing that can be
done on my part, on correct principles, on
the principles Of the Constitution, TO pro-
mote these ends, be assured it shall be
done. Let me assure, you, also, that there
is. no disposition on the part Of the Govern
ment TO deal harshly with the Southern
people. There may be speeches published
from various quarters that may breathe a
different spirit. DO not let them trouble or
excite you, but believe that it is, as it is,
the great object of the Government to make
the union Of these United States more
complete and perfect than ever, and TO
maintain it on constitutional principles, if
possible, more firm than it has ever before
been. Then why cannot all come up to
the work in the proper spirit? In other
words let us look TO the Constitution. The
issue has been made and decided; then, as
wise men--a as men who are right, and are
determined TO follow il as fathers and broth
ers,. and as men who love their country in
this hour of trial and suffering-why can.
not we come up and help to settle the ques-
lions of the hour and adjust them according
to the principles OF honor and justice ?
The institution Of slavery is gone. The
former status oil the negro had to be
changed, and we, as wise men, must recog-
nize so patent a fact, and adapt ourselves
to circumstances as they surround us
(Voice-We are willing to do so. Yes
sir, we are willing to do SOY l believe
you are. | believe when your faith is
pledged, when your consent has been given
as l have already said, believe it will be
maintained in good faith and every pledge OF
promise fully carried out. (Cres-It will.
All ask or desire of the South or The
North, the East or the West, is to be sus
tanned in carrying out the principles Of thu
Constitution. 1t is not to be denied tina
we have been great sufferers on both sides
Good men have fallen on both sides, anC
much misery is being endured as the neces
sary result of SO gigantic contest. Why
then, cannot we come together, and arount
the common altar Of our country heal thu
b. wounds that have been made ? Dee
S wounds have been inflicted. Our countr
. has been scared all over. Then why can
] not we approach each other upon principle
which are right in themselves and whic
S will be productive Of good to all =? TIL
r day is not distant when we shall feel Xix
= some family that has had deep and DIES
e perate feud, the various members of whic
}, have come together and compared the evil
e and sufferings they had inflicted upon eac
! other. The had seen the influence of thei
1 error and its result, and, governed by
II generous spirit of Cancellation, they had bt
l. come mutually forbearing and fvrgivinl
1t and returned TO their old habits of fratern
u kindness, and become better friends tina
Re ever. Then let US consider that the feu
e which aienated us has been settled ar
}, adjusted TO our mutual satisfaction, and tn
we come together to be bound by firm
Ie bonds Of love, respect, and confidence th;
"a ever. The North cannot get along witho
lie the South, nor the South without the Mort
'e the East without the West, nor the We
y without the East; and l say it is our du
CT to do all that in our power lies to perpetua
oil and make stronger the bonds Of our Unto
r seeing that it is for the common good Of {
ID that we should be united. feel that tn
i Union, though but the creation of centur
lie it is to be perpetuated for all time, and III
lie it cannot be destroyed except by the a
'e wise God who created it. Gentlemen,
he repeat sincerely thank you for the re
lie pect manifested on this occasion; and
ne the expressions Of appreciation and con
81 dence please accept my sincere thanks.