Daily State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1861-1865, 1865-07-08
DAILY SENTINEL.
SATURDAY MORNING, JULr 8.
, chm Van Buren ON the Crtsts-Tne
euture 81 the Democratic Party
q Presfaent-

ELIJAH F. PURDr, GRASD SAoHEN: I greatly
regret that Il will not be In my power 10 unite
With the Tamna1y Society IN celebrating the
Anniversary Of our Independence IL has always
been TO me a source of pleasure and interest 70
meet with an association which, founded IN l'cS'
and numbering among its members many OF the
most illnstrious men Of the Republic. has never
failed to commemorate, By appropriate observ-
ances, the nations birthday. But, interesting
"a such an occasion has been. the presen;
proud position OF our institutions lends TO Is a
peculiar importance. | should be most happy
TO meet with you now and exchange congratula
tions on the magnificent success with which our
Government has passed through lie last and
greatest trial. IL IL = subject upon which re
feet With Increasing wonder and admiration.
The amazing resources with which the war has
been prosecuted, the giant rebellion which has
been utterls prostrated. the progress that has
been AZ the came time made IN developing the
wealth, the intellect, the taste OF our people, aud
in dIhasing the refinement, cultivation and lux
ury that attend peace, are striking and extraOr-
binary. But there are features in the history Of
our past four years more peculiar and unprece-
dented. The perfect order that haf prevailed IN
most Of the loyal States while this attempted
revolution was in process of execution, the cheer
iul obedience 10 lsw and submission to acts Of
more than doubtful censtitutionality, the enor-
nous contributions Of men and money TO sustain
rulers who were neld 10 be the choice OF a ma
jority Of the people. in a contest which might
have been avoided, which was prosecuted in a
mode open 10 Just censure, and protracted tar
beyond the necessities which occasoned teach
and all of these are American characteristics
that denote the wisdom and patriotism with
which our Institutions arc saved under crcum-
stances OF the greatest endorsements aud dis
couragements.
Think too of the conduct of our people on the
assassination of Mr. Lincoln. similar event in
France, or in any European monarchy, would
have upset the Government. Here power passed
as naturally and TRANQUILITY to his constitutional
successor as if he had been first elected to the
Presidency on the expiration OF Mr.. Lincoln 3
official term Not a mob. nor a riot nor dis
turbance occurred. Military heroes. with whom
the country then abounded, aud who engrossed
the affections Of their fellow citizens more deeply
and honorably than was ever before known, in
stead OF planning as elsewhere their own acces-
sion to power. gave all their thoughts and efforts
10 the establishment of the Vice Presidents au-
thority In tranquility and peace. The Govern.
ments credit, which abroad, on a like occur
renee, would have received a shock from which
il would with difficulty rally, was actually
strengthened United States stocks were in
greater demand the day after the atrocious crime
that removed our Chief Magistrate than they had
ever before been.
liz is Affections like these that press upon TIE
mind as the day approaches when we are in the
habit of rejoicing at the establishment Of oul
Government. and dwelling with honest pride upor
its comparative excellence.
And now let Us turn for few moments from
our glorious past TO the anxious present and mo
mentous future, aud let Va confer more particu
larry as Democrats "a to our wisest course. Mucl
is now and has often been said about the recon
struction of the Democratic party Doubles,
this comes from friendly and well intentioneo
quarters, but / have generally found that de
mands Of this kind not unfrequently proceed
from those who. having taken shelter with ou
adver,aries during the burden and heat OF pas
contests, dissatisfied with their position and per
haps with their share of the fruits of our defeat
are ready 90 60 in front of the Democratic party
ia the march to power, which Is 50 plainly opet
To them. All the reconstruction which, ia m,
Judgment. the Democratic party needs s a stric
adherence 10 It's ime-hon0ted principles and
careful selection OF the men who shall represen
them Our opponents in the late Presidential
canvass united Tor the avowed purpose Of puttinI
down the rebellion aud abolishng slavery IA IL
alleged cause These two objects having beef
accomplished 10y their exertione or IN spite o
thvm. they sec and admit what IL obvious to all
that their union i at an end. and that the otigi
nal elements OF their organization will return 4
their natural sflaities. IL should bo our ohieo
Go attract aud not tepe such portions az proper
belong 10 Us. The great question which vii
divide tho people Of tho United States Tor SOM
time TO come will loo how the Government o
tho United States shall deal with the loyal poo
pie OF the several States that have attemp tes
TO throw OF that Government aud are no
nov represented ia the Congress of the United
States, | ooniae thla inquiry 10 the loyal PEG
pie. because tho treatment ot those guilty o
treason of other crimes must depend upon con
sldefationa peculiar "a each Individual, which II
IL tho business OF the courts and the President q
Investigate and dispose OF. aud which can never
become national or party question For Ia
stance. very general discussion Is now going
on "a % what shall be- done with Mr. Jefferson
Davis Leading Republicans. such as Henry
Ward Beeeher oerrit Smith, VIM, Lloyd Gar
rison, aud others, think he should be pardoned
Lord Derby, aud other English lords, who hav,
never heretofore mentioned the United State,
except az beacon 10 be Stunned by all who
seek for safe forms of government, not on',
concur Ia ths opinion. but affect To trsmble with
apprehension, lest IN dealing with this felOn W,
may leopard our fair fame Democrats gener
ally. with whom have conversed. think Mr.
Davis should be severely punished | meutiot
this merely to show that question like this Il
not, and ffom necessity, cannot bo a national o.
party question But the mode In which thos,
who are declared by the Executive oh,
constitutional tribune TO determne) to constitute
the several States IN rebellion shall be treated. 4
agreat governmental question which will be YER
likely " divide the people OF this country 10 mucl
the same way AZ they hayc been divided In the pro
trscted aud honorable contests which have distin
guished our past political history Aud In regard /,
this. am glad 10 think that the President of ia,
United States has laid down the only true. wise an,
constitutional polic,--a policy based upon th
principles which lie nj the foundation of on
Government. aud which rejects with equal ecoti
the suicidal hefcsy of secession aud the dcettuo
tive theory OF consolidation The loyal pcopl
OF the several States heretofore In rebellion hav
Loot by the vat such property ~ they may hav
had IN slaves They would bc wise 10 pat thi
question out OF the range of future discussion b
raufying the proposed amendment OF tho Consti
tuition upon ths last act Hut beyond this the
have forfeited ao fighla They have undefgon
sutiefinga almost unparalleled without sctou
fault oa their part They are entitled now /
form q State Government and 20 have the
Senators aud Representative admitted a. Coz
grsss upon precisely the same terms ~ the State
which have not seeded IL 10 Tor them cxclu
sively 10 Judge who besides themaelves shall yoi
al their elections Tho privilege of voting
conceded bya State 60 such persons a. u choose
Whether women minors, aliens. Indians, NJ
groes, all OF whom are OF may become cltlken
shall DO allowed 90 vote. -. under our Unite
States Constitution, wisely leii 60 the decision
each State. as best Informed TO those inlefes1e