The evening Argus. [volume] (Rock Island, Ill.) 1861-1871, 1865-04-06
Party Spirit.

At the meeting held in this city on Mon
day evening democratic speaker was rudely
and DANGEROUSLY interrupted and Missed,
though his remarks were not of partisan
character and were pertinent and appropriate
to the occasion The first speaker who adj
dressed the meeting confined himself chiefly
to what he called a review of the acts of the
late national democratic convention. The
second one said that Grant had not only driv-
en- the rebels out of Richmond, but their con-
federates out of Chicago; which was, under
the circumstances, needlessly severe upon the
abolition friends of the speaker, and an in
sulting taunt which he probably would not
have been so rude as to employ If, as he re-
marked, he had not felt as if ne had been
drunk all day with Joy and gladness," which
probable was the stimulant taken by Andy"
on an equally joyful occasion. The third
speaker passed a glowing eulogy on Mr..
Lincoln.
From these facts may be inferred the spirit
in which abolitonism is disposed to celebrate
the success of our armies. 1t is spirit of
partisan self-glorifcation combined with
partisan prescription and malevoence. Such,
at least, was the exhibition at the meeting,
and,' although We do not believe that the
majority OF the abolition party approve OF
such exhibitions, we think they reflect the
purposes and feelings OF the leaders in that
party, from the administration down to the
least responsible and important official. The
capture of Richmond is not hailed with ioy
by them because it presages the discount lure
of the rebel armies and the restoration of the
Union, but as afording pretence for partisan
glOrifcatiOn In the north, and hope for the
subjugatiOn of the south so complete that the
vindlctive, sectional and partisan hatred
which fomented and has prolonged the rebel
lion, may safe itselfin the infection OF hum
iliatiug and ruinous penalties.
The absurdity OF the assumption that the
apture of Richmond is due 10 abolition poll
cies or the craftsmanship of Mr.. Lincoln, is
30 paipable as hardly TO be worth a remark.
Governor Yates, In the presidential canvass
of last fall, stated, in substance. that the
democratic party of Illinois had furnished it's
full proportion of soldiers. and the returns IN
the adjutant generals Office will show that
the democratic counties of the state have
sent In proportion to their population the
greatest mum Der of men to the field. In all
the states democrats have shown at least
equal alacrity with the abolitionists In volun.
teering, and for the latter to claim that to
them exclusively belongs the honor OF cap
turing the rebel capital is q degree of impu
dcnce that will abash even those who make
the claim when their excitement has had
time to cool Grant and Sherman, to whose
skiilful combinations the capture is due.
would be among the first to scoff at the claim
Indeed, it cuts off Sherman entirely from the
honor of participating in the capture, for he
is opposed to the negro policies of the admin
istrstion and entertains profound coutempt
for ab0litionism.
1t is not proper time to revive party
feuds. 1t 10, however. a proper time for the
democratic party to defend itself if assailed.
1t is proper time for it TO assert it's true
position. If that position is misrepresented -
We have no disposition to enter upon the
question at this time of whether the rebel
capital might not beforehave been captured or
inquire whether the rebellion might not have
been ended years ago, had the restoration os
the Union been made the object instead of an
incident OF contest, and had there been ordiu
army energy and craftsmanship exercised by
the administration. There are more breaches
IN tie administration party than it can de-
fend, and Its true policy is not to provoke as
sanit. It's true policy is to assume virtue
and act now honestly and earnestly for the
Union, and to place the insurgent states in
their old relations Ii can gain no political
capital by denuncati0n and misrepresenta
tion oil tue democracy, nor can it survive a
prosecuting, exasperating policy towards the
lnsurgent states It cannot live long !, ony
event, but Its life may be prolonged and its |
treaehery to the Union and the consti,ntion
Partially elaborated. by showing something
OF the generous spirit towards the yanonishad |
which true manhood always feels for a brave
skiiifui, and conquered enemy. There is /
WORK now for statesman to do. Our generals