The Lancaster gazette. [volume] (Lancaster, Ohio) 1863-1886, 1865-09-28
From the state Journal Aug "a, 1885, :
The status OF the Democratic
70 Eal sf0H pnrfk,G 80 |tT qft1 I

this City to-day, a Convention of what
calls itself the, Democratic party
We deem the occasion opportune for
looking into the characteristics Of that
party, to sec wherein it differs from
the other portions of the community
that do not attach themselves to that
organization or sympathize in their
action. We propose this, to the end
that, in case that party shall be found
distinguished above all others for the
wisdom Of its principles or the purity
of its actions, its precepts and practice
may seem as model for others TO
emulate its excellence. ...s.s.y
No one will question the fairness Of
Judging the Democratic party now, by
the action ofits recognized leaders in
past days. Indeed 1t is the boast of
that psrty thatit is governed by prin-
ciples, and that its principles are i'm
mutablc. Let us then look at some Of
the antecedents of this Democratic
party, that we may the betteriudge Of
it's pretentions and its quality. We
grant, for the purpose Of the present
inquiry, that what the Democratic
party was twenty, ten, or five years
ago. it is the same to-day. "1fen
change-principleS never" -,-.i
We 60 back. then to the early
months Of the year 1861, and inquire
for the Democratic party: Where was
the Democratic party about the mid
die Of April, 1861? Fully ono half Of
the party had sloughed off from the
remaining half, and from its duty to
the nation, and was actively occupied
in setting up pretended government
of its own, in defiance Of the national
authority, in utter disregard of fcon-
,stitutional provisions, and in contempt
of tho voluntary oaths resting upon
their souls. They seized the forts
'arsenals, magazines, navy yards, mints
and custom houses in their vincinage,
and displayed q STANCE and hostile en-
sign over their stolen acquisitions
They fired upon the flag oftheir coun-
try asit approached a citadel with
provisions for its garrison. They
omitted no act in their power to per-
petuatc, to manifest their deep hatred
of the institutions and government of
the country. These were Southern
democrats, and they bore sway in ev-
cry State that was involved in seces,
sion.
And now, we demand, in what re-
spect did Northern democrats differ
from those in the South? True, they
did not take up to overthrow the
government; but they were through
outthe long and bloody contest, the
allies and ,abettors of the rebels who
did, ~. .,'.,,,.,. ..., !, .,,..,....,
Southern Democrats fired upon and
murdered our volunteer soldiers in
the streets of Baltimore, while on their
way to the defense of the National
capital; and Northern Democrats said,
swell, the volunteers had no right to
"inrade" sister State |" x ,.' '''.
On the 23d of January 1861, when
the spirit of treason was running
wanton through the land, there was
an assemblage of Ohio Democracy at
Columbus, to "send greeting from 200,
900 Democratic voters of Ohio, to their
brethren North and South" thus
plcdging the whole body Of Democra-
cy to sustain the reasonable designs
of the Southern leaders. ..'' ~
When the National capital was be-
leagued, and tho President called for
$4,000 volunteers to prevent it's fall
ing into rebel hands, Northern Demo
Gratis eavilled at the measure; the num-
Der was extravagant-and besides, Che
President had no authority to inaug-
urate war measures; that was the pre-
rogative ofCongress. r...I,.. .....r '.,
When the magnitude of Tho rebel
lion had begun to develope itself, and
measures were proposed in Congress
for its suppression, these measures
met a uniform and indiscriminate OPP
position from the Northern Demo
Gratis.
~ While President Lincoln and his
Cabinet wero spending anxious days
and slecpless nights in dcvising means
for the salvation Of the country from
ruin at tho hands of Southern domo-
Gratis in arms for its overthrow, North.
ern democrats made 1t their pastime
to traverse the land, to propagate dis
content, traduce the Government,
misrepresent its acts and its motives,
and contribute all in their power to
the aid and support of tho insur-
gents. ..'. ... g .,..e
When these Northern democrats,
having devoted themselves to stirring
up of mutiny, had gone to the very
verge of tho overt act. of treason, and
the government was forced to lay its
strong hand upon them to stay their
course. the very welkin rang with
their cry of"tyrantr' Lincoln Bas,
tilel" ~ 3 ','' tx
When Congress asked tho people to
defray the expenses ofthe war, North
crn democrats were alarmed at the
creation of a national debt. ~,
When Congress proposed TO levy
excise duties to save the credit Of the
nation, and defray q portion Of the OK
penses of the war as it progressed,
then came the same democratic cry
oaerous taratlon! .o,il e.q.., -n,,
When volunteers were called 10
Suppress the rebellion inaugurated BY
Southern democrats, we.were told that
this. was an abolition war waged