The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1865-05-01
Established june ss, lses.-VoI. 4.

army with the means OF substance. Against
the military class of the South we had only to
oppose our artisans, our farmers, our recruits
| drawn from various sedentary pursuits, men
who, whatever might be the spirit and resolu-
ton with which they came to the rescue Of
their country, were OF unwarlike' habits, and
multitudes OF whom would find it necessary
to return TO their homes as soon as their term
OF service should be ended. .t. NJ ~
Such was just representation of the state
Of things at that time, but in this very or
ganization of Southern society, on which
the shareholders plumed themselves SO proud
~, lurked disadvantage and dangerto the
IsueI cause winch became apparent soon after
tne proclamation of freedom TO the slaves in
tne revolted States. The masters then found
that they had been rearing q class of scouts
and guides for the loyal army--a class who
shel cred and helped Oh their way the fugi-.
tive nom rebel persecution and the escaped
Union soldier; class from whom the Unionc
army, when the Federal Government had
grown q little wiser, recruited its soldiers
class who furnished the Federal army with
the heroes OF some of its most fercely. con-
tested fields. This class has shared in some,
OF the most glorious triumphs Of the war it
has entered one captured city after another as
conquerors, and but the other day was I'll st to
take military occupation OF Richmond.
Z . Ii was most Important that the war should
be continued until this inherent weakness Of
the social system founded on slavery should
be fully demonstrated. 1t was most impor-
tant that the world should see in such state
of society the master and slave were necesa!
rily enemies, and that, In case OF an invasion
from without, which promised the slave his
freedom, he would be sure to take part against
his master. The present war has been car
ried on long enongh to make the truth clear
to all the world, and to all time, that govern
nent whose essential principle is slavery, rests
upon most slippery and insecure foundation,
and is in perpetual danger Of being over
thrown by assaults from without.g,rragl -s1i
3 Yet this truth could not have been made so
manifest but for the peculiar temper of the
Southern shareholders, naturally generated BY !.
their Institution. Accustomed to make their
VIII the law, as well in politics as on the plan
talon, they would accept no compromise,
would olisten to no terms of reconciliation,
would consentto a cessation of hostilities on
no other condition than the recognition of
their new government as an Independent pow
or, entitled to share in the public property
aud the unsettled territories. The domineer-
ing spirit OF the South, more than any strength
OF yirtuous determination in the North, saved
US from the disgrace of new compact which /
would have infused a new vitality into the sys-
tenn OF slavery. II drew on, 1t precipated the
downfall OF slavery and the defamation, i'm
poverishmsnt and dispersion of the slavehold- |
ing class, which may already be said to have
fearfully perished by the recoiI Of its own de-
vices. ifal cnls 4sbaazslf mos .ssf5s III 5co
a1 We are among thole who reverently see the |
hand Of Providenee Is all these events. 4