Bedford inquirer. [volume] (Bedford, Pa.) 1857-1884, 1865-10-27
miscellaneous.
SPEECH OF HON. THADDEUs STEVENS.
Ge4tysbmrS, Pa, october sd, 1855.

Gettysburg, Pa, October 3d, 1865.
FELLOW CIFIZENs
I fear the ensuing election is considered ct
so little importance as to create indifference.
Although there are two State officers to be
chosen. beside the county ticket, yet 1 look
upon this election as the most important OF
any which has been held for many years,
EXCEPT ON the reelection OF President Lam
coin, which tested the fidelity of the people
to the Union. viii give the reasons OF its
importance A great war between the Con.
federate States of America" and the United
States has been won BY the Union at the
cost Gf Four Billions of money; the loss OF
near half million of lives, and the ruin OF
many loyal citizens. The enemy renouneed
IL ., G>.-..+ast ->i ll.ola -easl
themselves an alien enemy. We so treated
them on many well fought field No man
ly foe would ever again claim shelter under
the rejected Constitution, until admitted un-
der it by new compact containing condi-
tions corresponding TO the altered circum-
stances Of the two belligerents. No wise
eonduerer would admit such claim, if mean
ly made, except upon terms such as victors
impose, of full indemnity for the past (as
far as possible) and full security for the fu-
ture In the important question of dealing
with the vanquished enemy, we must re-
member that they are no common foe waging
war at the command of their lawful rulers,
but the whole body of the army and people
with few loyal exceptions) are traitors,
rebels and perjurers-are, in short, Hanton
and cruel murderers of our best citizens
What, therefore, might seem harsh towards
a common enemy, il mercy when dealt to
them.
Two modes of dealing with them are now
before the people and to be decided by them
at this election.
One proposition il to treat the Rebels as
never having abjured the Constitution or
left the Union IN fact; but as merely trying
10 resume their supposed rights, Illegally to
be sure, but still within the Union, as ''er-
ring brethren, and, therefore, entitled at
their option, to cease this family strife
and resume their places, with all their rights;
that in doing this they are toconsult only the
Executive of the nation, without any regard
to the sovereign power-the Legislature
The terms are, few oaths, humbug
State Constitution, made without authority
Of law, By less than third of the people,
and never submitted to the people for ratiti-
cation. They are then TO be taken within
our fraternal embrace, receive free pardon,
and have all their forfeited estates restored
to them, and come into full communion in
Congress, and In all the offices. They are
to pay none of the expenses or damages of
the war, nor contribute to the support of our
disabled soldiers and bereaved citizens.
This plan has the full appreciation of all
the Rebels and rebel sylnpathizers, of the
whole Copperhead party, of such Repubh-
cans as arc naturally parasites, and of such
public Journals as PUBLISH BY AUTHORITY. =
The Union party of Pennsylvania have a.
dopted different lan The State Con-
vention resolved that the estates of the
leading Rebels should be confscatcd to Day
the national debt: increase the pensions of
our soldiers; pay the damages done TO loyaI
meu, and relieve the burden of taxation.
now heavy, and likely to be increased. This
principle is approved by Maine, Mussachu-
setts and all the Union Conventions which
have yet spoken. The tax paying loyal peo-
pie are unanimously In favor Of it. All who
sympathizc with our wounded soldiers and
their bcreayed friends; all who wish to see
the damages done by Rebel raiders paid, APP
prnve Of it But it has been onposrd by
rsey Copperiea,l Convention yet held for
10 & iield, | suppose. Every Comprehend