The Wheeling daily register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1864-1878, 1866-09-25

that nationality, with its distribution OF
powers between the central and local
governments, is the chief instrumental.
ity and is the best blessing of political
and civil life for all races and communl-
ties in this land, and that our first duty
to all is to see that it is as promptly as
possible re.established. By means of it
we shall accomplish not only peace and
safety, but Justice to the nation and the
freedmen.
JJpon all these sacred rights we shall
insist. AS soldiers, we are still devoted
to the same cause and to the same prin.
ciples for which we fought-the cause OF
the Union, freedom, Justice and law.
We forego none of these in demanding
Union now. We speak as soldiers, be-
cause we believe that an appeal from us
to the brave men who met us In battle
to unite with us in giving peace to our
common country, in fulfilling pledges
which have been made, and guaranteeing
to the freedmen the rights which honor
and humanity enjoin, will not be made
in vain, We shall ask and expect that
they, like ourselves, will unite in main
tanning the laws, preserving the peace,
indicating good will, and in upholding
the honor and integrity of our common
country. In answer to our appeal we
believe that, notwithstanding all provo
cations and disappointment, they will be
patient and orderly law-abiding and law
obeying citizens, respecting and permit
ting differences of opinion by whomsoev-
er entertained and by whomsoever enun-
ciated, We want Union not merely In
name, but Union in fact not Union
merely of geographical lines, but a Union
of hearts. Such Union we fought to
maintain, such a Union we wish to enjoy.
By it alone can our nation accomplish its
true mission and fulfil its true destiny.
So believing, we anxiously and earnestly
appeal to you, our form, comrades In
arms, to assist in the great Wotk of paci-
fication. We appeal to you, not as DEM
ocrats, not as Republicans, but as pat
riots and National Union men; What
ever others may say, you know that those
who stood shoulder to shoulder with you
through the four years of terrible war
are truly loyal. You, at least, will
never question their fidelity to, and
their affection for, the Union and the
Constitution, whatever differences of
opinion may exist now that the war is
over, and that the instruction is quelled,
between those who together offered
their lives as a constant and willing sac
riice that the life of the nation might be
saved. Let 40 ordinations or recrim'
nations mar or disturb that mutual
esteem which should be ever cherished
by those who have shared common
danger in contending for a common
cause. We were brothers during the
dark days of the rebellion, let Us remain
friends during the brighter days of
peace; and as we carried desolation into
the South when she was hostile and de.
faint, let us unite in rendering to her not
only just but generous treatment, now
that she is subdued and disarmed. If
we but do this, if we but evince the
magnanimity of spirit always polite
from the victor to the conquered, the
honor and pride of the Southern soldiers
Will so respond that our beloved Union
shall be stronger, better, firmer, than
ever before. May the God of our fathers,
who by His blessings enabled them
through seven years war to establish a
Union, and we, their children and sons,
to yindicate it in the late terrible strug-
gle, grant His aid and assistance in our
efforts to establish and PerPetuato it!