Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1866-08-01

hands, what mercy eau we hope? They have
proved .taithless to every pledge and obligation,
however sacred, both before and since the re-
bellion. The most solemn oaths are used by
them as a mere cloak for treachery, and mag
nanimity and mercy on the part of an outraged
government and it's friends are impudently and
insultingly derided the moment they ieliev-
ed from dread of punishment. No history
furnishes an example of such inoorrigible guilt
and shameless audacity.
To the Union party, and to that alone, we
look for relief from our present unhappy condi-
ton, and for permanent security in the future.
The party is powerful enough for success with
out our aid, but it is none the less our duty TO
signalize our devotion to the principles of re
publican liberty which that party is so nob!y
sustaining by active, affirmative co-opefation on
our part Moreover if we wish the support,
the countenance aud protecting cate of the
Union party to shield US from the dangers which
now threaten u.s. must not be afraid to make
known to them our condition and dire neee ST.
ties. 1t is scarcely too much to say that the
southern Unionists, though too weak for SELF
protection, hold in their hands the key TO the
| solution of the question OF reorganization Of
civil state governments in the South. We
know it has been said that We have been ig-
nored by all parties in and out of Congress
that We are being ground to death between the
upper and neither mill stones. Let 1t be re
membered that party in the South i" e hav,
| made n, efforts to make known our wants, oul
conditions, our hopes and our sutferings.
We do assure you that it is the ish, thu
ardent desire and intention of Congress to Civ.
us protection and security when fully advised
| of our needs.
"Let US, then, perform our duty to ourselves
and our country by meeting together for con
sultatlon upon our present condition and futur'
| interests, and present to the country the unltet
voice of the down-rodden Unionists of th'
| South, presenting a fearless and truthful state
| ment OF facts which shall command the atten
ton and challenge the confidence and sympath,
of every friend OF the government and OF humaI
liberty throughout the land.
alt msy be that fear of the same despotisn
over the minds and conscienees OF men that ex
isted in the beginning OF the rebellion ant
reigned supreme in the South during its con
tinuance, will again assert Its power and con
denim to eternal punishment those who ma
dare respond to our call. We have but to Sd
that whatever danger threatens, and "hateye
sacrifices Involved, We must AID IN breakln
the shackles that bind US.
:" If the enemies of free government do nc
yet understand that the rights of America
citizenship are TO be paramount and suprem
over the helllsh spirit born OF slavery and nur
| tured by oigotry, ignorance an~ prejudice, the
| will learn II In the throes aud struggles OF tn
next civil commotion which ihey and thei
| abettors iuaugurate.
i "One other step, and they Will have place
themselves forever without the pale of forgive
ness. The fat mas gone forth. The people {
the United States have resolved that this sha
| be government of freedom and equal right
for ali; and woe TO those VINO shall hereafte
resist this solemn judgment de who Is guilt
of second rebellion TO this government vi
appeal in vain for pardon. Let US act boidl
as becomes freemen; and II We should thereb
incur danger, the country will und rstand an
appreciate the shameless hypocrisy OF those VIII
prate of their loyalty and right TO readmissio
INTO the Union III breath, and III the mex
excite brulalzed mob 10 violence upon d eli
zen for exercising Inc Constitutional right
meeting his felOw-clLzenS 10 petition tie pOll
icaI power OF The nation tor redress of gre'
ances. Let US do duty, and trust 10 g.
and our loyal countrymen TOR ylndlcatlon an
protection.
ave urge you to lose no time in max IN
your nominations, by publc meetings or othe
wise. as may be most convene ut for you. 1c
can scarcely conceive the importance which gel
tlemen from every part of Ghe country attae
TO this proposed meeting of southern Unlonist
We venture To say We have, III d great measur
our destiny IN our own hands. 1t 10 earnestl
hoped that Will wisely use the power "
possess. lour obedlent servants,
"a J. HAMILTON of Texas,
an. J. SAFFoRD OF Alabama, Com"
"WM. b. STOKES of Tennessee,