Western Reserve chronicle. [volume] (Warren, Ohio) 1855-1921, 1866-03-14

and with products uneeualed in value in
the markets of the world, to say nothing
of our mineral resources, we shall have
much still to wed us to the good old land.
With good government, the matrix from
which alone spring all great human
achievements, we shall lack nothing but
our own proper exertions, not only to re-
cover our former prosperity, but to attain
a much higher degree of development
in everything that chsracterizes a great,
free and happy people AT least. l know
of no other land that the sun shines up
on that offers better prospects under the
contingency stated.
The old Union was based upon the as.
sumption that it was for the best interest
Of the people of all the States to be uni
ted as they were, each State faithfully
performing to the people of the other
States all their obligations under the COM
mon compact. I always thought this as
sumption was founded upon broad, cor
rect and statesman-like principles. I
think so yet. 1t was only when it seemed
impossible further to maintain it, without
hazarding greater evils than would per-
haps attend a separation, that l yielded
my assent in obedience to the voice of
Georgia, to try the experiment which has
resulted so d~isastrously to us. Indeed,
during the whole lamentable conflict, it
was my opinion that however the pend
ing strife might terminate, so far as the
appeal to the sword was concerned, vet
after a while, when the passions and ex-
elements of the day should pass away,
an adjustment or arrangement would be
made upon continental principles, upon
the general basis of reciprocal advan-
tage and mutual convenience" on which
the Union was first established. Ny
earnest desire, however, throughout, was
whatever might be done might be peace
fully done; might be the result of calm,
d~ispassionate and enlightened reason =
looking to the permanent interests and
welfare of all. And now, after the Sc
we're chsstisement of war, if the general
sense of the whole country shall come
back to the Acknowledgement of the
original assumption, that it is for the best
interests of all the States to be so united,
as l trust it will /; the States still being
q" separate as the pillows, but one as the
sea y; l can perceive no reason why, IN
De- such restoration, we, as a whole, with
" peace, commerce and friendly relations
with all nations, and entangling alliances
with none" may not enter upon q new ca
reer, exciting increased wonder in the old
world by grander achievements hereafter to
be made, Than any heretofore attained by
the peaceful and harmonious working of our
American institutions of selt-government.
All this is possible if the hearts of the people
be right. It is my earnest wish 10 see it.
Fondly would I indulge my fancy in gazing
on such a view of the future. With what
rapture may we not suppose the spirits of our
fathers would hail its opening scenes from
their mansions above. Such are my hopes,
resting on such contingencies. But if, in
stead Of this, the passions of the day shall
continue to have sway; if prejudice shall
rule the hour; if a conflict of races shall
arise; if ambition shall turn the scale; if the
sword shall be thrown in the balance against
patriotism; if the embers of the late war shall
Be kept q glowing until with new fuel they
shall spring up again, then OF rpresent gloom
is but the shadow, the penUrnbra Of that
deeper and darker eclipse which is TO totally
obscure this hemisphere and blight forever
the anxious anticipations and expectations of
mankind! Then hereafter by some bard
it may be sung
The Star of Hope shone brightest in the West,
The hope of Liberty. the last. the best;
That. too, has set upon her darkened shore,
And Hope and Freedom light up earth no more.
May we not all on this occasion, on this
anniversary of the birth day of Washing
ton, Join in a fervent prayer to Heaven that
the Great Ruler of events may avert from
this land such a fall, such a fate, and such
a requiem.