Mineral Point weekly tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1859-1868, 1866-08-29
WHERE ARE WE DRIFTING 7

The signs Of the times, in our opinion,
Indicate as critical condition of our
country a. that Just previous to the war
through which we have just passed The
same causes that brought on the war OF
thc rebellion still exist, and may even yet
lead TO blood-shed equal to that during
the four years struggle TO- our nationa!
existence 10 one believes we vonld
ever had a war, If the Democrats Of the
North ana OF the South had not been de-
prived of their political power by the
voice Of the people The South became
restless from loss Of control Of the power
and patronage Of the nation; stimulated
and encouraged by the sympathies and
fawning Of their northern allies - the
Democratic party who had long been
jealous in their efforts to prejudice the
minds Of both northern and southern
men against the Republican party, and
expecting aid and comfort from it in the
struggle for separation, they brought on
that struggle which terminated in their
defeat, but not until the best blood Of our
nation had been she'd, and the country
involved in debt unequalcd in magni
tude by that Of any other nation.
At the close Of the rebellion the South
were sufficiently BUNDLED to accept all
most any terms Of peace that might have
been offered them, 50 that they were per-
,aitted to escape the punishment justly
due to traitors The southern leaders at
that time expected no better terms tIatH
lifo and the privilege Of being governed
~ their victors, without themselves being
permitted to dictate terms or the course
TO be pursued towards them. But in an
evil hour the assassins had laid low the
head oc him whose wisdom had guided
rs through the perils of war TO tri-
umphant peace, and placed in his exalted
position one far less qualified for the inn
rortant duties before him Again the
leaders Of the rebellion began to look
forward TO the time when they should get
e. Jrol Of the official power and patrons
a., of the country. Again they find their
former allies Of the North ready to aid
and encourage them in their hopes, and
again they become arrogant and oppres~
siyG in their intercourse with the true
friends of the Union with whom they
come in contact The difference between
the President and Congress is seized upon
~ northern Corperheads and southern
rebels, to secure official positions much
sooner than they bad anticipated, and by
their opposition to Congress in the mats
ters OF difference between that branch of
she Government and the Executive, tn CIV
Iopo to succeed without waiting for til c
voice IF the people 70 decide who shall
hold official positions.
The same old cry Of sectionalism that
was charged against the Republican party
IN l>to> Is still used as an clcetionceriug
argument The party opposed to the
Congressional plan Of reconstruction en-
braces tho same men Of the North and
81 the South who have before conspfrcd
ugains. the national Gl, and left no means
unried 70 overthrow the Government I,
aims - restore 70 power the men who
originated the war and caused SO much
tlood-shel, starvation and suffering du-
ring that four years struggle. The same
threats Of revolution are again repeat
: /, the Republicans are successful
at tie approaching fall elections, The
same men manifest the same spirit rs
heretofore Free speech IS denied in the
SeutE anii,s denial justified in the North.
Bloody E.ats, ana murders are again be-
coming the order oC the day ia the cotton
States and the Democratic party of the
North have no word Of diSapproyaL on
the contrary, tie South are again advised
~ northern sycopaan,s that resistance TO
tie cnaetmonts of Congress Is the par.
81 patriotism, while submission renders
the'" objects o derisiou 70 the world.
NoeA are seuac Of the signs Of the times
TT canaas le mistaken. Bqt tie r,arle
cannot be dslulel or turned from their
purpose aF sare4es ST revolution T5av
long Tor 4 -eeaas.rae.- / l-rf., Ism. -.
Union in vaieh such r-e.. .-..-. 4
Memphis and New o~,caas ars =. -,
part d southern policy Iaey VIII in
IS. aa guarantees ST permanent peace
ST freedom Of thought and speech in
ever. part of tie l1nI The victory won
= - -rsas "a ~a,ris.e Of blood and treas
uf= vs. never be surrendered. TIA. sha