The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1866-08-23
WHEELING. WEST VA, THURSDAY MORNING. AUGUST 49, 1866

however sacred, both before and since
the rebellion. The most solemn oaths
are used by them as mere cloak for
treachery; and dmagnanimity and mercy,
on the part ofan outraged Government
and its friends, are impudently aud in
sultingly derided the moment they are
relieved from the dread of punishment.
No history furnishes an example of
such incOrrigible guilt and shameless
mendncity.
To the Union party, and to that alone
we look for relief from our present un-
happy condition, and for permanent
security in tho future. The party is
powerful enough for success without
our aid, but it is none tho less our duty
to signaliZe our devotion to the princi-
pies of republican liberty which that
party is SO nObly sustaining, by active
affirmative cooperation on our part.
Moreover, if we wish the support-the
countenance and protecting care of the
Union party--tO shield us from the
dangers which now threaten us, we
must not be afraid to make known to
them our condition and dire necessi-
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 the reorganization of civil
State Governments in the South. We
know it has been said that we have
been ignored by all parties in and out
of COngress-that we are being ground
to death between the upper and neither
mill stones. Let it I've remembered that
as party in the South, we have made
no effort to make known our wants,
our condition, our hopes, or sufferings.
We do assure you that, it is the wish,
the ardent desire and intention of Con-
SresS, togiVe us protection and Secu-
rity, when fully advised of our needs.
Let us then perform our duty to our
selves and our country, by meeting to-
gether for consultation upon our pres
ent condition and future interests and
present to the country the united voice
of the down-trodden UniOnists of the
South presenting II fearless and truth
full statement of facts which shall COM
mRnd the attention, and challenge the
confidence and sympathy, of every
friend of the Government, and of hui
man liberty, throughout the land.
It may be that, fear of the same des-
pOtiSm over the minds and consciences
of men that existed in the beginning of
tho rebellion, and reigned supreme in
the South during its continuance, will
again assert its power, and condemn to
extreme punishment those who may
dare to respond to our call. We have
but to say that, whatever danger threat
ems, and whatever sacrifices are involv-
ed, we mast aid in breaking the shack
les that bind us,
If the enemies of free Government do
not yet understand that the rights of
American citizenship are to be para
mount and supreme, over the hellish
spirit born of slavery, and nurtured by
bigotry, ignorance and prejudice, they
will learn it in the throes and struggles
of the next civil commotion which they
and their abettOrs inaugurate.
One other step and they will have
placed themselves forever without the
pale of forgiveness. The fiat has gone
have resolved that this shall be a GOU-
er'nhHemt of freedom and equal rights for
all; and woe to those who shall hereaf-
ter resist this solemn judgment. He
who is guilty of a second rebellion to
this Government will appeal in vain
for pardon. Let us act boldly as be-
comes free men; and if we should there
by incur danger, the country will un-
derstand, and appreciate, the shameless
hypocrisy of those who, prate of their
loyalty and right to readmission into
the Union in one breath, and in the
next, excite brutaliZed mob to vio-
lence upon n citizen, for exercising the
constitutional right of meeting his
fellow citizens to petition the political
grievances. Let us do our duty and
trust to God and our loyal cOuntrymen
for vindication and protection.
We urge you to lose no time in maxi
ing your nominations, by public meet
ings or otherwise, rs may be most con-
venient to you. You can scarcely con-
ceive the importance which gentlemen
from every part of the country, attach
TO this proposed meeting, of Southern
UniOnists. We venture to say that
we have in great measure our destiny
in our own hands. 1t is earnestly
hoped that we will wisely use the pow
er we possess.
Your Obedient servants,
A. j. HAMILTON, OF Texas,
NJ. ]. SAFFoLD, of Alabama,
WIN. b. STOKES, of Tennessee,
GDH1niIIt,o