Rutland weekly herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1859-1877, 1866-07-05
RUTLAND HERALD.
THURSDAY, JUNE %, 1866.
importance of federation among
Union Men.

of American politics, except, perhaps,
during the recent civil war, when toler-
alton of opinion among real, uncondi-
tional Union men was more needed than
at this moment. The so-called demo-
cratic party under the lead of the most
INSCRIPTIONS politicians that ever dis
graced the country, are now marshall
ing its forces in the hope of having the
united support of ex-rebels, malignant
copperheads, and the disappointed and
disafected of the Union party. 1t is of
the highest Importance that the true
Union men of the country should pre-
sent an unbroken front in the approach
ing fall elections, and as Vermont is the
first in the series, to be Immediately fol-
lowed by Maine, and little later by
several Of the great States of the West,
it especially behooves the people Of the
Green Mountains, that they set the lar
ger States a good example. 1t must be
remembered that large portion of the
next Congress is to be elected the coming
fall, and the best interests of the coun-
try, the permanent peace and integrity
of the Union, very much depend upon
the results Of the Congressional and
State elections. The responsibility of
Vermont in this grave matter, can not
be reasonably questioned, and should
neither be kept out of sight or shun-
ned.
There is really no danger that disloyal
members of Congress, or disloyal Leg
islature will be elected in this State
but the spirit Of our canvass may have
a good or bad influence on other States,
where parties are more evenly balanced.
Our chief danger lies in our Senate
rial canvass. AS we remarked several
months since, the main cause Of trouble
to be apprehended arises from the selfish
politicians, such as have more or less ex-
listed in all parties, both in times of war
and peace, and such as will always eX-
list, until human nature itself shall meet
with a radical change, or be universally
under the moral influences that spring
from more divine natures. 1t is against
the influences of this class of politicians
that we have to guard.
The most direct and frequent exhibit
ton Of the selfish spirit to which we
allude, is that of intolerance of opinion
affecting, not important principles, but
personal considerations. The real, solid
Union men of the country-those who
stood by the flag and government, at
home and in the field of strife, do not
think alike on many minor details con-
corning the great but vexed questions of
reconstruction, We have not only seen
Republicans in Congress disputing and
differing, the past six months, but
we have seen radicals differing from and
wrangling with radicals and conserva-
tives doing the same things among
themselves sometimes indulging in
harsh and indecent vituperation. But
to the honor of all, the unseemly strife
ceased, and we at last saw the Union
members Of Congress, radicals and con
servatives, uniting in solid body tC
vote for and adopt q brief but compre
hensive plan of reconstruction. 1t was
not at all likely that the members
who voted for the reconstruction meas
ure referred to, thought just alike after
all, or quite liked all the details-but
they saw the necessity of harmonious
action and so far agreed to hush their
strife as to vote together.
Following up this spirit Of harmoni.
Gus concession, three States-Vermont
Maine and Ohio,-have just held State
conventions, and in all they were careful
to refrain from demonstrations of hos
tility towards leading and conspicuous
members Of the Union party from whom
majority in all these conventions
doubtless differed. The absolute neces
sity Of liberation, of forbearant spirit
toward differing members Of the same
party, was most strikingly manifested
The men in Vermont who have re.
Gently been so much inclined to brand
with political heresy others of the
same party, because they don't agree
with them as to their preferences fol
Senatorial candidates: will see how
handsomely they have been rebuked by
the three State conventions, and the rer!
fe,0 disturbing spirits nearer home had
realizing sense, a day or two since, o
the untenable position they occupied
the shelving and sandy foundations upor
which they stood. We hope better
spirit is hereafter to prevail in our Seu
atorial canvass, so that whatever MAJ
be the personal result, the great cause
justice and humanity shall receive NJ
detriment-that not a stone, or beam
or brace in the Union temple shall be dis
turbed-but the whole structure be NOR
firmly established on the foundations
laid by the fathers. In order to secure