The evening Argus. [volume] (Rock Island, Ill.) 1861-1871, 1866-08-20
speech of Governor Orr.
SPECIAL DESPATCH TO THE NATIONAL INTELLI-
GENCER,

SPECIAL DESPATCH TO THE NATIONAL lNTELLI-
GENCER.
PHILADELPHIA, August IA meeting was
held to night at the National Guards Hall by the
democrats. After the adoption of resolutions
expressive of the principles of those present,
Governor James l.. Orr, of South Carolina, was
introduced, and spoke substantially as follows :;
FELLOW CITIZENS: | esteem myself fortunate
upon the present occasion with being honOred
with an invitation TO address you on the opening
of your campaign in this state. Ten years ago
| stood before you with the late lanented Doug
las, when we then gave to you opinions of
the principles of he democratic party. would
to God that he again stood before you, since the
great changes which have occurred. A gulf has
yawned but now that gulf has been closed, and
we have come here to form Il union between the
conservative men of the north and of the south.
will eIely glance at few points to show you
that the professions made by the people of the
south since they have laid down their arms are
honest and whoiesouled. The war began on the
part of the south, through the people believing
they had the right to secede War resulted
the south was conquered, and the Interpretation
YOU gave to the constitution has been establish
ed firmly the legal one. That decision was
pronounced on the field of battle by the highest
tribunal, and the decree is ineontrovertible =
The nationality of our government has been es-
| tablished The south has surrendered the prin-
ciples she believed, and is willing to accept your
Interpretation No man would reopen the
dreadful contest to see whether the decision was
the right ort, but all are willing to abide by i,
forever Bytbis war the people of the south
have, to very large extent, been stripped OF
their property. Their banks are gone and their
credit gone. In many localities the great stand
int frtp fsv has lost TNrna fhn
pie of the south have far more need of a stable
government than you have, and il is mad folly
TO charge that they will not fulfil their osths to
support this government Although your pub
lie debt has been contracted in defeating sec
ton of country from which come, would feel
that any reputation OF the debt would be Il dis
honor TO my own integrity. This is my govern.
ment; IL too is my childrens and grandchil-
drens government. As participant in the re-
bellion am now for this government, and its
honor is my honor desire il to stand before
all the nations of the earth in all the glory and
pride, and prosperity of great nation of the
world Fellow-citizens, we have been knocking
at the door for eight long months, asking con
gress that the best, the intellectual, and leading
men of the south shall be admitted into congress
to represent US there. If we are not to be trust
ee now when are we to be trusted? Is il just
or ght that we should be excluded from these
privileges? No, for the right of representation
Is regarded as one ofthe most sacred rights IN
this country Is it just and fair or generous tina,
we should be excluded from legislation while
| taxes are imposed upon us without consent
| am delegate from South Carolina to the con
vention, and hope they viii be successful in
| forming party to stand against the mad policy
of the radicals in congress. When the conven.
tion adjourns and sends forth the results of it.
deliberations. | trust that all right-minded
men will be able to agree to their deeds.
Further addresses by Montgomery Blair and
Others were greeted with applause ..a.
After which the meeting adjourned.