Bedford inquirer. [volume] (Bedford, Pa.) 1857-1884, 1867-02-01

ing interest IN the present. ahd IuIufe NeIafe
of the soldiers who have borne so distin-
guished part in the great contest which
has resulted in the maintenance of the life,
honor and prosperity of the nation. The
high claims of the private soldiers upon the
country are universally acknowledged, and
the generous sentiment prevails that the
amplest care should be taken by the govern
ment to compensate them, equally and gen.
erously, with bounties and pensions, for
their services and sacrifices.
desire that it may be distinctly under
stood that | do not speak of myself, in con-
nection with this subject; but | am happy
to avail myself of this opportunity to speak
kind words of Pennsylvania private sol
diers, and noble officers who commanded
them
The generosity of the people of Pennsyl-
vania to the Union soldiers has been imita-
ted, but not equalled, by other States.
There is something peculiar in the Loyalty
of Pennsylvania. She seemed to feel from
the first, as if upon her developed the set
ting of a superior example. The fact that
she carried upon her standard the brightest
jewel of the Republic, that in her bosom
was conceived and from her commercial cap
ital was issued the Declaration of Independ-
ence, gave to her contributions, in men and
money and her unparalleled charitable or
ganizations, all the dignity and force OF
model for others to copy. The rebel foe
seemed to feel that if he could strike a fatal
blow at Pennsylvania, he would recover all
his losses, and establish resistless prestige
in the old world
But thanks to Divine Providence, and to
the enduring bravery of our citizen soldiers,
the invasion of our beloved State sealed her
Il, 10 ~, 81
The result of the battle of Gettysburg
broke the power of the rebellion, and al.
though the final issue was delayed it was in
eYitable from the date of that great event.
That battle rescued all the other free States /;
and when the arch of victory was completed
by Sherman successful advance to the sea,
so that the two conquerers could shake
hands over the two fields that closed the war,
the soldiers of Pennsylvania were equal
sharers in the glorious consummation.
No people in the world's history have
ever been saved from so incalculable ca
lanity, and no people have ever had such
cause for gratitude towards their defend
ers.
And here cannot refrain from an express
sion of regret that the General Government
has not taken any steps to inhict the proper
penalties Of the Constitution and laws upon
the leaders of those who so rudely and tero-
ciously invaded the ever sacred soil OF our
State.
1t is certainly morbid clemency, and a
censurable forbearauce, which fails to pun
ish the greatest crimes ''known to the laws
of civilized nations and may not thehOpe
be reasonably INDUCED, that the Federal
authorities will cease to extend unmerited
mercy to those who inaugurated the rebel
lfsf
mics 2 If this be done treason will be ''ren-
dered odious," and it viii be distinctly pro
claimed, on the pages of our future history,
that no attempt can be made with lmpunlty
to destroy our Republican form Of govern
ment.
And while we would remember the sol
der who has borne the battle, we must
not forget his widow and his orphan chill
dren. Amongst our most solemn obliga-
tions is maintenance of the INDECENT widows,
and the support and education of the orphan
children, of these noble men who fell
| in defense of the Union. To affirm that we
owe debt Of gratitude to those who have
been rendered homeless and fatherless, by
their parents patriotic devotion to the coun-
try, is a truth to which all mankind Will
yield ready assent; and though we cannot
call the dead to life, it is a pil,l,ege as well
as duty, to take the orphan by the hand,
and be to him protector and a father.
Legislative appropriations have honored
| the living soldiers, and entombed the dead
| The people, at the ballot box, have sought
| out the meritorious veterans, and tie noble
| spectacle is now presented Of the youthful
survivors of those who fell for their coun-
try, cherished and educated at the public
| expense. Even if it were differently consti-
tuted, my official duties would constrain me
| vigilantly to guard this sacred trust But
| having served in the cause, and been honor
ed by the highest marks Of public favor, |
| pledge myself to bear in mind the iniunc-
| tions and wishes of the people, and If posi-
| bic to increase the efficiency and multiply
| the benefits of the schools aud institutions,
already so creditably established, for the ben
| eft of the orphans of our martyred heroes
| The infatuation of treason, the downfall
/ of slavery, the vindicatIon of freedom and
the complete trinmph OF the government Of
| the people, are all so many proofs of the
| Divinity that has shaped our ends, and
so many promises of future crowned with
! success if we are only true to our mission.
| Six years ago the spectacle of four millions
/ of slaves increasing steadily both their own
numbers and the pride and the material and
political power Of these masters, presented
| problem so appalling, the statesman con-
| templated it with undisguised alarm, and the
moralist with shame. To-day these four
millions, no longer slaves, but freedmen,
having intermediately proved their humani-
| ty towards their oppressOrs, their fidelity to
society, and their loyalty to the government,
are peacefully incorporated into the body
polite, and are rapidly preparing to assume
their rights as citizens of the United States.
| Notwithstanding this unparalleled change
was only effected after an awful expenditure
/ of blood and treasure its consummatiOn may
well be cited as the sublimest proof of the
! fitness Of the American people to admins
! ter the government according to the pledges
of the Declaration of independence
| We have but to estimate where human
slavery would have carried our country, in
| the course of another generation, to realize
/ the force Of this commanding truth. And
as we dwell upon Che dangers we have es-
capped, we may the better understand what
Jefferson meant when, in the comparative
infancy of human slavery, he exclaimed 81
! tremble for my country when reflect that
| God is just
! a simple glance at what must have been
our fate had slavery been permitted to in-
| crease viii be sufficient. In 1860 the slave
| population amounted, in exact numbers, to
| three millions nine hundred and fifty three
| thousand seven hundred and sixty. Taking
| the increase, %. 80 per cent, from 1850 to
| 1860, as the basis of calculation for every
ten years, in 1900, they would have number
| ed at least upwards of nine millions What
| Christian statesman as he thanks God for