Columbia democrat and star of the north. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1867, 1867-01-23

the living soldiers, and entomDed inc ueau.
The people, at the balot-boz, have sought
out the meritorious veterans, and the noble
spectacle is now presented of the youthful
survivors of those who fell for their country
cherished and educated at the public expense.
Even if I were differently constituted, my
official duties would constrain me vigilantly
10 guard this sacred trust But having serv-
ed in the same cause, and been honorcd by
the highest marks of public favor. I pledge
myself to bear in mind the iniunctions and
wishes of the people, and if possible to in
crease the efficiency and multiply the benefits
Of the schools and institutions, already so
cre1itably established, for the benefit of the
orphans of our martyred heroes.
The infatuation of treason, the downfall
of slavery, the vindication of freedom, and
the complete triumph 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
numbers and the pride and the material
and political power of their masters, pre-
sented problem so appalling, that states
men contemplated it with undisguised alarm,
and the moralist with shame. To-day these
four millions, NO longer slaves, but freemen,
have intermediately prove1 their humanity
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.
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 ad-
minister the government according to the
pledges of the Declaration of Independ-
ence.
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 the dangers we have es-
capel, we may the better understand what
Jefferson meant when, in the comparative
infancy of human slavery, he exclaimed, Il
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 will 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, %. 40 per cent, from 1850 to
1860, as the basis of calculation for every ten
years, in 1900, they would have numbered at
east upwards of nine millions What Chris
tian statesman as he thanks God for the tri-
umph of the Union arms, does not shudder
1t the terrible prospect presented by these
startling figures?
But while there is cause for constant soli-
,itude in the natural irritations produced by
such a conflict, he is but a gloomy prophet
who does not anticipate that the agencies
which accomplished these tremendous re-
suits, will successfully cope with and put down
al who attempt to govern the nation in the
interests of defeated ambition and vanquish-
cd treason.
The people of the conquering North and
West have comparatively little to do but to
complete the good work. They command
he position. The courage of the soldier and
.he sagacity of the statesman, working har-
have now sea!e1 and confirmed
he victory, and nothing more is required
1ut faithful adherence to the doctrines
which have achieved such marvellous re-
,ults.
The overthrow of the rebellion has chan
,ed the whole system, of Southern society,
md proportionately affected other interests
ind sections. Demanding the enlighten-
nent of millions, long benighted, it forces
lpon the North and West the consideration
# more perfect and pervading education
j policy.
Much as we have boasted and have reason
o boast, of our common Schools, we can
lot deny, when we compare them with those
# New England, and contrast them with
he preparations for the education of the
Southern people Of all classes, that we have
much to overcome if we would equal the one
II stimulate the other. The recent conyen-
# County School Superintendents of Penn
ylvania exhibits some startling facts, which
ieserve the attention of the people and their
representatives. Yet it IS not by legislation
lone that any people can be brought to I'M
lerstand their relations to each other as c:ti-
ems Their best instructors are themselves
However liberal the appropriations may be,
c they arc not seconded by that commend
bIe spirit which impels the parent to. i'm
,ress upon the child the necessity of sound
moral and intellectual training, your repre-
are generous in vain. Everything
4 IL