The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1867-01-29
wooDsFIELD MONROE COUNTY OHIO JANUARY 2s 1867.


North; so revolutionary and disorganizing,
so fagrantly at war with with every pro.
vision and theory of the Constitution
that it will scarcely be possible to execute
it fully. We shall resist it by every
means known to the Constitution. But
| if the attempt should be made successfully,
this too being opposed by superior force
they can bear it. Let them oppose it by
the passive resistance of masterly inac-
tivity; let them repair their shattered
fortunes; let them reconstruct their in
dustrial system; let them woo prosperity
and wealth; let their fields whiten with
cotton, and their plantations yield their
increase Of corn, and sugar and rice
Let them, moved by their own just i'm
pulses and not by dictation from others,
revise, if necessary, their legislation in
regard to the freedmen, and secure to
them all their ciuil rights by the same
process of law. enforced by the same
courts and the same penalties as are used
in the case of the white men. Let
them then, if thought necessary to Sc
cure this ample protection, revise and
change the public opinion of their COM
munities. Let them be jealous in secur-
ing to them every opportunity Of ft-
ting themselves for their changed condi-
tion, and every advantage for good de.
velopement which healthy, social and
governmental system will permit. The
necessity of both sections will coerce so.
cial and commercial intercourse, and this
in time will soften asperities and assuage
bitterness and promote good will, and
restoration, if it ever comes at all, will be
upon sound basis.
Nor in this connection is the fact to be
overlooked that very few of the North
ern States have ratified the amendment
and that if all these ten excluded States
should ratify it, seventeen others would
be needed. They have shown no alacri-
ty to come forward. Nor is it to be for
gotten that the bill authorizing the ad-
mission of Representatives aud Senators
upon the complete ratification, has never
yet passed either House of Congress.
By law of its being falsehood pos
sesses an inherent weakness. Sometimes
its supporters quarrel and divide. Some
times its parts antagonize. Sometimes
sober second thought assails it. Time
with its Ithurial sphere inevitably pierces
it, and it comes to naugbt.
This frenzy of passion cannot last for
ever. Reason must sooner or later re-
sumo its sway. Those who think other
wise. it has been beautifully said, forget
that the angry rapids of Niagara lead to
the placid expanse of Ontario. 1t was
an eastern sage who urged his master to
have eugraven on his signet-ring, that
it might ever be before his Dyes, in every
vicissitude of prosperity or adversity
And this too shall pass away" This
year or next year, or in FIVE years.
or in ten years reason will be heard and
our principles and our party will tri-
umpb. But if it should not come to pass
in our time, and is We of this genera
tion must die with our harness on, in the
midst of the struggle, we shall at least
have the testimony Of good conscience.
We shall at least have kept the faith, We
shall at least have the assurance ofa good
hope; for we know that great parties
for great principles, like good
men, leave behind them s'footsteps in the
sands Of time. -
"Footsteps which perhaps another
Sailing o'er life's barren main,
Some forlorn and shipwrecked brother
Seeing, may take heart again."
In the meantime we are strong as a
minority, adhering to our principles.
We would be weak in Office at the ex-
pense of them. The power for good of
an honest opposition, is large indeed
The rudder may SO direct its course that
the vessel will advance almost in face Of
the wind. We are strong as we cast
aside all temporizing expedients; as We
reject all sacrifices of principles to policy,
as we bravely and openly avow our faith
and invoke a patriotic people to its
thoughtful consideration. Gentlemen of
the Convention let US make that appeal
to the people to-day.