The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1867-08-15
MASON STILL A "DIsunIoslsr.p

Charles mason made . speech at DUBUQUE
the other day, in which he not only justifies
the rebels, but eulogizes their cause and pro-
claims that the very fact that they did rebe
against the Government proves that they had
just grounds for their rebellion.
"Our antagonsts-in effact-seek TO in.
culcate the maxim that rebellion is an unpar-
donable offense, involving moral turpitude of
30 heinous character that no grace can ever
reach the criminal. This doctrine never had
its birth place in America. 1t is Austrian, If
not Asiatic, in its origin. Tyrants who rule
BY fear alone, and who remble on their
thrones at every exhibition of independent
thought aud action among the people, may
we'll endeavor to instll such maxims into their
minds; but they will nevertpd favor with
free people who prefer liberty with ell its ne.
cessary inconvenience to the stagnant calm
of despotic peace. Why, our nationality was
conceived in rebellion. The free institutions
which are our glory and our delight, are all Of
rebel pedigree. The greatest names which
adorn our history, and which cause the hear,
Of every true American to swell with patriot.
ic pride, we're all rebels Of the 6rst water.
1T is true that rebellion in that case was
successful. This admit makes wide dir
ference politically and historically, but does
1t do so morally II the revolution of l77s
bad ultimately failed through the neglect of
France and the superhuman efforts of Great
Britain, would that have rendered the dec.
laration of independence An objectionable
crime2 Would George the Third in such an
event have been justlIable or even wise in
abrogstinE the colonial charters, dsfranchis-
Ing the white colonists and confiscatinp their
property, manumitting the slaves and placing
them in the control OF the new government
be bad organized? He might have attempted
. 70 jestify such tyranny by the pretense tia.
he vas thereby rendering treason odious and
removing all cause Of. future rebellion. but
would such course have met with the ap.
proval OF the statesman or philanthropist?
de should have remembered that where there
is sufficient cause the people ought to rebel.
and where there 10 no cause they will mt
attempt IT; that the closing up of one avenue
OF its external manifestation will cause the
unremoved disease 70 burst forth in another
eqnahy formidable; that where there is . will
there Is always way, and that the only eff
fectuai means Of preventing outbreaks and
revolutions IL by giving the people i rood
and Just government, and thus removing An
ground OF dissatisfaction and ali wish for
change
lie then goes on to a practical as well az
DISQUALIFICATION of the rebels as fol.
lows;
but we hear it often said that the late 70.
bellion was wantonly wicked, and without
the least shadow Of excuse or palliation.
lhis IL not true. They who make the asser-
lion deceive themselves, or they knowingly
attempt to deceive others.n
And again: st4-
Under full sense Of my responsibility in
10 dong, | hereby deliberately declara that
IN my nrm opinion the dissatisfacdo of
which this dreadful war arose was not without
some solid foundation. The wrong was not
wholly on our side
but ne does not stop there, he puts it be-
yond controversy from the standpoint Of 81,
Southern friends, that the loyal people of the
North who waged war against the .sdisupion.
lists pursued an unconstitutie nal and crimi.
nal course, and the leas, that they can now
do, is to seek forgiveness at the hands of the
injured rebels, and submit 10 accept their in.
depreciation Of the United States.
Read what follows, and thea if you vote
for Charles Mason, we feel sure you would
vote for JEFF. Davis also, if he were . can.
ddate.
!, There is another view to be taken OF
Ie's matter, which greatly strengthens the duty
oi.ioierat'os on our part The risht fSNts
secession has long been the received doctrine
10 most OF the Southern States. If they are
rlen. IN TINS, they were fully justified in the
course they took. For although ercen,;on
mas been sometimes taken in regard to The
manner in which they attempted to CARY ont
that priaciple, still, - no technieal NH Md
ever been adopted, all that vas requisite was
Tor the people to express their wishes in aoms
1an y! method, which they certainly
did in this case.n