American citizen. [volume] (Butler, Butler County, Pa.) 1863-1872, 1867-06-12
JEFF. DAVIS.
THE PAST AND PRESENT.

THE PAST AND PRESENT
Since the formation of the Union of
the thirteen original colonies there has
been constant political struggle between
Slavery and Freedom. The former strong
in its cunning, sought at all times to use
every political organization, as its agent,
in nationalizing sectional institution =
The latter, patient in its strength, stood
the encroachment of the enemy, not only
until sufferance ceased to be virtue, but
until prudence, wisdom and conscience
said, the hour for firmness had come.
The friends of freedom accepted the
issue forced upon them in 1860, of No
more Slave States"-we say, forced upon
them, because, had the slave power kept
the compromise of 1920, no such issue
would ever have been raised. The re-
suit of this issue was, that worthy and
faithful representative of free institu
tions-Abraham Lincoln. was elected
President.
The slave power conseiou, that, under
such an administration, they could never
plant their barbarous institution in the
virgin Territories of the Nation, sought
by treason and robbery to poverize and
disarm the Nation, that had cloaked their
shame, and nursed them from infancy
and poverty to opulence and wealth-de-
Tending them from foreign and domestic
foes, and improving her harbors and post
roads at her own expense.
Next, they sought by usurpation to
form new Government, with slavery as
its corner stone, and its avowed purpose
was to tear down the fair temple of frees
dom and nationalze sectional evil which
had corrupted their own hearts A strug
gle ensued, for the existence of this ma.
ton, and its enemies were overcome and
during this struggle-who was looked
upon as the arch fend of the hellish
work ? Who was it that deserved to sui
fer most? We hear million responses
and all say, Jefferson Daris. A nation
wrapt in comparative desolation, almost
swamped in debt, burdened with taxation,
replies-Jeferso DaUis. The willows and
orphans of the Union and Rebel dead,
reply-Jcfferson Davis. The blood of
half million slain replies Jefferson Da-
vis. He was a leading spjril in the con
ception of Treason, and was chosen as its
Commauder.in-C Chief during the long and
bloody struggle.
The faithful Union army trudged along
through mud and swamps, from one bat
tie field to another, and tread with ten
derness and sympathy over the rebel
dead and their desolated fields, pitying
their misguided enthusiasms, and hoping
some day to reach the heart Of the rebel.
lion and visit their punishment where it
justly belonged. As they marched they
sang, Well hang JEFF. DAVIS on
sour apple tree !"
Four long years of marching, suffering,
privation, misery, starvation, watching,
praying and weeping, at last brought the
glad tidings, that the arch fend of the
rebellion, aud almost Of pandemonium
itself, had been captured. Public imagin-
alton stood on ip-toe to see what was the
greatest punishment that could be visited
upon mortal man. For srifing offences
paratively, they had seen thousands
deprived Of life; and now, the demand
for summary and just punishment came
up from the living and the dead.
The captive was conveyed to the most Sc
cure and pleasant fort in the Nation shield
ed by the strong arm of the Government,
from the just death blow which million
arms were uplifted ia inAict--visited, op-
plauded, caressed and idolized by his
friends for two long years under the flag
of our country He is then sent on a
tour, for the benefit Of his health, to an
other country, after being required to
give bond equal to Is cents for each life
that he has taken-to appear at future
term of the United States Court-and
Horace Greeley is one Of his bonds men, :