Dodgeville chronicle. [volume] (Dodgeville, Wis.) 1862-current, 1868-10-09
Speech Of Robert M, Son of Stepher
A. Douglas.

AT the great Republican mass-meeting
in Raleigh, N. c., on Sept. 16, Robert M.
Douglas made the following speech:
Fellow Citizens: Though it may appear
presumptuousi in one so young to attempt to
discuss questions which task the energies
and abilities of our greatest statesmen, yet,
feeling in this vital struggle on which /
believe the future prosperity, if not the
very existence, of our country depends, it
is the duty of every one, young or old, to
exert his utmost in defense of our sacred
cause. obey your call. Thisis probably
the first time in our nations history thata
young man has had the opportunity of ap-
pearing before a popular gathering as the
advocate of truly national party-a party
that is governed by no sectional interests
is our whole country, whose eternal prin-
ciples are equal rights and equal laws. I
| do not look upon this as canvass which
will decide the manner in which the gov
ernment of the country shall be admins
tered but as an issue on which will de-
| pend the vital question, shall we have a
| country? ?"
Sincerely believing in this, shall not
| attempt to deal with minor questions of do
mestic policy, but shall come at once to
| the main issues, Union or Disunion, Peace
or War.
What satisfaction does the true patriot
| derive from the adoption of his dearest
| theories of government, if, in the adop-
| ton of those theories, begins the ruin of
| the land he fondly hoped they would
| lead to greatness? Laws founded even
upon Divine inspiration, would be USE
| less if there were no country for them to
| govern.
What theatre is there for the display of
| the energies of young and aspiring citi-
zen just entering upon the important du-
| ties oflife, in country torn by civil strife
Well has an eminent American statesman
remarked: "There is no path of ambition
open to me in a divided and distracted
country"
To prove that the real issue is peace or
war, we have only to refer to Frank P.
Blair's letter, written with view to his
nomination, and subsequently indorsed by
the very fact of his nomination by the Ma
tional Democratic Convention.
Blair in his letter says:
| "Tnere is but one way to restore the
| Government and the Constitution, and
that is for the President elect to declare
those acts null and void, compel the army
to undo its usurpations at the South, dis
| ptleC tuC Cdl poe-udS OGatc 0OfSluuCubs,
allow the white people to reorganize their
own governments, and elect Senators and
Representatives.
OF course, any attempt to subvert the
| Government of these Southern States by
force, would lead to war, as the Governor
and all other State officers, civil and mill
tary, are sworn to obey, support and de-
| fend the Constitution of the State of
North Carolina; and we will defend it.
Further down Blair says:
1--WE must restore the Constitution be-
fore we can restore the finances, and to do
this we must have President who will
execute the will of the people by tramp
ling into dust the usurpation of Congress
known as the reconstruction acts. / wish
to stand before the Convention upon this
issue, but it is one which embraces every
thing else that is of value in its large and
comprehensive results. 1t is the one thing
that includes all that is worth contest
and without it there is nothing that gives
dignity, honor, or value to the struggle"
On this issue he was nominated. l
any further proofs were needed to show