Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1868-09-30
War. or Peace.

We heard an intelligent Republican re-
mark the other day, that he should be alarm.
ed beyond measure if he supposed the Dem
ocratic party, in case Of success, would ex-
ocute their threats of violent resistance to the
reconstruction acts of Congress and virtual
reputation of the national debt but be did
not believe they would dare to fuli their
party pledges Senator Fessenden said re-
Gently, in public speech, that for many years
prior to the war he made light Of the threats
OF the Democratic party, that civil war and
follow any resistance to the demands Of the
slave power but during the dark and bloody
years Of the rebellion he learned that those
threats had a deep and terrible meaning
And he now sacredy believed that if Sey-
mour was elected, the worst schemes Of revo-
luton and reputation, which are now so
loudly advocated by the leaders of the party,
would be put in execution. How could they
do otherwise, and maintain the integrity Of
the party? The great battle-cry of the cam
pairn is, Down with the unconstitutional leg
islation of Congress in respect to reconstruc-
ton and the finances aud is not this blow
direct at the peace and the credit of the ma
ton? Would not the triumph of the Demo-
cratic party, in view of the general lawless-
ness and anarchy which prevails at the South,
Z
in consequence Of the encouragement held out
to them by the Democratic leaders, inevita-
| bly, result in a new rebellion, and that, too,
without the financial ability necessary to its
suppression? Who controlled the Democrat
ic National Convention but rebels and their
sympathizers? What nominated Frank Blair
for Vice President but his open avowal that
the reconstruction legislation Of Congress
should be wiped out by the sword What is
the significance of Mr. Pendletons recent
emphatic and deliberate instruction to a
! Democratic editor in Texas, wherein he told
the people of that State to uote adding
zoe shall see that TeraS is represented !:
VOTE ny ALL MEANS (Which is nothing
more nor less than a pledge to violate the SOL
emn enactment of Congress that the unrecon
structed States should not vote. Is there no
meaning to the proclamation of the Louis
vile Journal, to the States of Virginia,
Texas and Mississippi to rote--backed up by
the assurance that, if the counting Of their
votes would elect Seymour and Blair they
shall be counted, DE THE COST WHAT IT MAY ?"
Adding, " if we will not fight for our rights
we have no right to have rights"
In no light that we can view the subject
can we see anything in the success of the De-
mocratic party, as at present organized and
committed in its platform and by its ruling
spirits, but virtual surrender of all the price,
less blessings resulting from the suppression
of the rebellion.
THE struggle was too fierce and long
The cost in lives too dear
Not yet forgotten the braves
Who had no thought OF fear,
They could not see the old flag torn
From Freedoms hallowod brow,
Nor can we lose what they bequeathed--
We can't surrender now
Then ask us not to vote for those
Who held our brave boys back,
When onward came tho Unions ioeF
With desolating track
We cannot blot the record fair
OF Freedoms holy vow,
We cannot dim Truths sacred light
| We can't surrender now ~