Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1875-06-03
PRINCIPLES WILL STAND.
May 4th. 1873.

fhINCIILEC VIII - II ~ ~
The addresses attendant upon Decora-
ton Day show very clearly the drift OF
northern thought and feeling in regard to
the South. In the majority OF them we
can see as in crystal the just distinction
kept up between those who fought and
fell for Right and Justice and those who
opposed them. All speak kindly, gener-
ously, charitably of our Southern breth-
rem, and invoke complete and lasting
reconciliation between the North and
South. In this they echo public sentiment.
We all acknowledge the bravery of the
Southern soldiers. We all desire the es-
tablishment of fratcrnal relations with
them. There is no party or fraction of a
party in these Northern States that is not
DESTROYS of concord between the sections
that stood in arms against each other for
four years.
But it is a great mistake to conclude
because the feeling at the North is as we
represent it, that the principles for which
the war were waged on our part have
been forgotten or discarded, and that the
Northern people are ready for reconcile
alton upon terms which would render vain
and useless the costly sacrifices Of the
war. The expression upon that poist was
as emphatic in orr recent Decoration GER
emonies as at any time during the war.
The same unconquerable love of Right, of
Freedom, Of Equality, that animated the
people in the struggle with the Slave
Power. animates them now. No talk of
reconciliation tina. remands the negro to
slavery will find favor at the North.
There would be such rising against
reconciliation of that sort as there was
when the news that Sumpter was fired
upon went through the land. We want
reconciliation, but it must be on the basis
of Right. We want peace, but to be dur
able 1t must rest on Justice. We are
ready to clasp hands with our erring
brethren "across the bloody chasm." but
it must be on the principles that the war
settled. Every wreath that was placed over
the graves of our soldiers in the Decora-
ton services, was not only tribute TO the
bravery and sacrifices OF the Union army,
but pledge that the principles for which
it fought shall be sacredly maintained.
1t is evident from the indications APP
pearing at the late ceremonies that the
people at large are considering the prob
able issues and duties of the national cleo
ton next year. 1t is also plain that there
will be no wavering in the republican
ranks when the trial comes They will
hold out the hand of reconciliation and
peace TO the South. but will stand for the
principles decided by the war as firmly as
the solid rock. No other peace can there
be than on this basis. The amendments
TO the constitution must remain as they
are. The blacks must be protected in the
rights and privileges which they have &C.
CURED. In order to accomplish this the
administration must be kept in republican
hands. 1t will not do to trust the keep
ing of Liberty and Equality in the South
to the enemies of those principles. This
we believe is very well understood. When
the republican candidate for President is
named next year. the party will rally
around him in perfect unity and harmony,
for the same spirit which inspired the men
of the North to die on the battlefield in de-
fence Of the Union and Liberty is moving
the people now to guard at the ballot. box
what was gained at the cost of blood.