Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1879-11-19
Who Shall l Vote For 7

20 " fucseiOh W. di OouSiuVl ~ eihCSt anu
is n subject worthy of consideration GER
tainly. Now here are two factions far
apart as earth and sky. and Of what are
each composed9 Their elements are the
same, but elements when perverted are
destructive 10 their effects.
Let us first cast our vision over the re-
publican ranks, their leaders and their
intentions toward men. What are those
intentions9 Equal rights. sound cur
rency, advancement of the human race,
with protection for all her citizens. a free
ballot, peace with all nations. charity for
all and malice toward none. and the key
stone TO unite this splendid fabric is union.
By what has it been preserved? BY
Gettysburg, by Appomattox, by the way
marks from the Potomac to the sea, our
soldiers graves; by emancipation which
our noble Lincoln could execute, though
the traitors dagger sought his life for the
act; by mothers tears and widows agony !;
death of heroes and dcsolation of homes !;
severing of all ties and destruction of all
hopes; by the brave hearts who rallied
around our standard-war democrats and
the republican party, theiI leaders in the
cabinet and on the field.
But if we mention these things they
cry, bloody shirt!' Who inaugurated
itP Was it seen in bleeding Kansasp Did
John Brown wear it, and when buried
with him were its memories resurrectcd
at Manassas and the Wlderness?--that
can never wash out the memory of our
fathers and hrothers' blood from the
hearts of widows, mothers and children.
Can it ever fade-ought its memory TO die,
can we shut our vision to its folds rent
and torn by shell and musketry, the
deadly thrust of bayonet, and worn at
Andersonville to cover starvation and
death? Though we forgive the hand
which created it, we can never forget.
Let its memories bind us together, and we
firmly resolve that the Union shall never
lose Il star.
What did the voters of New York, New
Jersey and Connecticut see that has made
this mighty change? Was it shadows of
solid south, and did they observe the
fangs and crest OF the front rankp Did
they hear the old rebel yell, and what is
the result-redempti of the north united
and unbroken.
The republicans and war democrats
who saved the Union once will now pro-
teCt our liberties without shackle. Now
let us read the record of the present DEM
ocralic party, which is slavery, bondage of
millions, secession because they could not
extend it, rebellion, the slaughter of our
soldiers, Andersonvile, the starvation of
helpless prisoners. ku.klux murder of
citizens who protested Union sentiments,
initiation, attempt to destroy the credit
of the counlry-are they worthy of en-
ulaDon? If so, vote the democratic
ticket; if not, cease to do so TIL the south
slows signs of repentance by deeds wor-
thy of American people. Until she pro-
tects her citizens, until the return of the
prodigal is sincere, and union is her
wntchword, until her hate has become
love and the star spanged banner is an
emblem which they venerate, until the
deeds, acts and words of her leaders shall
denote that the union Of hearts and hands
is bond indissolube by foes or Etes, that
the advancement Of this mighty nation is
the aim of each and all; then to vote for
either party will be safe, but until that
time the duration of which rests with the
south itself and her allies, the duty of
every man who loves pence Vt home and
country is to voc with the party which
saved the country in times which tried
mems souls, and has led the way to
prosperity never known before in the his
tory of time, with an unimpaired credit,
spotless flag, a mighty commerce,
refuge for the oppressed America the
garden of the world, the home of the free.