The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1886-05-19

TFrom Gen. John A. Logsn's new book. ct
Great Conspiracy

Reconciliation Ofers Rejeceed.
TFrom Gen. John A. Losaa's new book. Tho
Great Conspirscy."1
Many of the Rebel leaders seemed
to be haunted by the fear (no doubt
well foundsd) that unless blood were
shed-unless an impossible barrier,
crimsoned with human gore, were
raised between the new Confederacy
and the old Union, there would al
ways be an ever-present danger OF
that Confederacy falling to pieces.
Hence they were now active In work.
ing the people up to the required
point of frenzy.
As a specimen Of their speeches,
may be quoted that of Roger A. Pry-
or, of Virginia, who, at Charleston,
April 10, 1861, replying to a sere-
made, said:
Gentlemen, l thank you, espe-
cially that you have at last annihi-
lated this accursed Union, Jap
plause], reeking with corruption, and
insolsnt with excess OF tyranny.
Thank God, il is at last blasted and
riven by the lightning wrath OF an
outraged and indignant people. lap
plause.] Not only is it gone, but
gone forever. lCrles Of, You are
right, and applause.] In the ex-
pressive language Of Scripture, it is
water split upon the ground, which
cannot be gathered up. Applause.
Like Lucifer, never to rise again.
CONTINUED applause
"For my part, gentleman" he
continued, as soon as he could be
heard" if Abraham Lincoln and
Hannibal Hamlin tomorrow were
to abdicate their offices and were to
give me a blank sheet of paper 10
write the condition of remuneration
to the defunct Union, l would scorn-
fully spurn the overture. 1
invoke you, and L make it In some
sort a personal appeal-personal SO
far as it tends to our assistance In
Virginia. do invoke you, in your
demonstrations of populrr opinion,
in your exhibitions OF official intent,
to give ne countenance to this idea
of reconstruction. MANY voices,
emphatically, never and APP
plause.l
In Virginia" resumed he, they
all say, II reduced to the dread
dilemma of this memorable alterna-
tive, they will espouse the cause of
the South as agains: the interest Of
the Northern Confederacy, but they
whisper of reconstruction, and they
say Virginia must abide in the
Union, with the idea of reconstruct
ing the Union which you have an
initiated. | pray you, gentleman,
rob them of that idea. Proclaim to
the World that upon no condition,
and under no circumstance will
South Carolina ever again enter into
political association with the Abo-
litionists of New England. lCries of
never and applause.
DO not distrust Virginia." he
continued, = as sure as to-morrow's
sun will rise upon US, just so sure
will Virginia be a member Of this
Southern Confederation. (Applause.]
And | will tell you, gentlemen,
what will put her in the Southern
Confederacy ia less than an hour by
Shrewsbury clock-STRIKE. A
BLOWl Tremendous applause
The very moment that blood is shed
old Virginia will make common
cause with her sisters of the South.
[Applause.] 1t is impossible she
should do otherwise"
The question of the necessity of
Striking a Blow of the immedi-
ate shedding of blood " was not
only discussed before the Southern
people for the purpose of infiaming
their rebellious zeal, but was also the
subject of excited agitation in the
Confederate Cabinet at this time.
In q speech made by ex-United
States Senator Clemens, of alabama,
at Huntsville, Ala, at the close Of
the Rebellion, he told the Alabam-
ians how their State, which, as we
have seen, was becoming decidedly
shaky in its allegiance to the SHAN
of Southern Independence" was
kept in the Confederacy.
Said he In 1861, shortly after
the Confederate Government was
put in operation, l was in the city
of Montgomery. One day. april
IL, 1861 | stepped into the office OF
the Secretary of War, Gen. Walker,
and l found there, engaged in a very
excited discussion, Mr.. Jefferson Da.
Wis, the President. MI. Memminger
Secretary of the Treasury, Mr.. Ben.
jamin, Attorney General. Mr.. Gil.
christ, a member of our Legislature
from Loundes county, and a num-
Der of other prominent gentlemen
They were discussing the prophet,
of Immediately opening fire on For
Sumter, to which General Walker
the Secretary of War, appeared t.
be opposed. Mr.. Gilchrist said II
him, Sir. unless you sprinkle blood
in the face of the people Of Alabama
they will be back in the old Unior
in less than ten DAYS! !" The ner
day Gen. Beauregard opened has bat