The Corvallis gazette. [volume] (Corvallis, Or.) 1862-1899, 1897-07-23
the man. And he pushed forward to

the man. And he pushed forward to
add his name to the list
Directly opposite two men sat look
ing out of second story window. They
were in the law Office of Justin Will
liams, lifelong citizen of the town
and lawyer of repute. He. was man
of 55, but carried his age lightly. The
other was young man of "a, well
built and having plain but kindly
face. He was Royal Kenton of Rhode
Island, graduate of law at a promi-
nent university and the junior partner
of the law firm of Williams & Kenton
They were uncle and nephew. Kenton
had come down about Is months before.
As the relative and partner of promi-
nent citizen he was treated with cour-
tesy. As Yankee, fresh from Yankee
land, he was subject of criticism, and
there was little heart in the hospitality
accorded him. There could not have
been. He represented principles an
tagonistic to the south. There was no
neutral ground in those days. A man
represented not himself, but his sec
ton of country. The opinions of his sec
ton were considered to be his. A south
erner at the north would have been
looked upon through the same eyes and
held responsible to the same extent
Men liked him as man, but they de-
tested him as Yankee.
Well, am sorry this trouble has
fallen upon the country" said the old
lawyer as they watched the crowd oppo-
site. II have long felt that it must
come sooner or later, but l hoped it
would not be in my day. Nothing can
now prevent war.
But everybody appears to think it
will end almost as soon as begun re-
piled Kenton.
They do not stop to reflect, said
the lawyer as his face assumed more
serious look. 81 am southerner, and
believe the south has been fully justi-
fed in her course, but our people are
foolishly Understanding the strength
and temper of the north. They will not
let rs go because we bluster and threat
en-. If the south secures separation,
1t will have to be won on the field of
battle. 1t was to be, and it has come,
but it is to be deplored.
If waI comes, business will have to
go, observed Kenton as he looked
about the office.
"War IS here, and our business has
already fled, replied Williams. Mar
tial law will soon be proclaimed, and
there will be no more use for judges,
jurors and attorneys. | have wanted to
ask you for several days what course
you mean to pursue If it was to be a
war of 60 days. six months, or even Q
~ might axe certain, I,ss..i.. al
it Is to be long and bloody struggle,
and this very valley will be battle
ground. We may as we'll close our of
flee today asa month hence. Amid
such excitement as this there can be no
call for our services.
Il am northern man, said Ken
ton after moments thought.
Yes, they call you Yankee -
Il have cared nothing for politics
There is a great principle herein in
rolved, but our greatest statesmen are
divided ever it. The south seeks inde-
pcndence from a federation which has
become unbearable. The north, or at
least goodly portion of 1t, denies the
right of secession. This coming war is
the consequence | stand on neutral
ground.
You are neutral today, but you can
not he 30 days hence, said the cid law
yer as a troubled look came into his
face. % Do you find any neutral men in
that crowd down there! Have you heard
any neutral talk among our peorle2 1t
may not be 10 days before you will be
put to the test. .
What test?"
''Of your allegiance to one side or
the other. Every young man in ou,
town is Fastening to volunteer. l am
100 old to be taken now, but later on
may be forced into the ranks. 1t will
be war in which the south will need
her last man. | am not pledged to a
southern confederacy, but am pledged
to Virginia. | go with my state. You
have come down to cast your lot with u.s.
It is for you to answer whether you are
for or against your adopted state.
Think it over. If you wish to go north,
the routes are still open. If you wish
to remain, you will be asked why you
don t volunteer. do not seek to influ-
ence you. De guided by your own con-
science. Tomorrow we will settle all
business matters between US. 1t may be
years before there is any. further call
for our I,gal talents in this or any other
Virginia town. Military law will soon
override ever. hinp
The old lawyer rose up and passed
down stairs en- his way home without
further remark, leaving Royal Kenton
in brown study, which was interrupt
ed 10 minutes later Ivy wild cheering on
the street. He went down to ascertain
the cause. and a man who had just vol
unteered swung his hat and replied:
''Hnoray! We uns is gwine to send
fellers right on to captur' Washington
and ole Ale Lincoln!''