Year: 1862

from Hte Last Spccch OF Stephetl a. L0UqfdS, O6-


tiUcred in National Hall, Chicago, Nay /, 1861.


l viii not conceal my qualification at the in
controvertable testimony which this vast assem-
bage presents that however the difference of
opinion on political topics and partizan ques-
tions may have divided us, yet you all have a
conviction that when the country would he in
danger my loyalty may be relied on.


] have not only rendered to these discontented
States full and ample justice, but / have gone
further to the utmost extremity of magnanimity
aud generosity. The return that we have re-
ceivcd is war upon the Government, marching
of hostile armies to reduce our national capital,
the destruction of the great father of wat ers the
| issue of letters of marque to pirates to commit
| depredatiOns on our commerce on the high seas
and concerted movement to blot out the Uni
ted States of America from the map of the world
The simple question is whether we will main.
tain the Government established by our fathers
or allow it to be stricken down by those who
when they can no longer govern, endoavor to
destroy it.
There has not been day, from the time when
George Washington was inaugurated President
of the United States down to this moment, when
the rights of the Southern States stood frmeI
under the laws of the land than they do to-day
There has never been time when those States
have not had as good cause for disunion as they
have to-day.


| ask what excuse can these disunionists o
the South urge for their scheme to break up the
government The slavery question is a mere
excuse. The election of Mr.. Lincoln is a merI
preteXt. The present secession movement is
the result of a tremendous enormous conspiracy
| formed more than year ago. TCheers This
conspiracy to break up this Union, was formed
| by the leaders in the Southern COnfederacy
more than twelve months ago. They use the
slavery question as means to accomplish then
desired ends
i


This is not time to go into a discussion OF
the causes that have produced these results
The conspiracy to break up the Union is fact
now known TO ALL Armies are being raised and
war levied to accomplish it. There can be but
two sides TO the controversy. EVERY MAN MUST
BE ON THE SIDE OF THE UNITED STATES OR AGAINST
IT. There can be no neutrals in the war.


There can be none but patriots and traitors
! Thank God Illinois will not be divided on thai
question. l know that they have expected tC
present a united South against divided North
The conspiTators have been led to the hope that
in the Northern States, it would be party ques
tion, producing civil war between Democrat
and Republicans, and the South being united
could step in with their legons and help to de
stroy the other, aud then conquer the VICTOR
Their scheme was blood-shed, and all the hoT
rors of civil war in every Northern State !
There is one way to prevent it--united action OF
the part of Illinois: closing up the ranks, ren
ders it impossible that war shall rage on our soil
repeat that so long as it was possible TO set
tie this question by peaceable mems, was will
ing to make any reasonable sacrifices for tha
purpose, but when the question comes whethe
the war shall be transferred from the cottoI
fields of the South To the confelds of Illinois
/ choose to say that the further off the war th'
better.


Whoever is not prepared I,
sacrifice party organizations and platforms OF
the altar of his country does not deserve thu
support and cOuntenanee Of honest people. How
are We to overcome partizan antipathies in tn,
minds of men of all parties SO as to present
united front in support Of our country. w,
must cease discussing party issues make no al
lusions to old party tests, have no elimination
and recriminations, indulge in no taunts on
against another as TO who has been the cause o
these troubles.


When we shall have rescued the govemmen
and country from its perils, and seen its fial
floating in triumph over every inch of American
soil, it viii then be time enough to inquire as q
who and what has brought these troubles upoI
us. When we shall have a country and gov
ernment for our children 10 live in, in peace an,
happiness, II viii be time for each of us TO re
turn to our party banners according to our con
victions of right and duty. Let him be marke,
as no true patriot who will not abandon all sucl
issues in times like this.