Year: 1862

Rhode Island Politics.


Resolred. That the Democracy of Rhode
Island stand to-day upon their ancient plat
form that they are for the country and no.
thing less than the country-for the Union and
the Constitution, without conditions or higher
law reservations peace with all men and
all nations. when it can be honorably secured
or preserved, and for war when peace is no
longer consistent with national dignity or the
preservation Of the peoples Just rights-for
strict construction of the Constitution of the
country, and a sacred regard, at all times. and
under all circumstances. by ruler as well
people, by servant as well as citizen, for all its
guarantees and proyisions-for the preservation
Of the freedom of speech and the liberty of the
press-for an honest and economical admins
tration Of the Government. the faithful guar
dianship of the public credit and the prompt
punishment of treasury pluuderers; and against
all encroachments upon State or individual
rlghts-against the irresponsible exercise by
public servants OF powers not delegated IN the
Constitution-against oppression of every de-
scription-against sectionalism and all its as
pects-against underground railroads and J ohm
Brown raids - and finally, and especially.
against all attempts by the Federal Govern
ment to subiugate States or divest their gov
ernments or people of any of the powers or
privileges which they have heretofore exercised
or enjoyed


Resolred That the so called Right of Sc
cession,' claimed by many politicians and citi-
Zens of States now n arms against our Federal
Government, is Inconsistent with all Govern
ment, and denial Of the fundamental principle
of all Democratic Republics. 1t is Just as
false today as it was only few years or
months ago, when it was claimed by \ orhern
abotionists and at least one Northern Legis-
ature, and should be condemned and opposed
by all good men, at all times as tending to the
abrogaton of law and the Inauguration of civ
il war. And denying the right of Secession,
we declare that the present rebellion against
Federal authority, and the attempt to over
throw, by a resort to force, the best Govern
ment which the sun ever shone upon, is both
unreasonable and crminal-an indefeusibe Vi
olaton of all the pledges which citizenship i'm
plies, and such an outrage against humanity
and civilization as even the aggreSsions and
menaces of Northern abolitionists, during thir-
ty years of vengefu warfare upon Southern
Institutions, cannot Justify or paliate


ReSOlred, That while this civil war continues.
it is our duty and the duty Of all loyal citizens
to render to the Government cheerful and
earnest support to stand by it 10 the enforce
ment Of all constitutional measures tending to
the suppression of armed rebellion to give its
officers, so far as they are true to the trusts re.
posed in them, the and and comfort which NAV
be derived from our moral influence and physi-
cal resources And that we extend TO those
citizens of our own and other States who have
responded to the call of the Government for
that protection which arms alone can give, our
hearty commendation and warmest sympatheS.
We congratulate them upon the recent bril-
liant victories which their valor has achieved.
and bespeak for them when their work shall
have been accomplished and their purpose con
summated in the restoration of the Union, the
warm gratitude of all true patriots.


R@olred, That the effort now being made to
divert this war from its original purpose, as
proclaimed by the President and Congress of
the United States seven months ago - the
maintenance of the Federal Constitution and
the preservation of the Unions integrity-and
to turn it into a war for emancipation of slaves
and the subiugation of the Southern States, or
their return to a territorial condition. is an
effort against the Union, against the Constitu-
ton, against justice, and against humanity,
and should be promptly frowned upon by all
the friends of Democratic institutions 1t is
unworthy Of loyal citizens, and can find
support only with sectional fanatics, who have
no love for the Union or desire for its restora-
ton, and whose highest patriotism is an unnat-
ural and unrighteous hatred of the citizens of
sister States. And whereas We perceive graft
tying indications that President Lincoln is
resisting and will continue TO resist this trea-
sonable effort it is further resolved that in such
patriotic resistance be is entitled to and does
continue to receive our cordial sympathy and
unialtering support.


ReSoired. That TO bring the present war to
final and happy conclusion, and secure
union OF hearts as we'll as union of hands it
Is absolutely necessary to reassure the miSgui-
ded people of the South that we mean no
warfare upon their rights, and are actuated bv
no spirit Of revenge to diSayow. in the Ian
guaSe OF Governor Sprague. &" any other wish
than that of bringing together these now bellig-
erent States. without the loss to any one Of
them OF single right or privilege which it has
heretofore enjoyed to show, by our acts as
well as by ouc professions. that our whole pur-
pose Is to preserve our Government Just as it
came to Us from the hands Of our fathers-to
regard all the guarantees of the Constitution.
whether to States or TO the people of the States
and to become once more 4 powerful and
prosperous nation. and a harmonious and happy
people. And that, 10 this end. ii is the duty
OF the Democratic party. not only to preserve
lis distinctive organization, but 10 demonstrate.
by honorable aud patriotic measures. both its
determination and lis power 10 withstand and
render harmless the assault Of Northern sec.
uonaliStS upon Constitutional liberty.