Year: 1863

The following letter from Henry NJ. Rice,
Senator from Minnesota, giving his reasons for
not being able to attend the Union League
Convention in New York, is interesting and
instructive. 1t has the old ring Of that true
Democracy which the fathers loved. Thank
God, for such Democrats that arc faithful
found among the faithless:


cannot DO with you on the llth inst
The present war may last us long rs slavery
is recognized American institution, or until
it shall bc 20 modified as to partake of tho
benefits of civilization and Christianity, with
view to its ultimate extinction. Slavery
is the cause of continued strife; the cause
must be removed, or the disease will extend
to every extreme Of the Union, and in the
end prove its ruin. A long war is better than
short peace-better for both sections-and
yet, the sooner IL is closed, the more quickly
will the anvil, the plow and the loom, respond
to tho happy songs of the workmen through.
out tho entire land. Hence the necessity Of
united North. Our forefathcrs formed q
league IN defence of human slavery. Are
we of the north less brayc-less patriotic than
our forefathcrs?


Why can we not lay aside party, party
fault findings, and unite MS one man. until
tho honor Of our country, liberty and the
names of our fathers have been vindicated ?
The South were traitors to the constitution,
the country and the democratic party, and
now persistently insult those who, for years.
fought solely for their defense. Yet they
find in the North democratic sympathizers
Who can forget how they left us-cowardly
left us-without any feeling of gratitude for
the past, or hope for future reunion ?
Prior to their saying good bye, they wero in
formed that thedemocracy Of the North were
not discouraged; but If they would remain,
the fight should be renewed with increased
yigor. They could ,ceH smile at this simple
yet generous proposition, for their own full,
fat ranks showed that they had not suffered
but the carcworn, thinned, Northern wing
told but too we'll who had met the shock Of
our political foes. And yet democrats can be
found dolting out their sickening sympathy
for the success of their unholy cause. Those
of the South have frequently said they would
listen to no compromise short OF rccogn.
ton of their independence ; this being true.
a peace democrat is a disunionist, for the South
wiH hare no peace short Of disunion unless com
pelled by force Of arms 10 abandon her pres.
ent position.


Those in power have erred, will again err
but because pilot occasonly misses the point
OF the compass, shall we scuttle the ship?


The Administration may not confer any
civil appointments upon democrats; what
then =? /; gives the democracy the greater OPP
portunity for showing its patriotlsm-its love
OF country--of liberty. Ever since the Re-
publican party came into existence, 1t has
until recently stood patiently out in the cold,
even beyond the crump boundary. while the
democratic party for years waxed fat upon
tho good OF the land. Now that the tables
have partially turned, can VIC not show n
little patient modesty until We shall again be
triumphant?


End the the rebelion-make war upon the
western mountains, cause them to throw out
their untold and countless millions of hidden
trcasurcs-pcn up to seed the great prairies
of the Wcst-dcvclope the manufacturing
wealth Of the country-spot every sea with
American sails as thick as snow flakes. Civ
ilzation and Christianity will do tho rest,
even to the making of proper disposition OF
the African.


Very respectfully your obt servant.


Henry NJ. RICE.
Hon. Mn. RoosvELr, Secretary of the Union
League Association in New York City.