Year: 1868




Seph, Mo.


Gen. Blair, on his recent visit to St. Jo-
seph, Missouri, was screnadcd, and called
upon for speech. lIo complied with the
request, and spoke very briefly, in substance
as follows: ,.


Geatlemen Of 81. Joseph: In addressing
the large and enthusiastic audience before
me, l shall not insult you by calling you
"fellows,' or by advising you to throw q
man in the river, who happens to differ in
opinion regarding the sentiments expressed,
MS understand has been done by distin.
guished military gentleman in this place
upon recent occasion. believe this to be
n free country, and that the people will treat
those with respect who respect the people.
Our objections to the principles Of our ad-
versaries in this great political campaign is
that they assume too dictorial tone toward
the people. They denouncc me as revolu-
tionist- say that wish to inaugurate anoth.
er rebellion, because l say it is time for the
rule Of the bayonet to be checked. (Great
applause.) The people Of the State of Mis-
souri,, and the people Of the whole country,
are tired Of being bound to obey the dictates
Of their military commanders. We believe
it is time for the will of the people to be
carried out. This will be done. "a voice,
"We'll fix that in November.'') Yes, we
will settle that in November, and VIC will do
it peaccably by the ballot. The people are
now fully aroused, and none Of these men
will dare to defy the will Of the people,
Those who attempt it will come to grief,
and it is time they should come to grief
Unless checked, they will go on until they
establish negro suffrage over this State and
the Northern States, as they already have
in ten States in this Union. They will ex.
tend military despotism over all the States,
and negro supremacy, as far as the people
will allow it. This fragmcntery Congress,
and the carpet-baggers that have got into
the State under the auspices of this Rump,
have already attempted to degrade the white
men of all the States to condition of infe.
riority to the negro. This is the main issue.
The people have decided in all those States
where they have enjoyed the privilege of a
free vote, that this thing cannot be; and |
tell you that the will of the people shall be
carried out in spite Of the designs of these
ambitious men who have trampled the Con-
stitution under their feet, and republican
form of government shall be guaranteed to
the people of the Southern as well as Of the
Northern States. But We are told that even
if the Democratic party elect their Presi-
dent and majority of the House of Rep
resentatives, these carpct-baggers, who as
sumo to constitute majority Of the Senate,
will defeat legislation and will impose this
ignorant and semi-barbarous race of negroes
upon the country as the superior of the
white man. Let them dare to do it, and
they will find that moro than one million
majority of the voters who are opposed to
this scheme will make it impossible for them
to pcrpctuate such contaminating outrage
upon American citizens. The people have
risen in their might everywhere, from Maine
to California, and have by their votes said
they will no. have this negro supremacy
kept up in the country. They will not be
shaken in this purpose to turn aside the
bayonet that is still kept pointed at the
throats of the white men of the South
Neither will the Radical party in its hope.
less minority be able to defeat the will of the
people. l feel an abiding confidence in the
success Of the Democratic party Of to-day,
because it is right. Thanking you, gentle
men, for your very kind and attentive audi
cncc, bid you farewell.