Year: 1862

Resolued 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 anC
the Constitution, without conditions or higher
law reservations for peace with all men anC
all nations, when it can be honorably secured
or preserved, and for war when peace is nC
longer consistent with national dignity or the
preservation Of the peoples just rights-for q
strict construction of the Constitution of the
country. and a sacred regard, at all times anc
under all circumstances, by ruler well as
people, by servant well citizen for all its
guarantees and provisons-for the preservation
of the freedom of speech and the liberty Of the
press-ior an honest and economical admins
tration of the Government the faithful guar
dianship of the public credit, and the prompt
punishment of treasury plunderers and against
all encroachments upon State or Individual
rights-against the irresponsible exercise by
public servants of powers not delegated in the
Constitution-aga oppression of every de-
scription-against sectionaliSm and all its as
pects-against underground railroads and John
Brown raids - and finally. and especially
against all attempts by the Federal Govern
ment to subjugate States or divest their gov





privileges which they have heretofore exercised
or enjoyed.


Resoired, That the so called " Right of Sc
cession," claimed by many politicians and cti-
zens of States now in 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 to-day as it was only a few years or
months ago, when it was claimed, by Northern
abotionists and at least one Northern Legis-
lature, and should be condemned aud opposed
by all good men, at all times, as tending TO the
abrogation 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 criminal-an iudefensible vi.
olatlon 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 vengeful warfare upon Southern
institutions, cannot justify or palliate.


ReSolved, 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 in 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 sympathies.
We congratulate them upon the recent bril-
liant victories which their valOr has achieved,
and besreak 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.


ReS0lred 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 war for emancipation of slaves
and the subjuEaton of the Southern States, or
their return to 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-
tion, and whose highest patriotism is an unnat-
ural and unrighteouS hatred of the citizens OF
sister States. And whereas we perceive graft
flying 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
unfsltering support.


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