Year: 1863


We were American citizens before we were
Republicans or Democrats, and it matters lit
tie who is in or out OF Office, so that the coun-
try is saved" Very true, but it is not very
satisfactory reflection that American citizens
degenerate into partizans as they arrive at
mans estate. If this is Objectionable in citi-
zens, how much more reprehensible is it in the
authorities called to administer the Govern
ment ?-aDd more especially still when they
discard constitutional policy, as declared in
resolution adopted By Congress in July '6l,
and act upon a strictly partisan one. Under
that resolution, the people of the loyal States
were united in putting down the rebellion, not
caring who was in Office or out of Office. The
Administration having abandoned the correct
policy for an extremely partisan one, cannot
reasonably expect that united and hearty sup
port that il received after the commencement
of the rebellion. and which it continued to
receive up to the adoption of an ultra partisan
policy in September, 90.


A glance at the different policies of the
Administration will show who was the FIRST to
become partisan since the Inauguration of the
rebellion. The resolution passed by Congress
10 July 81, declares that, the war is not waged
on the part of the Government for the purpose
of &" interfering with the rights or established
institutions of the States, but to defend and
maintain the supremacy of the Constitution"
Now the policy of the Administration is to
abolish the institutions OF those States, the
proclamation of the President being for that
avowed object. While the war was being
prosecuted for the supremacy of the Consttu-
tion, no one cared what its incidental effects
might be upon the States in rebellion, or their
had themselves evoked it. Secretary Chase
now inquiries, a. what difference does it make
whether the overthrow of slavery is made the
object of the war or only its incident ?" The
difference is seen in the partisan spirit rife in
the country, the result of the policy pursued
by the Administration. 1t is the difference
between a patriotic and constitutional Ad
ministration of the Government, and partisan
Administration. 1t makes precisely the dfie-
renee that distinguishes the true American
constitutional citizen, from the sectional parti-
san Republican. 1t is some satisfaction to
know that the Administration was once Amer
ican, if it is now Republican.


The reverse, however is the case with Mr.
Whittier. He was Republican all his days,
and never thought of being an American citi
zen, until the Administration was forced into
the adoption of strict republican policy
Under the erroneous impression that this ac-
tion of the Administration took away the par
tisan character of Republicans, and left them
simply American citizens, Mr.. Whittier would
advise all to become just such American citi
Gems, c. partisan Republicans If this Ad
ministration argument of the Republicans, is
deemed sufficient by them TO influence the
entire people of the loyal States. the policy of
jeff. Davis Administration is equally sufficient
to influence the people Of the rebel States, and
so long as these influences control the people
of the opposing sections, just so long will the
war be one of political bigotry and intolerance


instead of being prosecuted for the supremacy
of the Constitution, and its length will depend
upon the endurance of the weaker party. We
have never doubted the ability and strength Of
ho Il ctrof IN olo
now pursuing, and still maintain the contest
This arises from the fact that Democrats are
more patriotic than the abolition leaders Of
the Republicans, and do not like the Repub-
licans and rebels, declare against the Govern
ment because they cannot control its policy.
The Democratic party are for the Union and
Government of our fathers at all sacrifice, and
claim the right of free American citizens to
point out the policy which they believe best to
perpetuate both. For this, they have received
the contumely and vituperaiion of their politi-
cal opponents, even while their life blood was
mingling with the soil OF the battle field that
those who denounced them as copperheads'
aud traitors, might legslate IN safety at the
national capitol. That is the patriotism of
the American citizens, 10 which the Repubi-
can party is a stranger.


This " American citizen argument in pref
erence to partisanship, is good one. The
Democratic party have recognized and acted
upon it since the bombardment of Fort Sum.
ter, and still adhere 10 it. 1t is the Adminis-
tration that has become partisan. If it would
have people united in lis support, let it again
become American, as it was under the July
resolution. The promises then held out to
induce the adoption of a partisan policy, have
proven delusion and snare. Republicans
who refused 10 go forth TO battle for the su-
premacy of the Constitution, are still iaggards
under partisan policy The only effect of
the partisan policy of the Administration has
been to chill the patriotism of the masses, and