Reminiscences of Sixty Years in Public Affairs, Vol. 2Boutwell, George S. (George Sewall)
History
Reminiscences of Sixty Years in Public Affairs, Vol. 2
Boutwell, George S. (George Sewall)
Boutwell, George S. (George Sewall), 1818-1905; United States -- Politics and government
Now then, gentlemen, the two propositions I lay down are these, and if
any one of those gentlemen who indulged in the luxury of a cheer just
now chooses to come upon this platform, I fulfill my pledge: The first
is that this resolution, so far as known, meets the approval of the
rebels in arms against this government. (Voices--"That's so," and
cheers.) The second is that this resolution meets the approval of all
the men in the North who sympathize with the cause of this rebellion
and desire its success. (Repeated cheers and "That's it.") Now, then,
if there is any one who would deny the truth of these propositions, let
him, with the leave of the chair, take ten minutes upon this platform.
(Some confusion ensued, several voices shouting "Make room for George
Lunt," "Where's Lunt?" etc., etc., etc. No one appearing, Mr. Boutwell
continued:) If there is nobody to refute these propositions, I take it
for granted that they meet the general assent of this vast assembly.
(cries of "Good" and cheers); and, if so, isn't this the time, when a
great convention professing to represent a portion of the American
people in time of war, not having spoken since hostilities commenced,
frame a leading resolution so as to meet the assent and approval of
the enemies of the Republic--isn't this the time, when such things are
done, for men who have a faith in the country and a belief in its right
to exist, to declare the reasons of that belief? (Voices--"Yes.") Now
I propose to discuss that resolution in some degree. First, it
proposes a cessation of hostilities. I have heard the word armistice
mentioned to-night. The declaration of that resolution is not for an
armistice. An armistice, according to its general acceptation and
use, implies a suspension of hostilities upon the expectation and
condition that they are to be resumed; and if hostilities are not to
be resumed then a cessation of hostilities is an abandonment of the
Government. It is treason. (Voices--"That's so," and loud and
continued cheers.) I declare here that the proposition for a
cessation of hostilities is moral and political treason (voices--
"Good"); and, further, every man who knowingly and after investigation,
and upon his judgment favors a cessation of hostilities, is a traitor.
(Loud cheers.) The issue, gentlemen, is no longer upon the tented
field. No danger there to the cause of the Union. The soldiers are
true to the flag and they will fight on and march on until the last
rebel has fallen to the dust or laid down his arms. The soldiers are
true, but the cause of the Union is in peril at home (voices--"That's
where it is"), where secret organizations are mustering their forces
and gathering in material of war for which there can be no possible use
except to revolutionize this country through the fearful experience of
civil war. (A voice--"Shame on them.") O how I long for some
knowledge of the English language so that I may select a word or a
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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