Page:Reminiscences of Sixty Years in Public Affairs (Volume Two).djvu/37

Rh 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 for 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. Neither in this resolution, nor in the whole series of resolutions to which this one belongs, is there an intimation that when cessation of hostilities has been effected hostilities 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 coun-