Excerpt from Address of the New Jersey Democratic State Central Committee to the Voters of the State

We disclaim the doctrine of secession, upon which the South ern States have placed themselves. It is a political heresy which finds no place in the Constitution, and is subversive of the principles of our government. Secession is but another term for revolution, and when sought to be maintained by force, is rebellion. In regard to this there is but one Opinion among us. The rebellion must be put down - the rightful power of the government must be restored. The Democratic party is con servative; it stands now, and has ever stood since the forma tion of the government, for the Union, the Constitution, and the enforcement of the laws, and it will maintain that position to the end. And we have, in common with all conservatives, acted upon this principle. We yield to none in attachment and devotion to the Union; nor do we rest in mere professions. Lrve have responded with cheerfulness to every call that has been made for men or means; we have submitted in common with others, to taxes and privations without a murmer. Our sons, our brothers and friends are now in the field ready to fight and die in defence of their country; and many of us mourn the loss of those who have already fallen in the contest. In common with the Democracy of 'other States we have testified our earnest desire for a speedy and successful termination of the conflict. We have thrown no obstacles in the way of enlistments, nor have we interfered with our Generals in the field, or undertaken to dictate to the President the terms on which we would give him our support. Although not honored with the confidence ofthe administration, and treated almost as aliens and strangers, we have felt that we were citizens of the Republic and inheritors of a glorious freedom, andwe have manfully maintained the right.

But there are mighty questions in connection with this war; which are now agitating the public mind very deeply, and creating anxiety everywhere. For what purpose is it now waged, and how and upon what principles should it be con ducted, and when should it cease? These are matters which vitally affect the interests of the country, and the safety of our private and political rights, and upon these it becomes us to speak and to act. We claim the right as free citizens to commune with one another. We are upon the eve of an impor tant election, and at such a time, if ever, we should examine into the conduct of our public servants and inquire how the government has been administered.

About the Publisher

Forgotten Books publishes hundreds of thousands of rare and classic books. Find more at www.forgottenbooks.com

This book is a reproduction of an important historical work. Forgotten Books uses state-of-the-art technology to digitally reconstruct the work, preserving the original format whilst repairing imperfections present in the aged copy. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in our edition. We do, however, repair the vast majority of imperfections successfully; any imperfections that remain are intentionally left to preserve the state of such historical works.