Franklin County: "The Contest," by A True Republican, October 5, 1869
Summary: This is a letter decrying ex-rebels for revolting against the country and linking those efforts with postwar Democratic efforts to defeat Republicans and Republican Reconstruction.
Mr. Editor.-War was commenced by the Rebels of South Carolina against the United States government. Now, these rebels and traitors-or, others of the same spirit, at home, have taken a stand against the Republican party, and the just and equal laws of our land-and as we are surrounded by foes on our right and left, in front and rear, who are secretly and openly endeavoring to bring reproach upon the Republican party for defeating the war which was detrimental to this Union, and now wish to defeat our party so that they can aid the south that they may be successful in plunder and rule the country. They would assault you as they did Fort Sumpter, and if successful, have our Forts taken and if needs be, our people murdered, for doing their duty as they did in protecting the property of the federal government. The political leaders of the Democratic party are hugely crying about the expense of the war, which they forced upon us, and now want our people to submit, and endure great outrages and insults, and I think it is high time to resent them at the ballot box in October next. We had in every sense obeyed the scriptural injunction, and after having been smitten on the one cheek, turned the other to our assailants-and we have sought peace-yea peace, at almost any price consistent with our self-respect and to the preservation of our honor as a people; and have we not quietly overlooked many hostile demonstrations, and without number, which no other nation would have submitted to, but would have been prompt to punish all such offenders. Now they run at large and ask us to support them at the coming election, for what, that they may be successful in having control of all things to do as they please-rob the government to satisfy their friends that care not for ruin and devastation.
With these facts yet before us, I do think that it becomes every good man and every worthy citizen, and all who love their country-and all who feel a desire that their country be blessed, with speedy peace and prosperity, such as no other coutnry ever enjoyed, and think of the good old days we used to have.
I do say that it becomes all such, and every one too, for himself to show his colors openly and above board to his neighbors and the world at large, by displaying the glorious "stars and stripes" of this again happy country, which has been bought by the patriotic blood of our forefathers, and bequeathed by their last wills, which were written and sealed in crimson gore as an everlasting inheritance, not to be blotted out by rebels and traitors, as has been want to do during the war.
We must and will keep it sacredly, yea, and defend it until the last departing spark of life shall have fled, if necessary. Alas! we did, and will, again if necessary, and may the God of battles assist us strong and victorious-as he hath done, and will do in time of peril-every son and patriot who may be engaged in this glorious struggle of Republicanism, for freedom, for justice and for the support of the constitution and the laws of our blessed and happy land, will be richly rewarded. It was during the war, "by their works shall ye know them"-now so let us say too, that by their votes shall we know every true Union man.
Let the Republican party take a firm stand, and let it be the duty of every citizen to sustain its efforts to maintain and uphold the honor of the party, and vote the whole Republican ticket. In union there is strength.
A TRUE REPUBLICAN
Harrisburg, Sept. 28,
1869
Bibliographic Information: Source copy consulted: Public Opinion, Chambersburg, PA, October 5, 1869
