George Harlow address to the Union League of America

UNION LEAGUE OF AMERICA.

OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF THE ILLINOIS GRAND COUNCIL,

SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS.

BROTHERS OF THE U. L. A.

GREETING:

The fall campaign of 1864 is now fairly opened. It will prove to be one of the most important in the history of our beloved country, and calls for our prompt, earnest and untiring effort to bring to a successful termination.

With the names of LINCOLN and JOHNSON, OGLESBY and BROSS at the head of the National State ticket, and as our leaders in the great struggle, we can and must be victorious.

OUR PLATFORM

Resolved, That it is the highest duty of every American citizen to maintain against all their enemies the integrity of the Union, and the paramount authority of the Constitution and laws of the United States, and that laying aside all differences and political opinions, we pledge ourselves as Union men, animated by a common sentiment, and aiming at a common object, to do everything in our power to aid the Government in quelling, by force of arms, the rebellion now raging against its authority, and in bringing to the punishment due to their crimes the rebels and traitors arraigned against it.

Resolved, That we approve the determination of the Government of the United States not to compromise with rebels, or to offer any terms of peace except such as may be based upon an unconditional surrender of their hostility, and a return to their just allegiance to the Constitution and laws of the United States ; and that we call upon the Government to maintain this position and to prosecute the war with the utmost possible vigor, to the complete suppression of the rebellion, in full reliance upon the self-sacrifices, the patriotism, the heroic valor, and the undying devotion of the American people to their country and its free institutions.

Resolved, That as slavery was the cause and constitutes the strength of the rebellion, and as it must be always and everywhere hostile to the principles of republican government, justice and the national safety DEMAND ITS UTTER AND COMPLETE EXTIRPATION FROM THE SOIL OF THE REPUBLIC ; and that we uphold and maintain the nets and proclamation, by which the government in its own defence, has aimed a death-blow at this gigantic evil ; and we are in favor, furthermore, of such an amendment to the Constitution, to be made by the people in conformity to its provisions, as shall terminate and forever prohibit the existence of slavery within the limits or the jurisdiction of the United States.

Resolved, That the thanks of the American people are due to the soldiers and sailors of the army and the navy, who had perilled their lives in defence of their country and in vindication of the honor of the flag. That the nation owes to them some permanent recognition of their patriotism and valor, and ample and permanent provision for those of their survivors who have received disabling and honorable wounds in the service of the country, and that the memories of those who have fallen in its defence shall be held in grateful and everlasting remembrance.

Resolved, That we approve and applaud the practical wisdom, the unselfish patriotism, and unswerving fidelity to the Constitution, and the principles of American liberty with which Abraham Lincoln has discharged, under circumstances of unparalelled difficulty the great duties and responsibilities of the Presidential office. That we approve and endorse, as demanded by the emergency, and essential to the preservation of the nation, and as within the Constitution, the measures and acts which he has adopted to defend the nation against its open and secret foes; that we approve especially of the Proclamation of Emancipation, and the employment as Union soldiers of men heretofore held in slavery, and that we have full confidence in his determination to carry these and all other constitutional measures essential to the salvation of the country, into full and complete effect.

Resolved, That we deem it essential to the general welfare, that harmony should prevail in the national councils, and we regard as worthy of public confidence and official trust those and only those who cordially endorse the principles proclaimed in the resolutions, and which should characterize the administration of the Government.

Resolved, That the Government owes to all men employed in its armies, without regard to distinction of color, the full protection of the laws of war, and that any violations of these laws or the usages of civilized nations in the line of war, by the rebels now in arms, should be made the subject of full and prompt redress.

Resolved, That the foreign emigration, which, in the past, has added so much to the wealth and development of resources and increase of power of this nation, the asylum of the oppressed of all nations, should be fostered and encouraged by a liberal and just policy.

Resolved, That we are in favor of the speedy construction of the railroad to the Pacific.

Resolved, That the national faith pledged for the redemption of the public debt must be kept inviolate, and that for this purpose we recommend economy and rigid responsibility in the public expenditures, and a vigorous and just system of taxation. That it is the duty of any loyal State to sustain the credit and promote the use of the national currency.

Resolved, That we approve the position taken by the Government, that the people of the United States can never regard with indifference the attempt of any European power to overthrow by force, or to supplant by fraud the institutions of any republican government on the Western Continent, and that they will view with extreme jealousy, as menacing to the peace and independence of this our country, the efforts of any such power to obtain any new foot-holds for monarchical governments, sustained by a foreign military force, in near proximity to the United States.

Every lover of his country will feel proud of the principles set forth in the above resolutions; they are such that every member of the league can endorse cheerfully, and with a will work and vote for the candidates placed upon our National and State tickets.

The National Grand Council of the U. L. A., at its late session in Baltimore, passed the following resolutions of endorsement:

Resolved, That the National Council of the Union League of America hereby most heartily approves and indorses the nominations made by the Union National Convention at Baltimore on the 8th of June, of Abraham Lincoln for President, and of Andrew Johnson for Vice President of the United States. And as we are bound by our obligation to do all in our power to elect true and reliable Union men to all offices, and as the nominees of said Convention are the only candidates that can hope to be elected as loyal men, we regard it as the imperative duty of members of the union League to do all that lies in their power to secure their election.

Resolved, That this Council also earnestly approves and indorses the platform of principles adopted by said Convention.

Resolved That we will, as individuals and members of the Union League, do all in our power to elect said candidates.

Brothers of the League ! the Union nominees and the platform herewith presented to you are such that we can point to them with pride. The candidates are men known and loved by us all as true and tried friends of Liberty and the Union. Our noble President, Abraham Lincoln, and the sterling patriot, Andrew Johnson, have been tried by a fiery ordeal never before experienced by man, and are found worthy. The brave and gallant Oglesby who by his blood has scaled his devotion to our Country and Liberty, is the first on our State ticket, followed by Bross and othermen, who, each and all, have been, and are, active and efficient co-workers with us in our endeavors to crush treason and traitors. In the name of our great brotherhood I urge you all, as you hold sacred the glorious objects for which we are banded together and are so earnestly working to attain, to do your whole duty until the last vote is cast into the ballot box next November.

The prize of a redeemed, a happy, free and united country is worthy of our very best efforts. For that we were organized, and for that we must work

I trust every member of the U. L. A. in Illinois, will be impressed by the magnitude of the political struggle before us and not fail to perform his alloted duty.

Let your Council meet as often as once each week. Urge all the brothers to attend every meeting promptly. At each meeting let a speech be made by some brother, or some speech be read, thereby keeping up an interest in and gaining a knowledge of our important duties.

Now, and until the 6th day of November next, is our time to work. Not one member of the League should be idle. You each and all have an influence and you must exert it. You must not expect an easy victory at the ballot box this fall. The foe with whom we wage our warfare is wily and unscrupulous. Gigantic efforts will be made to defeat the Union party ; but every effort, come from what source it may, must be met with a stout and determined opposition by the members of the League. We must watch, fight and pray if we wish to be successful. Let every Council in our State be prepared for any emergency that may arise. Treason and traitors are in our midst plotting for the downfall of our government.

A traitor banished from his country, has returned and is now openly and boldly defying the powers that be ; and the action of the copperhead state convention at its late session by resolutions promised to sustain this arch traitor in his treasonable demonstrations.

I do not desire to give you needless alarm, but from reliable sources, I have information of matters of great Importance to all who desire the perpetuity of Liberty and the Union and therefore let every member of the League remember that "Eternal vigilance is the price of Liberty," and prepare himself to take an active part in what may be a fearful crisis in the history of our State and Country.

Let you correspondence with the Grand Secretary be frequent. Send your reports and dues promptly. The Grand Council must be sustained in the great and holy work before us.

Our brave Illinois soldiers being denied the right of suffrage, look for us at home to do our duty. We must not fail to elect a National and State ticket for which (if at home) they would work and vote for. They must be sustained in the noble, self-sacrificing duty they are now performing ; and in no better way can it be done and please them than by election Abraham Lincoln as President, and Richard J. Oglesby as Governor.

Brothers! strive to roll up a majority in your town and county that will cheer the hearts of all lovers of our beloved country, and forever root out Copperheadism and all isms that do not keep step to the music of Liberty and the Union.

Fraternally yours,

GEO. H. HARLOW,

GRAND SECRETARY.

Address of Geo H Harlow

Grand Secr of the Union League of Minn's. In behalf of the Union Ticket of 1864 in Minn's.

Lincoln & Johnson

Oglesby & Bross

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