The Perrysburg Journal

Before the blighting and deplorable evils of the pop. sov. doctrine were let loose upon our otherwise prosperous country, one Union, one Country, one common destiny was the motto of every party, an article in every political creed. Fifty years ago the people of this country knew no rivalry but that of fraternal zeal for the general welfare, no competition but that of exalted patriotism; now they confront each other with bitter anathemas and frowning menaces; the hands which should be clasped in friendly fellowship, clutch at each other's throats. Side by side, shoulder to shoulder, they won this bright heritage of national independence, and knit together with a bond that was fondly hoped would endure forever—make a nation of freemen—they were common partners in toils, dangers and sufferings, and common inheritors of the priceless boon for which they pledged their fortune, their lives and their sacred honor. Now behold the melancholy contrast. The country on the brink of anarchy, ruin and civil war, simply to gratify an ambitious demagogue, who destroyed the compromise which, previous to 1854, was regarded as a just settlement of the vexed question of American Slavery. We hope soon to witness a return of this fraternal love; when the rights of freemen will receive more attention than the safety of the slave-driver's nigger, and when "Honest Old Abe" will occupy the Presidential Chair.