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 of 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; 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 country through the fearful experience of
civil war. (A voice--"Shame on them.") O how I long for some
knowledge of the English language so that I may select a word or a
phrase which shall fully express the enormity of this treason! (Voices
--"Hang them." "String them up.")

The rebels of the South have some cause. They believe in the
institution of slavery,--they have been educated under its influence.
They thought it in peril. They made war with some pretence on their
part for a reason for war, but what excuse, what palliation is there
for those men in the North, who, regardless of liberty, of justice, and
of humanity, ally themselves, openly some and secretly others, with the
enemies of the Republic? Spare, spare, your anathemas, gentlemen. Do
not longer employ the harsh language which you can command in
denunciation of Southern traitors. They of the North who give aid and
comfort to the enemy deserve to monopo