We must make this a land of liberty in fact, as it is in name. But in
seeking to attain these results--so indispensable if the liberty which is
our pride and boast shall endure--we will be loyal to the Constitution
and to the "flag of our Union," and no matter what our grievance--even
though Kansas shall come in as a slave State; and no matter what
theirs--even if we shall restore the compromise--WE WILL SAY TO THE
SOUTHERN DISUNIONISTS, WE WON'T GO OUT OF THE UNION, AND YOU SHAN'T!
[This was the climax; the audience rose to its feet en masse, applauded,
stamped, waved handkerchiefs, threw hats in the air, and ran riot for
several minutes. The arch-enchanter who wrought this transformation
looked, meanwhile, like the personification of political justice.]
But let us, meanwhile, appeal to the sense and patriotism of the people,
and not to their prejudices; let us spread the floods of enthusiasm here
aroused all over these vast prairies, so suggestive of freedom. Let us
commence by electing the gallant soldier Governor (Colonel) Bissell who
stood for the honor of our State alike on the plains and amidst the
chaparral of Mexico and on the floor of Congress, while he defied the
Southern Hotspur; and that will have a greater moral effect than all the
border ruffians can accomplish in all their raids on Kansas.
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