The Territory Takes a Stand on the Civil War
A convention of local political leaders in Vancouver pledges unwavering support for the Union and denounces partisanship during the national crisis.
The story, cleaned up
A cleaned-up reading of the newspaper page: spelling and layout repaired, one story lifted off a crowded page. It follows the original closely but it is not a transcription. The original page is below; read it if a detail matters.
The following resolutions were adopted by the Territorial Union Convention at Vancouver on the 25th inst.: Whereas, in this hour of the nation's peril, when armed rebellion has involved the nation in the dire calamity of civil war, and defies with desperate and lawless boldness the lawful government of the United States, we recognize it to be the imperative duty of every good and loyal citizen to stand up faithfully for the government, ready to maintain it by all proper means and at any sacrifice. Resolved, That peace with rebels on any terms except an unconditional surrender to the national authority, would be dishonorable; that the surest and quickest way to vindicate the justice and honor of our Government is a vigorous prosecution of the war. Resolved, That adherence to old party ties in this crisis of our country is unpatriotic and mischievous, and that all who truly love their country should be united in sentiment and action in its behalf, against all foes, military or political.
“Resolved, That adherence to old party ties in this crisis of our country is unpatriotic and mischievous.”
In 1863, Washington Territory was thousands of miles from the front lines, yet local leaders felt compelled to declare their total allegiance to a fractured nation. Today, the rhetoric of 'unity' and 'loyalty' remains a staple of civic discourse, though the battle lines have shifted from the battlefield to the ballot box.
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