2

Duty of Citizens.

A friend wishes to know on what grounds he, being opposed to coercion and to the war policy of the administration, can consistently advocate the raising of troops under the president's proclamation. The answer is a ready one. We owe allegiance, says the Cincinnati Enquirer, to the federal government, and are in duty bound to sustain, protect and defend it, without any reference whatever to the person who may administer it. — So long as we are citizens of that government that allegiance attaches, and we are bound by legal and patriotic obligations to stick to it in all emergencies. And we are bound to do that whether the policy of the administration is agreeable to us or not. That same duty attaches to our allegiance to our state as well as to the general government. While we acknowledge that allegiance and accept the benefits of the respective governments, if we refuse our support to them in time of war, and when their very existance is in peril, the charge of treason would justly attach to us. It is the duty that springs from our allegiance as citizens that makes it highly proper for our non-coersion friend to give a hearty support to the general and state governments in the present emergency, and to oppose all endeavors to weaken or destroy either.

It behooves every citizen to prepare for the defense of his government and state. — No one should be backward in contributing whatever his means and ability can furnish toward the defense of both. That is a duty which patriotism demands, and all should be ready to perform it.