Clearfield Republican. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1851-1937, 1861-09-04
Democracy and the War.


Atlas and A,yus-the leading Democratic
Journal OF New York. 1t presents, in q
calm ana temperate manper, the several
phases OF the war question, and gives its
own views Us to the best and most prac-
ticable m1de of bringing the war to an
end. 1t opposes separation upon any
terms, dcnounces the attempt 10 make
the war one of slavery emancipation, as
directly subversiye of the Constitution
points out the danger and almost absolute
Iimpracticability of holding the rebelious
States in subugation by military power
and finally ADVISES the restoration of the
Union 10y the exercise of the same spirit
of toi bearancc, Cancellation and compro-
mise that inspired our fathers when it
was originally formed. Surely these sug-
gestions are both rational and patriotic ;
and the more they are considered, the
more will all rejecting men seq their
force ani propriety. We believe the
time is not far distant when the people
will take the very ground here pre- sented,
end demand conclusion of the war up
on Just such terms. In this belief, we
copy tic ARTICLE, and give it our hearty
endorsement:
L
treating the present war, each of which
probably finds more or less favor in the
minds of the people at the present time.
Let us dwell briefly upon them severally.
l. Separation The Administration
pressed with the terrible responsibility OF
conducting such a war as this, is likely to
be tempted TO find relisf from it in let
ting the seeding States go-in asserting
first, perhaps, to II truce, but finally to a
separation Whatever denials may be in.
terposed by the friends of the President
indeed, whatever may be his own feel
ings on this point at this time-it is easy
TO see that, as difficulties multiply, as the
full magnitude of this war reveals itself,
! the tendency Of events will be TO incline
him to escape from the horrors which
cluster around him through the pathway
of separation.
TO this mode of relief portion OF the
Republican party-the extreme Anti-Sla.
very portion, and The TnIHne school, will
readily assent, and, indeed VIII demand
this course, unless their wisE TO convert
the war into an abolition crusade can be
gratited. We need hardly sa,-what we
nave so often reiterated-that to this
mode Of ending the war, we are emphat-
ically opposed. as full of calamities for
the future. If such result becomes Il
necessity, the nation must submit to IT, las
to any other unavoidable atfliction, but
we are in favor OF resisting il TO the eX-
tent of the ability Of the Governments and
until further resistance is mere madness.
| .. Emancipation 1T cannot be denied
that there is a large class of Jealous sup
Torters Of the war, wnose principal inter-
est in it is the hone that ii will assume
the character of war of emancipation of
the slaves and become grand crusade for
freedom. 1t is quite apparent that this
can never occur without an utter disc
gard of the Constitution, and practical
subversion of our present form OF Govern
ment-but this matters little with the
algncptes of this plan, they are men Of
Conc idea"--abolition OF slavery is, in
their view the Only good TO be accom-
plished and every thing else should be
sacrificed to that end. il the war cannot
assume this mission, they are tor separa'
ton, The men of this class are more nu-
morous than may be generally supposed
! They include not merely vonr Cheevers
and Beechers and Greely's but vas. An
ti>S!avery army which swelled the tri-
UNI ph of Republcanism a, the last cleo
ton. The Administration has already
disastrously felt the pressure of this radl =
cal wing OF It's party and given way be-
ture i, in its ION to Richmond" move
ment. II will continue to feel It, and
amid the difficulties and trials which this
war will involve, will he sorely tempted
TO hoist the banner ofnegro emancipati) IN,
and, it is quite within the limits Of possi-
ility, may do it. We need hardly say
/ that sich q movement such usurpation
of puwer and subversion of Constitution
- will be opposed by Democrats and cons
seryutiye citizens TO the bitter end. and
can hardly fail to produce counter revo'
luton in the North.
3. ,SLju9dti,n There is a plausiblity
in insisting that this rebellion should be
crushed out and reLel States brought back
simply to their 10, atty to the federal laws
and the Constitution, and we have moth
ing to urge against the motives OF those,
who advocate the prosecution OF the war,
solely for that end. They are acting with.
in the limits of the Consttu ,ion-engaged
in unfolding the dignity and power in
deed the very existence OF the Govern>
ment, and as far as they go, they are act
irc wisely and well, and certainly have
our sympathy and cooperation, and we
believe. that of Democrats and conserva-
tive men generally But, in all soberpess
and cardor. we ask such men it they be-
lieve that military force will restore the
Union-ever bring back the citizens OF
the seeded States to loyalty to the FedS
eral Government Can we conquer the
South! With the disadvantage OF conduc-
ting the war in their territory, is 1t reas-
onab,e to believe that this can be done,
even by bloody struggle Of years dura
ton? Admit that we can beat them in
the field and disperse their armies and
march our victorious legions over every
rebellious State, will that restore them to
LOYALTY Will it not become necessary to
garrison the whole South, and hold it in
subiection with an immense army and at
an expense utterly ruinous to us? In q
word, will mere subjugation of the South
: restore The Union We think not Dem