The Athens post. [volume] (Athens, Tenn.) 1848-1917, 1861-09-06
Peace Inevitable-What are the
Terma.
(From the New York Daily News1

their foibles, have the reputation OF being
peculiarly exempt from prejudice in franz
ing their opinions upon absorbing ques-
tions. They examine contested point
with the clear, selfreliant perception Of
men of the world. and, having drawn
their conclusions, they have little hesita-
tion in giving expression to their convic.
tions. An unbiased observer, a foreigner,
for instance, curious to ascertain the true
public sentiment In relation to our do
mestic trouble, would not be long puzzled
in fixing the general feeling in this city
The sentiment here is for peace; with
Union, if possible, but peace. If skep
tic doubts it, let him question the first
twenty citizens he chances to meet in a
thoroughfare. Should he still doubt, let
him listen in public places, or invite ca.
sual conversation with some intelligent
tradesman with whom he may have occa-
sion to deal. He may here and there find
some furious fanatic, loud in passionate
denunciation of treason, and incoherent
in platitudes about flags and patriotism;
but wherever lie meets with q calm,
thoughtful brow, and a clear, open eye,
he has but to question, and, If an answer
be given, it will be, in three cases out oi
| four, in condemnation of the war policy
and in favor of peace. s ., t.
The tone of New York cannot. it is
true, be held as criterion of sentiment
throughout the North; but the rapid
change of feeling in one locality is fair
evidence of similar process elsewhere,
where the same evils are being suffered,
and the same interests are at stake; and
If we have here the facilities of actual OBJ
servation, from all parts Of the country
abundant assurances have been received
which leave little doubt as to the temper
of the people. If, then, peace is the will
of the people, they must have it. The
question remains. at what sacrifice, if
any, can it be obtained?
The organs of the war. party have been
incessant and emphatic in their state
ments that the South would reject all
compromise, and would accept no settle
ment except upon the basis of the ac-
acknowledgement of its independence
They have no further foundation for such
announcements than conjecture; and such
conjecture is itself created out of their
low estimate and hatred of the elements
of Southern character. sass Hr
The simplest method of obtaining an
answer is to ask question; and the sure
est, in fact the only means OF ascertain
ing the ultimatum of the South, is to ne
gotiate with them upon the subject, and
harmonize, if possible, conflicting views
We have already published evidences
gathered from the lips of Confederate
leaders themselves, that certain condi
tions of compromise have been nccepta
bic TO them, and they may be so still.
But, dear as the Union may be to us
oil, and it is dearer than anything excep,
those principles of self-gotethment and
reciprocal attaShhent without which u
MON is q mockery, yet, in consideration
of the magnitude OF the interests involv
cd, it is our duty as reasonable beings tc
consider the Consequences Of even tht
acknowledgment of separation. Tn,
chief argument of the War party is tina
the two Republics would be engaged il
continual alteration. This is hypothe
sis which is sustained neither by histori
cal precedents nor theoretical deduction
The States of ancient Greece, thougl
sometimes engaged in petty quarrels
were always united for common defence
and they attained their highest degree o
prosperity and enlightenment durin
that period their individual sovereigntie
were most distinct. Rome was never s.
truly great as when her nationality va
confined within natural geographica
bounds. The immense area Of her ult
mate possessions was her weakness, an
the extent of her grandeur was the in
strument of her tall. If the North an
" South have been of mutual benefit t
each other while united, it was owing t
; certain geographical and climatic pecr
liarities, which had nothing to do in con
mon with their political relationship
Where commercial intercourse is nc
: founded upon the wants of the commun
eating parties and the mutual advantage
that may be derived, it is not right, b
: cause not natural, that it should exist.
All rules essential to the preservation {
= kindly relations and commercial facilitit
. between the two Republics could readil
be adjusted by the terms of separation
and there is no doubt but that, in neg
! tiating for such purpose, Northern il
genuity and tact would better subsery
: Northern interests than bayonets an
cannon. al rr .H aae.
!, The necessity of keeping large stan'
|, ng armies has been argued in oppositio
:, to the doctrine Of separation. Such N
: cessity would be still more positive in u
event of the subjugation of the secede
S States, unless this Government expects
: conquer not only the soil but the spiri
the character, and the social institution
Of the South. There is no reason why
t should not be made part of the cor
pact between the two Republics that, f
I mutual safety, clause in their sever
Constitutions should effectually prohib
. a standing army. numerically beyond
basis in proportion to tile respective po
ulation Of the contracting nationalitie
B% Tho Peoples Friend, of Coyirgtol
Fountain county, Ind, has the following
r I'VE are for Peace and not Way.--We d.
!, sire every farmer to remember our or