The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1861-12-13
Slavery and tho War.

We copy from the New Bedford Mercury the
Sbllovipg very sensible remarks on the negro
question, as il relates to the progress and re-
suits Of the war for the Union;
.w. observe that some Of the old Republican
pre.,es are startled at the rapid progress made
by the 'Brcckinridge Democrats ON the negro
question, and cry out, don't be too iast
The speech OF Gen. Burnside ut New ork, 'ne
address OF Col Coehrane to his regiment IN
Washington, and the utterances OF uen; put
Ter everywhere, surprise certain gentlemen,
who perhaps have some method, NOT yet ,e
yealed, for settling this negro question: pu'
this question, we would have them understand,
has got beyond the newspapers IL has eeased
20 be topic Of mere political discussion, as
contained in this or that party PLATFORM. IN
less we are grossly mistaken, ~ has reacneu,
or il FAST approaching that point when the
opinions OF politicians, radleA VI N'"'N' Wv
tive, cannot control II.
We have from the outset approved me course
pursued by the Administration, anu nearby
sustained It's measures. IL announced It's ue
Termination 10 maintain the Constitution anu
execute the laws; and that its ooJectln employ
inc force was simply To put down an arulsu re
beiion. II was careful to proclaim that ss
~, ,,.r, az ia intention 10 interfere with State
RIGHTS. or 10 destroy or modify any state IN
stitution-, and intimsted its anxiety ior the re-
,nrn az the rebels 10 their allegiance to the
Goy.rnment under which all their rights would
Ia r.,,ar,l,l AMI protected. Creatures OF the
Constitution, neither the President nor Con-
eress could go beyond its provisions, anu tney
could find in them no warrant Tor prvehmIns
the emancipation OF the slaves. we n.'e1
drc,med of their doing IL; regarding ~ rs
wrong. because in violation OF the Consu'u-
tion. and AS impolitic IL IL were constitutional
INT we were driven 10 the conclusion, IRON the
.onrs. pnr,uel by the rebels. that the enamel.
na,;on ~ the slaves would become matter OF
nece-.ity-that the time must arrive when we
must .'hcht them or free them. ms heces
sity neither the Government nor the people OF
the North invited, nor will either shrink noin
,hs dn,y n entails. We cannot prosecute this
war with any hope OF success, and leave slave
nv intact. whether " be an element OF strength,
or n point Of weakness, In either case must
,nnst h. assailed. III slaves escape within our
lines. they must go frce-if they are captured
they should be set frce--if they are 1ereucl'
nv their masters running away, theh 10 my
own themselves, and are forever emaneipaIeu;
IN ia not strange that military men sec anu
hol,lly nroelaim this course 10 be Inevitable.
They arc not dealing with distractions, bun
vi,h Irig, realities. What questions may
arise m the future rs TO the settlement OF points
Of constitutional law or governmental pohcy'
the gentlemen of the army cannot stop 10 ~
ouir~. Their business " to cripple the enemy
Ito strike at his weak points. They are not
polce officers-nor United States Commlss'oh-
s,s--nor vet turnkeys; and while they have
mo- sn,eial mission to emancipate an enthrailed
RICE they must not. and will not withhold
bl,w M the rebellion for fear they shall Knock
off n shackle. They are not politicians, ieh
fnl az The effect a skirmish or battle may
have ON the next political campaign. says
the Providence Journal, We must strike mem