The daily exchange. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1858-1861, 1861-08-12
COMMUNICATED


The calamity at Bull Run has produced grave
doubts to the practcabiity possibility of the
means adopted (bv those we have placed in power)
to restore the Union. Large numbers of those who
have heretofore placed implicit faith in the wisdom
of our rulers, despair of restoring a coz
stitutional U MON by civil war; every step we have
taken in that direction has only increased the en-
nifty of the Two sections; and every day only more
cleary reveals the hopelessness of the undertaking
In view of these facts, those who called upon
to pour out their blood and treasure in such pro-
fusion Ito sustain the government war policy,
have right to more definite information concerning
the ends and objects of the conflict We are left
completely in the dark this subject, by the most
furious advocates of war, who tell US in vague
generalites that it is to "uphold the flag" 'save
the Union," "sustain the Constitution and laws"
"perpetuate free institutions" preserve the best
government EARTH" &c. These and similar
high-sounding phrases are admirably adapted to
the of aspiring political stump orators and SEN
sation editors with axes to grind) who wish to
stir up the passions of the people. Those who
talk the most eoquenty on these subjects invaria-
bly, leave in the dark to ho these objects are
to be accomplished. Why is it that they studiously
avoid the only practical part of the subject? We
now demand of those noisy war champions who are
bounding others on to carnage and slaughter, (but
invariably stay at home Themselves to tell dis
tnctly what are we to gain for the loss of lives
and fortunes.
If, contrary to past experience and present pros
poets, by means of vast treasure and rivers of
blood, the President should succeed in conouerinp
the South-"What will he do with it?"
No sane person can suppose that after we have
destroyed their property, desolated their homes,
and slaughtered their inhabitants, that they will
then render willing obedience to laws they now
refuse to acknowledge. Every one must admit
that they ,could then hate government NTH ten.
fold bitter hatred, if forced to remain in the Uaion
at the point of the bayonet.
The President tells US, that he "intends then to
uphold the laws and the Constitution heretofore
If our army should succeed in subjugating the
South does he then intend the same army to remain,
and hold the territory military conquest, like
Russia now holds Poland, and like Austria holds
Ventia and Hungary? In no other possible ioay
could the laos be enforced. Is this what fine
orators mean by 'preserviHg the Union?"
Fortunately for the success of free governments,
Constitution expressly provides that every State
shall be guaranteed republican form of government
and Mr.. Lincoln in his inaugural has called our
attention to the fact, that his oath is registered 10
high heaven to uphold and support the Constitu-
tion." large standing ar my quartered perma-
nently in any State contrary to the will of the
people of the State, would be directly opposed to
the principle of a republican form of government
and what the Constitution terms "free State.''
Another section of the Constitution declares that
the citizens 'of each State shall be entitled to all
the privileges and immunities of citizens in the
several States"
Aside from these, and other constitutional diff
cuties, 1t aoould be ruinous to US as a nation to
adopt such policy. The free white inhabitants
who have dissolved their political connection with
our government, are over seven mllll0nS-c0Yerlng
a territory of eight hundred thousand square miles.
After their conquest the laws could not be enforced
without the aid of standing army of 100000
10000 men, which would only be two to each
square mile, and one to every twenty-seven of the
inhabitants, including the four millions of slaves
Such an army would cost at least 400 millions
yearly, or ouer fifteen dollars for each ,ohite man,
woman, and child in the country, every year.
After we should have exhausted our resources and
impoverished our country, by the enormous treas
ure now found necessary to carry on the war, we
would hardly be in a condition to spend that
amount yearly, for the empty honor of keeping the
South in our Union contrary to their will Such
an arrangement would doubtless be very satisfac-
tory to the incompetent lawyers, politicians, and
others who have profitable contracts and military
positions, but it would hardly suit the ''plain
people," who would have to pay the enormous ex-
penses of these fine gentlemen.
Our financial condition would be such at the close
of the war, that it would be impossible for us to
continue its occupation; and s0ould be compelled
to give tup, a pecuniary necessity
Even if this were the seven millions of peo
pie who have been accustomed to freedom, kept in |
our Union by force, would be a dangerous populs- |
ton in our midst. Foreign powers who dislike |
our institutions would not fail to take advantage