Holmes County farmer. [volume] (Millersburg, Ohio) 1857-1926, 1861-08-01
Anew words for National Union
--PcaCc and compromise.

UeS LOT peace after the ulSBrnCe anu ais
aster which has fallen upon the grand
army Of the United States at Washing
ton" In reply, wo state that il
misr1presents our position in the ungcn-
tlemanly language employed. 1t finds it
far oasierto answer our article of Tues
day by coarse sncer and denunciation,
by appealing to passions, than by stating
its substance fairly, and then refuting it,
if it is able. That has, however, been
the course adopted by the anti-compro-
mise journals from the commencement Of
our difficulties. They rely on passion
rather than reason, and endeavors to make
epithets and denunciation supply the place
Of logic and argument.
Were we disposed which we arc not,
to handy epithcts, we could ring changes
upon the word "bloodthirsty," and make
it quite as obnoxious as any the Cemmer-
ciat has applied to us. 1t is time, high
time, that this unworthy method of treat
ing a great public question, which so in.
timately affects the prosperity and honor
of the country, was abandoned by the
journals and all Others who assume to be
exponents and teachers of public scnti-
ent.
In the article to which the commercial
alludes, we gave reasons for the policy
suggested, which we believe that the
great mass Of Intelligent, reasoning men
will regard as entirely conclusive. The
success thus far of the war has not been
unequally divided. Our triumphs in
! Western Virginia have been more signal
and imp portant than the last dispatches
represent those of the rebels in Eastern
Virginia. The "honors are easy" and
now is as good time as we shall ever
have for peace and reconciliation between
the States. If we are never to treat as
long as one side or the other is victorious
or im0gincs itself so, in battle, this war
will never end, but will be an internal
strife, to last for ages 1t is always laud-
able to speak for poaco--to make an eff
fort to reconcile brethren cstranged.-
War is ono Of the worst of the scourges,
and shou.d d never be permitted to exist,
if it can be avoided with honor If there
is any thing upon which the smiles OF
heaven will rest, it will be upon those who
cndeavor to induce brethren to dwell to-
gether in unity and peace, Instead of re-
sorting to the ravages and calamities Of
war.
We have quite as high and keen a
sense of honor and patriotism as our CO.
temporary and we tell him that we had
rather have the credit Of stopping, hy a
peaceful compromise, this suicidal con
ilict between members of the same polite
al family, than to have all the laurels that
could be won by the bloody arbitramcnt
Of battle, wet as they must be with the
tears Of the widow and the orphan, and
embalmed in the misery of the people
Our calamities have been caused by the
false and perverted ideas of honor incul-
Gated in such prints as the Commercial,
which would make no concessions, no
compromise, in order to keep this great
community of thirty four States united
together by the ties of amity and broth
erly affection. True honor is always
generous and magnanimous, and will sac
rliico much of private feeling and opinion
to preserve great States in kind and friend
y relations, Being far stronger than our
Southern brethren we can afford to ten.
der them the olive branch of reconclia-
ton, without our motive being miscon-
strued. We have shown that our bra
very and our patriotism arc not inferior
to theirs and in the struggle Of war thus
far our advantages at least balance theirs.
Why not, therefore, in the pause of mill
tary operations. see if this fratricidal
struggle can not be avoided and the IN
ion saved without it? Why not try and
prevent any more of our brave and patri,
otic youths being offered up rs holocausts
upon the altar of war? Why not labor
to prevent any moro Wholesale manulac
turc Of widows and orphans throughout
the land
We may fail to accomplish these good
and desirable ends 1t may be that the
war must go forward, until misery, death
desolation and poverty are carried into
every household, until we have lost our
liberties, and all, North and South, are
subject to despotical military usurpcr.
But the object of peace, before these dread
results have happened is worth tho trial,
Passion may tell us to listen to no ac-
commodation, to drive rcentlessly for
ward, regardless of consequences but
such are not the dictates of reason, and
should not influence patriotic Americans.
1t is because we love our country, every
part of it-because we know that the
prosecution of this strife will weaken it,
and all that is lost upon both sides is on,
nations loss-that we are anxious to have
the balmy wings of peace fan tho land,
and again set the wheels of industry and
prosperity in notion Gin. EnQ~irer.