Smyrna times., 1861-02-14
The People are Speaking.

Every day, says the Philadelphia Erening
Journal, memorials are signed by large num-
hers of people, asking for q settlement Of the
polilcal quarrels which have already caused
40 much iajury to the cOuRtry, and which
thseatea SO much more. Many of them ask
,hat the Crtteuden proposition shall be sub.
,piited to the decision of the people, not be-
cause the amendments to the Constitution pro-
posed by that gentleman are particularly
agreeable, for many might prefer something
different, bat il is because it presents a practi.
cal remedy for che trouble. The people are
growing heartily sick Of the rrotraeted discus
sions upon the subject, and most earnestly de.
sire peace.
It is act a little curious to observe that, at
the preseat time, whas may be regarded as po-
l,ical opposites, both for and against the pres
ervaiion of the Union, have met and, as it
were, joined hands to accomplish their OBJ
iects. Ultra seeessionists and extreme Adolf
iiOnists scout the idea of any compromise
which would quiet agitation, and appear de.
tsrniRed to drive each other to a war Fou-
trance, while the acknowledged statesmen of
the country, of all parties which profess love
for the Union, are willing to sacrifice resent
ment and prejudice, and join in a common et-
fort TO restore happiness to their distracted
country. There is, however, perhaps more
remarkable joining of extremes to be sean, at
this time, than those we have mentioned, and
thaI is between the abiest men, both of decided
n
ate portion of that party, and the most unob-
trusve citizens who usually take but little part
in politics. There can scarcely be a doubt
that. if the Peace Convention shall present a
proposition which will be sustained by dele.
gates both north and south Of 1" Mason and
DixOn's line" that it will be agreed to by
Messrs Seward, Crittenden, Douglas, Gamer
GO and Bigler. and that it will be hailed with
delight by vast majority of the people of DO b
sections of the Union. The great obstacle in
the way of a satisfactory arrangement is to be
found in the secondary politicians, and the big.
cited portion of the people who are influenced
by them. Such men know that they have
gained position by inaammatory appeals to 10.
Of these who would be disappointed if they
should seem to change their minds. Men o
suPeriOs minds, when they find the passions o
people carrying them beyond the bounds o
reason. endeavOr to allay those passions, ant
to prevent the injuries which may result from
their exhibition, if unchecked; but the mer'
demagogue has no capital upon which he cal
advance himself but the fanatlcism which b
has been instrumental in engendering, an
consequently he must cling TO what he ha
taught, even if the destruction of the countr
should result from his obstinacy.
This 10 a time which tries the judgment
men as much as it does their patriotism, an
nothing 10 more certain than that popular sent
meat will hereafter condemn the obstinate an
selfish as much as it will praise and honor ii
nations danger, have shown willingness
yield all that may fairly be asked of them, Il
the general good.
The people have it not ia their power to a
directly in this crisis, and therefore they ca
upon those who represent them to act promp
ly, as men who know the value Of our free i
stisutiOns, and She great benefits which Il
Union has conferred upon the whole people,.
II is not time TO listen to the promptngs
resentment. nor to reiort upon passionate al
reckless men, but it is one in which tru
great men may win the blessings of pOsteri
BY Obeyug the voice Of distressed aud njU
ed people, and giving peace and prosperity
their country.