The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1861-09-13
London Times, reports a conversation which
he had with 90 uoru infohinant .Snufhprn

London Times, reports conversation which
he had with "a very intelligent Southern
gentleman, formerly editor of newspaper"
who stated, on behalf of the Confederacy,
swell, sir, when things are settled, we'll
just take the law into our hands. Not
man shall have vote unless he's American
born, and by degrees we'll get rid of these
men who disgrace u.s." Mr.. Russell in-
quired "Are not many of your regiments
composed of Germans and Irish, of foreign
ers, in fact ?' eyes, SIR"
This Every intelligent Southern gentle
man. formerly editor of newspaper" is
certainly no true representative of the gen.
tlemen whom it was my good fortune and
pleasure to meet whenever | travelled in
the South. But no matter. If the states
ment be true, it only shows that for the
Irish and foreigners in general, the South
is nearly as unfriendly as the North can be.
1t proves, further, that so far as the Irish
are concerned, the hereditary calamities of
their native land follow them up wherever
they 60, in one form or another. Here,
and now, they are called upon by both
sides to fight in the battles of the country !;
and no matter who triumphs, they need not
look for large expressions of thanks from
either side. Still, whether in peace or war,
take them for all in all, they are as true to
the country as if they had been born on its
own free and happy soil.
Pardon me this depression, and let me re-
turn to the other sentiment touching the
hope of prospective peace.
That u,orA LDaoooO ;c hooop,soo. ou
less familiar here in the North. Ina crisis
like this it is not, in my opinion, expressive
of sound principle or a safe policy. Its
meaning changes the basis and the issue of
this melancholy war. If changed, it will
be war, not between the South and the
North, geographically considered, but a
war between the two great political parties
that divide tue country. Instead of this
partisan hostility, wise patriots should rival
each other in restoring or preserving the
Urion as one nation, its prosperity, and the
protection and happiness of its entire PEG.
pie, in all their legitimate rights. But all this
is to be judged of by others, and the opin
ion of any individual is of the smallest &C.
count. If a word of mine could have the
slightest influence, would suggest that
even while the war is going on, there might
be convention of the seeded States held
within their own borders. 1t might be one
representative appointed from each OF those
States, by the Governor, to meet and exam
inc the whole case as it now stands-arrange
and draw up report of their grievances,
or what they consider such-and report to
their respective Governors the result of
their deliberations, and the conclusions at
which they shall have arrived.
The same process might be adopted in
the States that have not seeded, and SINH
lar reports be made to their respective Gov
ernors. This would be only preparatory
measure for somethiI G more important. If
better feeling or understanding could be
even partially arrived at, future Conven-
tion of all the States by their representa-
tives would have something to act upon.
The difficulties might be investigated and
provided for; the Constitution might be
revised by general consent, and if the plat
form-sufficiently ample for 100000 at
the period when the Constitution was FORM
eds found to be neither of breadth nor
strength to support population of 80, 0OO,-
600, wise and patriotic men might suggest,
according to the rules prescribed in the
original document, the Improvements which
the actual condition of the country would
seem to require. The Constitution itself in
its letter and spirit, is no doubt the same it
was when first framed; but every thing
around us has been undergoing change for
nearly eighty years.
For peace of that kind l would be
very sincere, if not an influential, advocate.
But to expect that peace will spring up
by the advocacy of individuals in the midst
of The din and clash of arms, amid the mu.
tually alienated feelings of the people, and
the widening of the breach which has now
separated them, would be, in my opinion,
hoping againstshope Still we must trust
that the Almighty will override and direct
the final issues of this lamentable contest.
had no intention of writing so long a
response to your kind letter. Enough, and
perhaps more than enough, has been said;
and it only remains for me to add that the
Catholic faith and Catholic charity which
unites US in the spiritual order shall remain
unbroken by the booming of cannon along
the lines that unfortunately separate great
and once prosperous community into two
hostile parties, each arrayed in military
strife against the other.
have the honor to remain, as ever, your
obedient servant and brother in Christ,
John, Archbishop of New York.
Ri. Rev. P. N. LYNCH. Bishop of Charleston.