The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1861-05-03
No Arb,,ration-No Compromise.


We give very little heed to the rumors
given in some of the papers about ADJUST
ment of the difficulties. On Tuesday the
Journal published dispatch saying that an
armistico had been agreed on for sixty days,
and another that the Secretary Of War had
gone to Montgomery to confer with the ree-
Ell authorities. An armistice for what. and
with whom, were the questions which sug-
res,ed themselves to our mind. The FEEDER
al Government does not recognise any capac-
ity in the seeded States to treat, and is deal
ing with them simply as rebels and as to the
idea of the Secretary of War having gone to
Montgomery to confer with JEDI. Daviss
government, 1t is most preposterous. Were
the case otherwise, and the Government
should so far recognize them as to express
willingness for a conference, staying war
like proceedings in the meantime, every real
friend Of lasting peace would condemn such
a policy. The rebels are now held, by the
assurances of safety to the capital, and by
the general tone of feeling in the loyal States
to sustain the government to their disadvad-
,age, and any suggestion Of a truce
would DO extremely impolitic. During the
entire winter the nation was amused with
propositions Of settlement and compromises.
Conventions were held, and the result was
simply to give the rebels time to arrange
their plans, collect armies, and give them
opportunities to steal the property Of the
United States. Any holding up on the part
Of the Administration would only give the
rebels further time to strengthen themselves
and render the work Of their subjugation, q
thing that must be done at last, moro diff
cult and at greater cost Of life and trca-
sure. We have seen no evidences on the
part Of the Government to consent to any
request for suspension of military proceed
ings. There is but one safe course for the
government, 1t is to push the war with the
utmost yigor until the rebels lay down their
arms and declare their willingness to submit
without terms to the requirements OF tho
Constitution, and the laws made in pursu.
ance thereof The loyal States are fully
aroused and determined that the question
whether we have Government shall DO set
tied and forever. Bad as is war a peace
patched up on the ground that some COM
promise may be effected would result in mo-
thing that could give a permanent peace,
No more compromises. No more arbitration,
but an energetic prosecution Of the war, in
all directions, by sea, by land, by river is do
manded. The opening Of national path
way to the capital, the forcing Of the pas
sage to the SEA over the waters Of the father
of rivers, the retaking Of the forts and arse
nails, no matter where situated as soon Us
practicable, the efficient blockade Of the
Southern coast. from the mouth OF Chesa-
peako Bay to the Rio Gnnde, is all demand
ed by the loyal sentiment of the country.
1.-THE administration stop short OF this it
will fail in its duty. A policy of this kind
is the shortest cut to peace and we should
say the only route. Let the administration
then push forward its columns Of loyal men,
Let it give the rebels to understand that it
seeks and will continue to seek their sub
mission, that it will hold no parley with
treason, listen to no suggestions Of timidity,
give compromisers to understand that the
terms Of settlement are obedience to the Con-
stitutiou and submission to the laws, and
that il will not stop or abate efforts until
this is accomplished.
Let it continue to act with the energy 1t
has manifested for several weeks past and
before the fall Of the Autumn leaves, treason
will be squelched out and the national flag
will wave in triumph over the country. A
hundred thousand men, swarming over the
borders into the Confederated States, occu-
plying one after another important positions
on the great rivers, and on the coast, retak-
ing the stolen iorts and arsenels, catching
traitors when they can, and dealing with
them Us traitors should be dealt with, will
do the work, and permanent peace secured.