The weekly north Iowa times. [volume] (McGregor, Iowa) 1857-1867, 1861-05-22
War Speculatious.

The American people may truly be said
to be speculative nation; and we claim
that It is but the natural consequence of the
existing order of things that it should be so.
In nation Of sovereigns, how could it he
otherwise than that each individual power
should feel anxious for the safety of his in
stitntions, and the wise department of his
agents at the scat Of government
Well, our agents at Washington have
thought it bcst-and here comes in the dis.
cretion-to keep their plans of operations
in this great crisis concealed from their
principals, in order to carry them to more
successful issue; and now every newspaper
we open and every individual VIC meet. has
theory to disclose as to what is next going
to be done. One is satisfied that this war
is not to stop until every rebel is extermi-
mated, every secession flag burned, and ev-
cry insult apologizcd for. Another is pos
tive that agents Of the government are to
whisper instruction in the car of the slaves
A third has come to the conclusion that Mr.
Davis will soon find he has been an unmit-
igated fool and on his marrew bones will of.
fer to recedc, providing the government will
not visit upon him the penalty of treason
And so it goes. There is no harm in spec
ulative pursuits, and the Constitution has
nowhere forbidden it when INDUCED in even
to the extent Of neglect Of ordinary business
duties. 1t undoubtedly acts as a sort of
vent through which a superiority of offer.
vescng patriotism may escape from hot
bloodcd individuals, and therefore may be
denominatcd necessary safety-valvc for
the body polite.
We have been frequently asked what will
be the issue Of transpiring events; and we
here take occasion to say in all candor that
We do not know. The "book of fate" has
never been opened to us and our ancestry
were none of the prophets. OF this we are
satisfied, that treason against this govern
ment should be quelled, at all times and in
all places. How to quell it is great prob
lem the solution Of which comes not within
the range Of our province or duty. When
it is confined to few individuals, the rem
edy is simple and easy Of accomplishment
but when spread to the extent it now occu-
pies, the best of human wisdom is not more
than adequate to the task. 1t bids fair to
be full of ugly complications. While we
write, intelligence is being received that
Englsnd and France are wavering as to
whether they shall or shall not recognize
the southern confederacy. Ofone thing our
government is well assured-the hearts of
the entire North beat true to the Union and
will respond to every reasonable call made
upon them. This is the first element of
success. We have put moro power in
the hands Of the administration than it de-
sired; if it uses this power Alright, the 9th
or element of success is reached.
Let US hope that the union sentiment of
the southern states will be respected and
supported. There seems now to be no al
formative but an issue of arms let the fight
then be waged as becomes an enlightened,
Christian people-no sacking of towns and
ravaging of fields-no useless barbarities.-
We will enforce capitulation by honorable
yet decisive engagements, and welcome the |
peaceful harmony which God grant may !
succeed our national distractions.