Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1862-04-26
SATURDAY, APRIL &c. 1862.
The Great Battle in Tennessee.

While we have been looking for the great
battle which was to be turning point Of the
rebellion to occur in the vicinity of the Poto-
mac, we have been startled with the thrilling
announcement that the greatest battle ever
fought upon the American continent has been
fought upon the banks Of the Tennessee river;
and while every true patriot must rejoice at
the the triumph of the Government over the
rebel forces under Beauregard and johnson,
The heart sckens at the contemplation Of the
terrible sacrifice of life with which it has been
purchased.
We had hoped that the rebel leaders would
have realized the entire hopelessness of their
cause after their defeat at Donelson, and have
indicated disposition to lay down their arms
and return to their loyalty; but it appears
they are bent upon their own obstruction, and
that of their misguided followers, who have
been induced by misrepresentation and fraud
to make war upon the Government Of their
own choice and under which they had lived
npeace and prosperity.
1t cannot be that they will persist in their
mad and insane purpose Of breaking up the
Government. They must now realize how
utterly impossible it is for them to resist its
power and authority successfully, and the
masses of the people must realize that they
have been betrayed by artful designing dema-
gogues into a wicked rebellion against their
Government for the purpose of concentrating
power in the hands Of slavcholding aristoc.
racy, to be used for their own selfish purposes,
and their degradation. We think the time for
areaction Of the public sentiment of the South
has arrived, and when it shall be furnished an
opportunity for giving free EXPIRE ssion to it.,
the feeling will spread like fire ON the prairie,
until it shall overcome all opposition to the
Constitution and laws. 1t is to this reaction
We look for a restoration If that peace and
harmony which has heretofore characterized us
as great and prosperous nation. and We have
strong and abiding faith that it will l.e real
lied. There arr un,nistakable indications in
the rebel States Of disposition on the part
OF the masses Of the people to return TO their
loyalty. and with the advanc. cf our conquer
Ing and victorious army this suppressed srn-
tiinent Of love for the old Stars and S,ri,s.s.
and for the Government established bv our
fathers. has developed itself among the great
body Of the people. and they most cl,rerfully
submit to the provisional governments formed
fortheir protection. This is mast fully demon
strated BY the fact that our advancing army
have no enemies in the rear.
While We mourn the loss of the hundreds
OF brave spirits that 50 calamity resisted the
far'oss and maddencd charges Of the rebel
hosts of double their number, for whole day.
werejoics to know that they 30 uobly did their
duty in Offering upon the altar Of their country
their lives - willing sacrifice for the preserva
tiou Of I'll that Is valuable in government or in.
stitufions. and that they will 10 hailed a.
martyrs to the cause Of human liberty Ly eve
~ patriot throughout the civilized world. and
their memory will flourish green in the hearts
Of the present. and coming generations.
For the first time in the history Of rcpub.
lican governments, the people have practical