The Athens post. [volume] (Athens, Tenn.) 1848-1917, 1862-12-12

vote of those of the Northern States, with
the understanding that if majority of
slave States and a majority of free States
accept the proposition, its conditions
should be binding until ratified or super
seded by the States. Suppose the Con-
tederate authorities reject this, or any
similar proposition, no harm could ensue
TO the Northern cause Such action
would only leave them in worse light
before the world, and the Government at
Washington in the better. The prelimi-
naries for such movement could be rea-
Oily arraigned by commissioners selected
for that purpose.
1t may be said that We are constantly
| inviting the Southern people to lay down
their arms. and come back into the Union,
and this would seem to be conclusive, bn.
it must not be forgotten that they rebell-
SeSs because, as they say, the party now IN
! power OF Washington would net permit
them to enjoy in peace, the real condi-
tions and covenants of that Union, and
that there is no evidence that they would
fare better now. Besides, he has studied
human nature to a poor purpose, who
cannot discover that unconditional SUBJ
mission involves degree of humiliation
to which they will never come so long as
they have means of resistance. In the ef-
fort to gain back even the masses, their
passions and pride, and self-respect, may
be wisely considered. We must give them
some new ground, some pretext, if not
complete and substantial guarantees, be-
fore we can expect them to entertain the
idea of forsaking their present leaders,
and embracing the old government.
am fully aware of the indignation,
and even contmpt, with which these
mill H., =
| both sections, but L care not; are we not
engaged in an effort to re-estabIish and
main ntain the Union and are not the sece-
ded States to compose part of that Unioni
| Then why not eEdeavor to rescue them
| from destruction and cultivate good rela-
tions with them?
| When the family of States exists as
heretofore, they must become our breth-
rem and our equals in every particular
! What pleasure, then, can we have in their
! destruction or humiliation? If there be
any friends of the old flag and the old
| government within the secededStates, they
| should cultivate the same spirit towards
the North. The great element of a sub
stantial Union is fraternity among the
people: and that can never be furnished
| by the sword. Again, in the words of Mr..
Lincoln, ''there has been much loss on
| both sides, and no gain on either" and
the identical old question as to terms of
intercourse are upon us, and we should
seek so to adjust them as to re-estabish
the Union on an imperishable basis.
But, it may be asked, is this q war for
| the Union? Are we sure those in author
ity intend nothing else2 They certainly
profess nothing else. and L attribute to
them nothing else. If the war Is not for
the Union, and if not directed with sole
= !, - g ,,
| stupendo,.s fraud that hes ever been xsrs>ss-
- TgEf- that many. very many OF Its part
sans will not be satisfied with that issue
TT might be very important, therefore, t,
, the salvation of the country, when tn,
80 CO.., reconstruction comes, if ever i
, lilonId come, to have the sound:ngs OF
this point taken in advance. 1 should
like exceedingly to see a popular vote
taken il the North, especially in New
England, between the proposition to re.
ceiVe all the States back into the Union
on terms of the constitution, which makes
the States equal and alike sovereign, each
with the right to have such domestic IN
stitutions as it may choose; and a propo-
sition to recognize the independence OF
the Southern Confederacy.
1t might be interesting as well as in
structive, to unveil the hypocrisy of a GER
tain school of politicians who have clam
ored so zealously about the war for the
Union 1t is painfully apparent that not
withstanding this clamor, they do not in
tend that the Union shall exist hereafter
on the terms of the constitution, if it is
to embrace all the States. The ratio OF
slave representation, and the rendition oi
fugitive slaves, are features Of the Consti-
tuition which they condemn and abhor.
Between the maintenance of these and
the recognition of the Southern Confede-
racy, many Of them, in my judgment,
four to one, would prefer the latter
Their aversion to those clauses of the Con-
stitution was a primary cause of the
alienation and hostility of the South, and
fear they would not yield that aversion
: now to render the Union what it once was
! Let Mr.. Lincoln try this question If he
i, would solve the problem of the nation:
imbroglio-
Do not understand me that I would
Weld the sword or any other means cal
eulated to render the Union what 1t was
What l mean is, that if the Union, ano
, that only, is the object, the sword vii
never find the belligerents in bette1
condition to commence that work thar
now. and that other agencies should b
promptly employed. l yield to no maj
e in devotion and loyalty TO the Union as /
: was. and to the principles of government
transmitted to us by our fathers. Ih
: maintenance and perpetuation OF thes
. shall be the objects nearest my heart
!, whether be in private or public lite.-
! with much esteem, | remain,
Yours truly, WV. BIGLER.
To S. D. ANDERSON, Esq. Phila., Pa.
Eg The Knoxville Register mention
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