Indiana State sentinel. (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1861-1865, 1862-12-08
WEEKLY SENTINEL.
MONDAY, DECEMBER 8.
Overtures for Peace.

Tribune, the substance Of which was telegrsphed
over the country few days ago. detailing an
overture for peace which, il is stated BY the same
authority. had its origin with the rebel author
iies at Richmond. FERNANDO WooD in a re-
cent speech in New York, stated in effect that he
lad received overtures from leading men in the
South proposing terms of reunion. This infor-
nation, coming from different and opposite
sources. politically, leads US to think, in the
language of the Hypochondriac in the play that
"there may be something in it," The propo-
sitions for peace. as stated by the correspondent
eof the Tribune, have PROBABLY the1partisan exag-
geraton that we must expect from the sources
through which they come, but if it has been init
mated by the leaders Of the rebellion, or prom
inent citizens of the South, that the exhausing
war in which we are engaged can be terminated,
and a reunion under the old Government brought
about, it is certainly worthy of consideration by
the Federal authorities.
If the restoration Of the National authority over
the so called Confederate States-the manten-
ance of the Constitution as it is and the Union
it wasAars the objects for which the war is prose
cuted the Administration should not be unwilling
to receive overtures from those IN rebellion for
.ss accomplishment of these ends upon
dusus basis. The President in his Inaugural
statet e war should ensue from the difficulties
then existing-a sentiment which he reiterates in
his last message-that friendly terms of inter-
course must become a matter of discussion and
settlement. These are his words:
Suppose you go to war, you cannot Eight al
ways; and when after much loss on both sides,
and 40 gain on either, you cease lighting, the
identical old questions to terms OF intercourse
are again upon you.
The contingencies anticipated by the President
have occurred. For year and half the cOun-
try has been engaged in a terrible civil war, with
much loss on both sides-a waste of a vast amount
of treasure and blood We cannot fight always
The longer the contest the more exhausting will
be its results to both sections of the country. If
now secure an honorable peace-an hon
orable and lasting settlement of the terms whic h
shall govern our future intercourse, it will be
wise craftsmanship to embrace the opportunity.
And the people will hold those in power to a
fearful reckoning if they fail to do 50. We are
not discussing the terms of settlement. out
take it tor granted that they will be such as will
prove advantageous to all sections and by such
apolicy rvet the bonds of Union more strongly
together than ever.
But suppose that these overtures, rs the Trib-
une correspondent suggests, are only stragetical-
that the object of them is to gain a diplomatic
advantage which will secure the Confederates
the sympathy and perhaps material aid from
those nations who are pecuniarily interested in
having this struggle cease. will it not be wise
entertain theml refusal on our part to listen
to terms of settlement they would certainly
profit by. The rebel leaders could make the
lection the foundation of appeal for the recog-
milton of their claims to independent nation
atty, which foreign Governments. under such
circumstances. would be disposed to regard Not
only recognition, but Intervention, would proba-
bly, follow a refusal part to listen to pro-
pOsSls for an adjustment of sectional differences.
But the Tribune correspondent intmates that the
Administration will depend upon the "havoc"
which will accompany our armies as the surest
means of crushing out the rebellion. Will not
war Of devastation, of ruthless plumber and
slaughter, excite the sympathy of every Christian
nation in behalf of the sufferers? To such
warfare the words of Mr.. LINCOLN, in his last
message, will forcibly apply: Fellow citizens,
we cannot escape history. We of this Congress
will be remembered in spite Of ourselves" And
history will remember them. if they
'Cry havoc, and let slip the dogs of war;
We hope that those in authority will let the
.'Dogmas of the quiet past" which have proven
adequate to the government of the country, both
in sunshine and in storm, rule now, and the same
Union which prospered in wonderful a de-
gree, if restored, will again produce and develope
equal progress and prosperity.
In tEis conn sction we reproduce an article from
the New Albany Ledger upon "Our DIFFICULTIES
the writer Of which. that print says. as one
among our most respected, responsible and loyal
citizens" and ''Shose suggestions are worthy the
consideration of the people OF the North
Ii is known TO US all that there is wide spread
difficulty in our land; a difficulty involving the
whole population of our country In what man
ner shall il be settled to be most enduring
in its principle and satisfactory to people, is
question deeply felt by those who would like the
smiles OF peace q beam upon our country once
again Shall il be by arms alOnel Shall the
country still he drenched in blood and our hearth
stones be made desoate by the slain of dear and
devoted ones? Shall there be no other arbiter
but the swordl Shall the North and South rush
IN madness until our glorious old country is ru-
ined in the conflict of armies? Or shall reason
judgment, and sound practical sense govern US in
the future7
1t is not necessary in the present writing to
discuss the wrong of the South in leaving a
Union the best ever yet devised by statesmen.
We all knew il was great wrong on her part
and may We not hope that many, very many OF
her deluded population have felt il TO their sor-
No. object is to inquire il there is not
yet some chance of healing the divisions that
a1ict US by peaceable arbitration of the matters
at variance
We cannot war always. There will be a time
when il will end All conflicts have an end
And Why not bring this to a termination while
yet we have enough of energy and healthful vi
iality left 70 throw off the heavy load that seems
70 be pressing Us down. When two or more men,
partners in the great business of life have be
come entaDgied in difficulties, they best settle
their disputes by fighting, and continuing to
fight. they easily and satisfactorily
terminated by friendly meeting Of the parties
20 talk and reason over the matter in cOntro l.
versy2 Does not the history Of man prove that
in ninety mine in one hundred all ulisunder
standings can be better adlu in that manner
than by resort TO violent and passionate meansl
Now, Government is aggregate of individ
uals, and the question comes up whether the
difficulties that now environ cannot be more
easily adjusted by friendly talk the part Of
those representing the Government and similar
representation on the part Of the South. ! think
some Roadway might be made in seeing the end
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