The daily Green Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1861-1865, 1862-09-08
An Irresoluts Policy and its Results

back to defensive policy, for tie time being
making NJ effort to crush the rebellion, but en-
deavorng to keep rebellion from crushing tie
Government. This end mas been reached after
nearly eighteen months Of war Washington
is now besieged, Maryland invaded, Kentucky
overrun, Ohio aud Pennsylvania threatened, the
army 10 Tennessee cut off from its base OF oper-
atoms, aud surrounded by rebel army and
hostile territory, New Orleans in immediate
expectation of an attack which our land forces
other point OF Importance south occupied Ivy us
since the war commenced, in fair way to be
recaptured by the rebels CT evacuated by us, as
we tall back 10 our new base OF operations, and
take time 70 gather up our scattered strength,
reorganlze our shattered armies, and begin again
at the alphabet OF the war. v, are to-day
talking, not about our ability to entirely sup
press treason and punish traitors, but are seri-
ously debating whether it is possible for US to
prevent Jeff Davis from capturing our cities,
invading our territory, and debating the terms
upon which we shall submit to bis rule w hat
has brought US to this strait is "a serious cues
ton, and he who cares anything for the future
of the free States Of the Republic, SHOULD make
searching inquiry for its answer, that the
rocks upon which We have so nearly loundered,
may be avoided In the further navigation of this
stormy sea.
1t is evden, that there is something wrong
somewhere, or twenty-five millions of people
would not, in d contest with eight millions,
have been SO drastrousiy beaten and Inundated
in the face OF The nations Of the earth The
fault, however, cannot rest with the people, for
they have answered, with unreserved cheerful
ness and promptness, to every call Of the Gov
eminent, and have besought those in authority
again and again, to make still larger requsi-
lions upon their patriotism, and accept more Of
their abundantly volunteered aid, but have been
told that the Government had enough men, and
was almost smothered in honey. and that no
more troops were required Or desired. But the
people having done their part, has the Govern
ment done its part? Have those clothed with
the executive power Of the nation used the
strength put into their hands in the best way
possible, or even as skillfuly rs the rebel gov
eminent has used its strength? Or, to 60 still
deeper than this has the government conducted
this war with full comprehension of the mag
nltn1e OF the interests at stake, or an under
standing OF the malgnty, the resolution, and
the vindictlve determination of the rebels never
10 be subdued? However we may attempt to
spare this cr that civil officer, or this or that
military chettaln, IN our answer to these ques
tions, the universal voice of the nation answers
these questions IN the negative, although 10 par
tlcular instances We may endeavor to Tighten this
burden Of responsibility by shifting it from the
shoulders OF our tavorites upon the shoulders of
other men. The Government has thus tar failed
to suppress rebellion, and it cannot escape tile
severe criticism anu condemnation of the people
rs consequence OF the failure If it continues
t. pursue the policy for year to come that i,
has pursued Tor eighteen months past it will
continue to fail, and the rebellion will become a
success, and the Republic forever divided
The mistake that has been made from the
outset Is the policy of putting down the rebel
lion by any other method than the subjugatlon
OF the rebels and the possession of their terrific
ry. We have waited, before desperate RENE
dies were resorsed TO, until me rebels have ob.
taine1 such advantages Of US that their threat t.
have deferred us from doing what they did no
desire that we should do. We declared priya.
tecrng piracy, but have not dared to HANG
privateers for fear Of retaliation. We refused
to exchange prisoners until they had so many OF
our men IN dungeons that our humanity brough
rs to their terms. These are palpable ways il
which the rebels have made policy for US
But their opinions and wishes have more seri-
ously lnterfered with our treatment of them
through methods not quite so patent. The gov
eminent commenced the war apparently wit
the idea that there was not to be much lighting
that the rebels were to be either starved 0
frightened into submission and that, for tn
sake OF good fellowship and brotherhood an
unity in a " restored union the traitors mus
be exasperated Just as little as possible An