Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1862-10-10


Rumors of peace multiply perhaps all
springing from one source, and that source is
somebody relying on hope rather than knowl-
edge, or even common sense. We are sus-
picious that il is one who cries peace peace
when there is no peace. 1t is too quick 70
cry peace. However blessed peace is, how
ever desirable it is, however much we long
for it and pray for it, it will always be too
quick for the Government to cry peace al
ways too quick for the loyal, the patriotic
the brave to cry peace. For them it is i'm
possible until they are beaten Il will be
impolihc and insulting until then, to surren-
der. Surrender: Never never never Let
us wait for a cry Of peace from the rebels be-
fore we rejoice. Especially let us wait for
that before we discuss the terms of peace
even among ourselves. The government
cannot compromise with rebellion; certainly
Il cannot compromise easily and cheaply
hence f.n ancourase tae Qabels in belief
that we can, we shall only prolong the war
by infusing new energy into it on their part.
Our course should be precisely the reverse
We must infuse more energy iuto the war on
our part; we must compel them to surrender,
and then they will cry peace peace Let the
rebels ask for terms. 1t will be time enough
then for consideration and discussion. Let
US conquer them ; then they will be reason
able and rejoice for peace on any terms,
These are our views. Nevertheless others,
who are perhaps wiser than ourselves. are
not only crying peace to rebels still in arms,
but offering terms Of peace. We do not be-
lieve they speak for the Government, but
rather without authority and without good
reasons. We write in view Of the following,
which will sufficiently explain itself.
From the New York Tribune:
We have very strong conviction that the confederate
lcadcrs will not allow the lst Of January TO approach
without very earnest efforts though they may be under
hand 70 stop the desostng civil war which they Ieck
essy haugurated under the graves misooneepuons Of
he military resources and tenacity Of purpose of the
loyal stAtea- Hangman Foote's recent proposition in
the rebel Congress Of an embassy 20 Warrington will
probably be oycrrued but the effort which it contcm-
plates viii nevertheless be made The resources o the
rebels, consisting mainly Of bouudess issues Of paper
promises hacked by system Of taxation, not easily
exhausted they have no clothiug for a winter cam
paign, having exhausted that which they bought on
credit Of northern merchants in 1860 and sWndled
them out Of the pay for. and their British friends have
learned by sad experience that smuggling valuable car
goes into bOckadng ports at heavy risk only TO sell
them 10 people who eau pay for them is exrahazard
Gus In short the rebellion don't pay, and IL Will have
to be given mp.
There must then be accommodation, and. that fact
established II seems 20 very easy settle the terms.
The obvious basis of adjustment is the Constitution
Of the United States without note comment Ihais,
az the very lowest estimate, treaty but call it
pact alliance, what you will, il Is valid and bind
ing contract Our fathers made it freely aud heartily
and u cannot degrade their TO reAm and abide hy
o. II we Tcpndate that, what assurance be given
trusted that any bargain would be lived up TOT
Whenever the rebels really desire peaee-as think
they very soon will II they do not already dythcy have
but 70 notify the government that they ready 20
10 loyalty and TO that end have ahrogaed all ordi
acts, and oaths Of allegiance inconsistent there
with President Lincoln would thereupon feel warrant
I'd we dopht not IN issuing Proclamation Of Amnos
~ inviting the states lately in rebellion elsct
bers Of Congress II no rebellion had existed. The
rebels would need further assurance OF immunity
their friends Of the Nallaudigham persuasion would
guarantee them practical ascendency in the House, II
ia the Senate also and thus shield them from all
rious harm Aud II they should choose TO have
yenuun to revise the federal Constitution haye
doubt that this would be easy Of attainment, though
should prefer n have no supuati1ns on the subject
They might have had one without objection Ia 1861
they have one without stipulation IN 1868. But the
true aud sufficient basis Of immediate peace is The
Constitution as it is" Man can devise no better