The Grand Haven news. [volume] (Grand Haven, Mich.) 1858-18??, 1862-04-23
WORK TO BE DONE.

announced 10 millions OF ANXIOUS freeman
that civil war, in all its horrors, had burst
like the sudden upheavings of mighty,
-pent-up volcano over our happy land,
and blood, carnage and death had com
nenced their onward march in all their
desolating and heart-sickeuing realities.
We, in common with thousands of 9th
ers, had fondly hoped that before one year
from that sad day had rolled round, the
breach would have been healed, the con-
test ended, and peace restored. But how
stands the case! II is true our army has
accomplished much. They have shown
what brave hearts, fred with true patriot
ism, and aided by the God of battles,
may accomplish. Our invincible soldiery
have, by their self-sacrifices and indomit-
able courage, endeared themselves to the
hearts of their countrymeu and inspired
the utmost confidence in the ultimate re-
suit Of the mournful contest in which we
are engaged. Much has been done, but
how much remains vet to be done 10 re-
store us TO our former estate, the eye OF
Omniscience alone can discern. But two
great events we trust will mark rs ever
memorable the year 1862. Tho first is
the crushing out of the most appalling
and wicked rebellion that has ever cursed
any portion of the Creators fair domain.
This work is now being entered upon by
our armies with zeal that knows no quail
ing or faint heartedness. Thousands of as
true hearts as ever tread the battlefield
stand ready 10 offer themselves as VIC
tins Of sacrifice or conquer. In the hands
of God and such men is success doubtful (?
The second is the maintaining of the
constitution in all its strength, purity and
adaptation to the policy of selfgovern-
ment. And we feel proud to-day that
President LINCOLN and a majority of his
Cabinet and those high in civil and mill
tary stations are determined to see that
nothing shall be allowed to blemish
or weaken this great palladium Of our
rights as American citizens.
1t ought to be source of congratula-
ton that that time horored instrument is
yet to be, amid the conflict of opposing
elements, the foundation of law and or
der, as in the palmy days gone by, aud
that We can feel confidence that no
pressure of designing hot-headed politi-
clans can swerve the powers that be from
faithful adherence in policy to its wise
provisions. May we not hope and rea-
sonably expect that before the ushering
in of 1868 both of these grand objects
shall have been attained.
THE EMANCIPATION QUESTION.
"What do you think of the Emancipa-
ton Question:" we are frequently asked.
We think just this: If Congress has
clearly constitutional right, as alleged,
to make a law abolishing slavery in the
District of Columbia, and the President
such right to sanction the law, we have
no fault to find. We believe it is just
and right to pay the Shareholders for their
slaves. Butwe would have been pleased,
as matter Of policy and right, to have
seen the law submitted to the people Of
the District for their approval, before car
ried into ultimate effect.
AS respects the Presidents emancpa-
ton scheme, relative TO the Border States,
we admire its spirit-think it is just and
concilating in its import, and if the
States, By a vote Of the people, accord
with any law that may be passed by
Congress for the emancipation of their
slaves, all right. But it seems to us
that tax, at this time, levied for such a
purpose impolilic, as it would impose a
burden upon us grievous TO be borne, when
taken in connection with other taxes that
must necessarily fall upon us. The fact
is oar entire country must first be restor-
ed, and then let all constitutional means
be used to purify it, and make it fl
habitation for great and prosperous ma
ton Of freemen.
READ AND REMEMBER-That if vol