New-York daily tribune., 1862-10-08
NEw.YuKK DAILY TRIBUNE, WEDNESDAY. OCTOBER D. 1867

"Perform unto the Lord thy vows" But tn
civil question is that in which the nation q
large has an interest The Constitution OF tn
United States declares that treason shall con
sist in levying war against the United States
and giving to their enemies aid ard comfort.
That one bishop and some Of the clergy art
levyng war against the United States, anc
that other bishops, clergy and laity Of the
Church at the South are giving to our enemies
aid and comfort is a fact that even Doctor
Hawks cannot deny, and his suggestion that
they are acting under compulsion OF the civil
authority and are not, therefore, to be held
responsible. is one that will find few to assent
TO il, unless they are as the reverend gentle
man is reported to be, in sympathy with the
Rebellion.
The issue, as we have said, cannot be
avoided. The negative, non-pOtentlal, go'oe-
tween, recusant, Inconsistent aDd contradictory
policy pursued by the American Church in the
past, on the Slavery question, cannot DO pur'
sued now, in reference to the struggle that in-
wolves our National Existence, and the well
fare of the entire American people. And the
Members of the Convention should feel the
awful responsibility that attaches to their votes.
The action of the Convention is not likely TO
be unanimous already have apologsts for
Traitors arisen on the floor ready 10 sacrifice
present duty Of the most solemn character TO
possible contingencies that may never happen.
Mr.. Rugges TO our great surprise and deep
regret, opposed the adoption of canon suita-
bic to the occasion Of Bishop and Diocesan
Council abandoning their Church or rcnouncing
It's authority, on the ground that it would zen
" rage our Southern brethren; and he IS reported
to have said that their offence " ls not 20 bad
" after all. 1t is only breach OF contract; 1t
" ia not an immortality"
God help the country when the American
Church assumes that the blackest Of crimes
known TO the law--the crmo of treason--is
lot an immortality
Mr. Rcdfeld of Massachusetts O. asked,
Were we in the situation Of our Southern
brethren should we do any better than they
did lie feared we would do wOrac.
his Southern brethren by going South" DE-.
Hawks. referring TO the most stupendous and the
most wicked rebellion ever wagcd against the
best Government on which the sun ever shone,
said: I'VE must nos lug IN all the little dirty
questions OF the day, which viii be buried with
this agitation" And the Hon. lioratio Sey-
mour reLuked DR.. Vinton for his plain-speahins
Of Southern traitors and made an appeal for
tenderness toward "our Southern brethren"
In strong contrast to the lax morality Of
Mr. Ruggles, the Soushera procliyities Of Air.
Redfeld, the disoyal impertinence Of DR..
Hawks, and the schly sentimentality OF Mr..
Seymour. have been the earnest fidelity Of
Judge Murray Hoffman, the logical .oquence
Of DIR. Vinton, the plain-fpoken truthfulness OF
Or. Goodwin Of Pennsylvania and DR.. Clark.
son of Illinois.
The special Committee. to whom the whole
subject has been referred, viii report to-mor.
row. They would seem TO have been selected
10 direct violation of parliamentary custom and
courtesy, which accords a majority of the mem
bers to the friends OF the measure and the
conclusions Of the Report were toreshadowed
when tho President announced the names.
But tie loyal members of tic Convention
will not submit to be gagged, however des-
perately the attempt already made to silence
debate may be repeated, AID the country will
await with the deepest interest their yndca-
ton OF the Episcopal Church from tic ST gna
already cast upon it BY sympathzers with Sc
cession.