The Memphis union appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1862-1862, 1862-07-29
THE SHADOWS OF COMING EVENTS


1t might have saved many of US thousand
ills, both in PUBLIC and private life, had we
been more observing of the times SO as to have
hidden from foreseen evils. Coming events
do cast their shadows before them, and
proper regard for the warnings they are in
tended to give, would have found many of Us
quite differently situated to-day.
What do the shadows of coming events now
clearly indicate? We have published Mr..
SrANToS's order under the Confscation Act
Of the late Congress. Our readers cannot have
feiled to see that whether wisely or unwisely,
the border slave States, Tennessee included,
are exempt from its sweeping provisions. We
are not at less to divine why this exemption
was made. Like the forbearance of the All
Father towards his rebellious children, it was
intended to lead these States to repentance
and obedience. In part of these States, the
most sanguinary battles have been fought, and
hitherto. except by INSCRIPTIONS individuals,
the most sacred regard to private rights
has been maintained by the Federal army.
Guards have protected fences and families and
property of all kinds, slaves especially, and
most severe punishment has been meeted out
sgainst the lawless ones who have disobeyed
orders, until the complainings of fathers and
brothers at home, have extorted from Con-
gress the Confscation Act, which Mr.. LIN
COLIN hesitates to enforce against our State
and other emiloyal States.
Whether we regard Mr. LINcoLS's policy in
these exceptions, as wise or otherwise, we are
compelled to accord to him the best of mo-
tives. He desires that the latent unionism of
the States shall have time and occasion to
deVelope, and that whatever may be the future
necessities Of the war, or the future calamities
which it may entail upon US, he has given US
timely warning and abundant opportunity to
escape them.
Our readers cannot suppose that under every
possible contingency, this order of things will
continue. If within these States, guerrilla
bands are organized and fostered; if the navi-
cation Of the river and the use of the railroads
shall continue to be impeded, by the open con-
sent and cooperation of our own citizens; if
information to our enemies be systematically
conveyed; if, in short, such shall be the devel-
opments o. the future as to clearly prove that
aconsiderable portion of our citizens yet ad-
here to the fortunes of the rebels, then will
this forbearance cease, and the inevitable con-
sequences the more sweeping and devasta-
ting, because Of the continued long-sufering
and forbearsnce of the Federal authorities.
That this is 3 coming event" the unmis-
taxable 'shsdows" around US declare. We do
not draw our conclusions from the tone of the
TFi6unes, and Independents of the North, alone,
bat from the tone no less of the hitherto con-
servative papers, and the conservative citizens
whom business has called to oUr city, and last.
out not least from men now in the army who
have spent life time at home, in battling, as
they call it. Cor southern rights ana southern
institutions, sAd who entered the army veal
ago or less, with the most settled purpose tc
leave it whenever the war should assum.
what they should pronounce q vindetive Of
unconstitutional policy against their "south
ern brethren"
These are now the most clamorous for xbs
they denominate "war policy" The speecl
of Major Gen. WALLACE at Washington him
self n lifelong Democrat, and violent oppose
Of the party in power, is tame compared wit