Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1863-04-07
NO. XIV.
Divide and Conquer.

we are pleased to see that the ENQUIRER has
materially modified its tcne, and, to a consider
liable degree, its position, in regard to naciAo
manifestations in the North West, and the pol;.
cy OF employing diplomatic and moral means. 70
further the development of that spirit. and to de-
/ tach that section from the Yankee States pron
er. 1t admits that the material interests of tht
North West will sooner or later control the con-
duct and decide the attitude of that usooie -
that their interests are in conflict with those of
the North East, and incline them to an alliance
with the Confederate States. Such an alliance
at the proper time. and of . proper Character,
| the s.EnqcIrer' will be really to approve &c.
&c. All this is very different from, and much
| better than, the fierce and scornful language
heretofore held by the ssEnquirer'' towards the
people of the North West.
It is urged by portion of the Southern press.
that it is folly for the North West to talk of a
lreconstruction of the Union, and because they
do desire such step, we should denouncs their
efforts for peace. How absurd siow can any
settlement of existing difficulties be effected un
I'll hos.ilities cease? If, then, they can cause
them to cease, have they not taken the first stem
towards ending the quarrel which has desolsted
SO many happy homes, aud converted SO many
smi ing fields into grave yards? Reconstruction
OF the Old Union, OF course, is impossible They
do us no BARN in advocating it, ana we should
ieaye them to use their own means to end the
only means, we will meet them as We have met
them.g If they select truce and negotiations.
We accept the proposition and the argument
they may use to obtain the truce is clearly n
matter OF little consequence tous. Indeed. ws
regard the talk OF reconstruction as mere sssde,
issue,r known by its advocates to be an imposst
onlty. But reunion of the North West and
the Southern States is question ON which we
VIII nave some day to pass, for infallibly thew
VIII soon or late solicit such an association.
There is no need now to discuss the question:
we will only say that We do not advocate this
change-do not regard it a ssoonsLmmation de-
voutly to b. wished - Too great an expansion
OF territory is the bane of Republics A di-
yerslty OF interests arises and difficulties in leg-
lsiatlo on ensue, producing train of trickery and
corruption too plainly exhibited in the downfall
of the United States. lf.5s ~
The extreme desire on the part of the Yankaes
to be united with the South speaks plainly their
appreciation of the latter and her Importance in
increasing their wealth, respectablity and hap
piness. Who believes that the Yankee nation
would be expending its money so freely, and
pouring pt1ts blood so profusely, if only a
principle were the stake? If they cannot whin
us into their Government, they will beg to be
admitted into ours. They are now trying the
drSt means OF reconstruction, war let us not in.
tertere with those who are preparing the way for,
the second-peace, hen re union is asked
then we may express our views of it's advantages
or disadvantages, and our views for or against it;
but, until then, let US trust to the God of Bat
ties, who has crowned our cause with so many
brilliant victories, and leave the little leaven
put into the mass by Mr.. Vaandingham and
others, to: produce its own effects, augmented by
every influence we can bring to bear.-Rich
LXhip