The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1863-04-15
WOoDSFIELD MONROE COUNTY OHIO APRIL IS 1863

Of the war necessity to it. Its only
chance of regaining its lost popularity lies
in successful military operations. Unless
it can obtain a much higher place in pub
lie estimation than it now occupies, not
only will its tenure Of power become ex-
trenely precarious, but some Of its lead
ing members may lie called to severe
account for their extra legal proceedings.
During. the session of Congress which
begins next month, the present Admins
tration has indeed reason to expect an un-
compromising support from majority of
both Houses of Congress. But on the
4th of March next the House of Repre-
sentatives is dissolved by the terms of the
Constitution, and at the same time several
of the present Senators go. out of Office.
The majority of the members chosen at
the recent elections for the new House of
Representatives are of the Democratic, or
conservative party; and in some States
Senators of that party will be returned In
the room of those whose terms Of Office
expires next March, The new Congress
is, in fact, likely to be hostile to the ADJ
ministration and to the radical party; and
although it will not, in the ordinary
course of things, assemble until the last
month of next year, the President will
hardly be able to persist in his present
policy and in his assumption of extraor-
dinary powers, unless he can, in virtue OF
military successes, obtain representation
with the people which will sustain him in
contest with the Legislature.
1t would seem, then, to be vain to make
an offer of mediation to the present Gov
ernment, in their present mood, with any
notion that it would le accepted. A
change Of mood may, however, take place
after the fourth March, if no great
military successes occur in the interval
Such a change MY possibly be produc d
sooner by military rsverses. A propos. !
however, to mediate, made even under
present circumstances, by three or more
of. the great powers Of Europe conjointly,
might not produce any great inconveni
ence.
II is, indeed, urged by some people that
mediation should be offered, not so much
with a view of its being accepted, as to
its clearing the way for a recognition Of
the Southern Confederacy. And, indeed,
II II ,ocre detern,taed that the time had come
ior rccogniziug that Confedsracy, no eloa6t
"a, offer of mediation ,ooatd be suitable
prelin,inary.e But / do not clearly under
stand what advantage is expected to re-
suit from simple reeognitition of the
Southern Government; and | presume that
the European powers do not contemplate
breaking up the blockade by force of arms,
or engaging in hostihties with the United
A. ~
States III support Of the Independence of
the South.
have. indeed, he .rd it maintained that
Great Britain should recognize the inde
pendence Of the South as soon as possible,
with a view to impede the success of the
efforts OF the conservative party to re-
construct the Uuion. The advocates of
this opinion consider reunion as a prob
able event. aud app ehend that the first
result of it would be that the combined
forces of the North and the South would
be letloose upon Canada. l ce.t -inly do
not at present share these apprehensions.
All hope of the recon struction of the
Unol appe.,rs to be fiding away, even
FROM the minds of those who most ardently
desire it. But. if the reconstruction be
still possible, do not think that we need
conclude that it would lead to an invasion
OF Canada, or to any consequences inju-
rious to Great Britain. Atany rate, dan
gers of any kind are remote. The imme
Idiate and obvious interest of Great Britain
as we'll as the1rest OF Europe, is that peace
and prosperity should be restored to this
country as soon as possible. The point
chiefly worthy Of consider tion appears to
be whether separation or reunion be the
more likely to effect this object.
| have, &C., So LYONS.