Indiana State sentinel. (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1861-1865, 1863-02-23
For the Indiana Stat. SENTINEL
For the Indiana State Sentinel.
The Cost OF Peace-ReflectionSO on n
Portion of Robert Dale OWENS Lett
ter 80 Secretary Chase, Published in
the New York Post.

Portion of Robert Dale OWENS Lett
ter 90 Secretary Chase, Published i'm
the New York Post.
To undertake an argument with so fine
scholar and so profound a thinker as Mr.. Owen
may seem presumptious, nevertheless we hazard
the following reflections which have been sug-
gested TO our mind BY perusal of his recent let
.er TO Secretary Chase.
We will admit his statistical statements, and
deductions from them, in relation TO the military
resources of the two sections of our country now
waging with each other.
The census of 1869 shows the number of
white males between the ages OF eighteen and
forty five. in the loyal States, to be about 4O0O.
600. and in the disOyal States about 800 900,
little upwards of three to Une." But, says Mr..
Owen. this calculation basis OF military
strength is wholly fallacious for it includes per
sons of one color only" Now, if the number of
white males between these ages in the loyal
States is 1000 900. and in the disloyal States
, 300 900, may we not assume that the same pro-
portion exists ia the number of persons below the
age of eighteen and above the age of fOrty-6ve,
IN both sections? If so. then we have fair ba-
sis to work upon and we deduce from Nj Owens
Statements and calculations that the Western
politicians solution of our difficulties 1.-The
recognition of slavery in all Stttes'-is the
nearest approach we make To that desirable
end Mr. Owei admits the idea has basis of
truth, and might lead 10 peace, but for the out
rage it would be to the progressive spirit OF
Christian civilization independently of that
charitable but speciOus consideration, we proceed
to the process of arriving at said politicians
clusiou. and will take Mr.. Owens own state
ments "a the basis He finds that 10000, 900 of
people North furnish 4, 900 900 "whence soldiers
out door lIbOrerS and mechanics must chiefly be
taken;" and that 5000 900 South supply ,3OO,-
900. that the North gives three 10 ole over
u. n. Ill
free. and 350O000 of the South are slaves.
Hence we get the following result: 20.000.0O0
Of whites North supply 4.OOO,0OO whilst 9,OOO,-
900 SOuth-less 3 500 900 slaves-furnish .3OO,-
900, being over three TO one. But accOring to
Mr.. Ovens argument those :, 500, 900 slaves are
equal, directly and indirectly for military re-
sources, 70 ZOO, 900 whites; for he makes the
relative strength of the two sections, Of soldiers
70 hight, and labOrers to support the nation while
fighting" as three in the South to four in the
North. We therefore infer that the Western
politicians theory is most plausible, and that the
existence Of slavery in nation, for military
strength, is superior to free population, in the
proportion that $500 900 slaves belrs to the diff
ference between the resources Of 20.O0O,0O0 of
whites North and say 5000. 900 Of whites South,
between the ages of eighteen and fOrtyfve,
which Mr.. Owen makes equal to 100000. In
other words, it $500 900 slaves were imported
into. or transferred to the North, as the equiva-
lent of 100 00J whites available directly and
indirectly, for military PURPOSES. the strength OF
those 10000 900 would be increased for the like
purposes from 40O0 900 to 500 900 Hence
slavery in the loyal States, in the same proportion
as il exists in the South. would increase. in that
ratio the military strength and resources OF the
loyal States.
Mr.. Owen, under the supposition of South
united, without regard TO color, in an effort for
recognition. declares it impossible IF history
teach truth. for Us to obtain peace by subduing
her, But he few to what strikes US as an alb
surdity-the negroes being loyal to the Union,
instead Of their masters, and arguing on that
changed basis finds COnfederacy divided against
itself. anl the possibility of the services Of those
laborers being transferred TO Us. Immediately
after. he prOn0uuces sach Wholesale transfer ''of
course impossible in practice. But in so far
the trdnsfer Is possible we approach the above re-
suit" Ii the transfer Is impossible, TO what ex-
tent can he calculate we will find COnfederlcy
divided against itseIfl Ii impossible. there can
be no COnfeleracy divided against itself. and eff
history teach truth" we cannot obtain peace by
subduing the South! To apply the term loyalty
70 the Union" (Which presupD1ses Il knowledge
OF duty 70 gOvernment) to slaves. seems per-
version Of their use The only ''lOsaltv" they
comprehend. if we can - apply the term i ODE
denee and submission to their masters, local at
taehment 70 their estates, AMI close identification
with both. We will now address ourselves to the
subject of general emancipation.
To accomplish general emancipation all the
now existing relations Of property and labor in
the Southern States must be overturned. Slfyes
have ever been recognized BY our Constitutions
if not property at least persons whose life
long services are the rghtful due of those claim
ing TO be their owners right acquiesced in by
our people ever since the formation OF our Gov
eminent They cultivate the plantations and
are employed as mechanics, field hands. and gen.
eral laborers Among them is the same distri-
button Of labor as exists in the free States-the
proceeds of their labor going. however, to their
UrOprietOrs. instead of themselves Individually
in the free States. One system OF distribution
being organized on the acknowledgment of bond
age, the other on the basis of freedom Sud.
denly destroy that dstr button in either case, and
who can estimate the consequences to the pence
and order OF society? According 70 Mr. Owen
and many other public men. there is found in the
rebellion every pretext and reason for that terrible
resort. Dues he address himself 70 the subject as
phianthropist, looking 70 the ameliOratOn of
the condition OF the slaves. or rs punishment 10
their masters, and a means 70 that endl IL
appears strange TO Us that he can, in his calm
Judgment profoundly studying the stuDendous
question, and asking ''what shall say of their
statenanship, who. in war like this. would elve
'outo view the practical effects Of emancipation"
seriously recommend his policy and hope to
maintain those great principles Of Christianity
and civilization the true architects and guardians
Of order and system, which enjOin upon u.s. as
people. moral duties and obligations, As OF higher
consideration than mere IDEAL political economy
Philanthropy Is not violent IL Is gentle persua-
sive. mercifal. IL j. commanding, vet restrain
ing. and appeals to reason. not % passion Let
Us study is teachings on this mOment0us Ques-
ton. Our moral duties TO the proprietors are not
to be lost sight Of in visionary schemes to benefit
a servile race
Admit general emancipation to be feasbIe-Iet
plantations be cOufscated and transferred 20 the
Government OF new proprietOrs. and the enfran-
chsed slaves be left 10 their respective localities
would that improve their condition hasten "A
restoration Of the Unionl We think not In
agricultural countries and districts the pro
duction of means of subsistence must be pro
poftiotei TO the supply Of those whom they
are destined 20 support. In the Southern States
that proportions OF means would be destroyed by
the emancipation Of the slaves. for the simple
reason that lt is a well established fact, an Ak
ION, that the necessities and wants Of freeman
are greater than those of a bondman. Enamel
pate 3, 500 900 slaves and with their liberation
commences increased wants, all 10 be supplied
from the same resources. Will their voluntary
labor, under the iDducement Of wages be equal
70 the production OF those increased wants. and
those staples for commerce, which our own do
nestle, 70 say nothing Of foreign requirements.