Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1863-04-14
MIR Everett,s Testimony.


compromise, and especially the adoption of
the Crittenden resolutions, would in the win
ter of 1S60-6l have been accepted by the
South, and would have prevented the war /;
and that similar measures, if now rendered,
would restore the Union. l have no belief in
either EdWard EreretfS Union Club Speech
Time is the most persuasive and invincible
of all logicians. Wait long enough and the
most reluctant of witnesses will bear testi-
mony to the truth. In the light of events it
does not seem at all strange for the old-time
god-fathers and sponsors of all sorts of
compromises to admit that they would have
been worthless, if they had been adopted,
involving us in unrecompensed humli-
alton, while they would have availed
nothing toward averting or even de-
laying the war. 1t is one of the compensa-
tions of the calamity of war that it is uproot
ing the fatal madness for compromising which
has beset American statesmen almost from the
beginning Offsetting right actions by others
confessedly wrong-purchasing advantages to
liberty, the rightful heir by equal concessions
to slavery, the vilest of mposters-compli-
eating good with evil, public virtue with public
corruption-till there was no remedy but the
sword, no solution but war.
The time for the war to have begun was
the day when South Carolina adopted her OIL
dinance OF secession, and the time when the
example of death for treason should have been
set was the day when her senators and repre-
sentatives absented themselves from congress
e Al. II
form. The time intervening between that day
and the 18th of April following, was time lost
to the country. Lenltives were the fashiona-
BILE prescriptions for the terrible malady that
had seized upon it. There is nothing in the
history of medical science or quackery anal
ogous to the infinitely weak dilutions which
the government and a considerable portion of
the loyal people thought were an adequate
remedy for the ncpent rebellion. The dy-
ing administration of Mr.. Buchanan of
course did nothing. 1t was too far in the
power if not in the confidence of the conspir-
ators, to lift finger against them. The new
administration of Mr.. Lincoln was too busy
in arranging the details of government, and
too fearful OF hidden torpedoes and ''devilish
machines" to meet the monster at the thresh-
old. So on our side time was squandered
upon trifes, while on the side of the rebels
there was such sleepleSs and audacious activ-
ity, till the hour was ripe for revolt, as was
never before known. 1t was not till the mag
ical sound of cannon was heard-proclaimin
that the war-6end was already abroad in the
land-that either the government or people
manifested spirit which history can treat
with respect, or posterity reflect upon with
pride.
II the lenitive treatment was so ineffective
and fruitless in the beginning what can be
thought of the delusion, or the madness, or
the guilt of those who advise it now? The
hand that was first lifted for the mortal blow
at the republic still brandishes its bloody
weapon In defiance, scorning every sugges-
ton of peace short of the acknowledgement
of its rightful supremacy. There is no raw
of hope for national life or peace but through
successful war. To that end and result the
government should devote itself anew.
Clothed with absolute power, let the presi-
ueut call MS leglOnS 10 tne HeIu. OlVc 10 de-
serving officers now idle all over the country,
part in the grand work of closing the war
with honor before the SHOWS of another win
ter compel another years campaign. En-
courage the country by the force of one earn
est and electric example, to aid in making this
the last year of the war, so that the closing
year OF the administration may, under the
blessing of God, be devoted to the arts of
peace Good intentions are not enough.
A"ey VIII never win battle, or reduce fort,
OF capture battery. They are membranes,
1atal to all alike, if they are not mated with
purpose and with power.
God grant that our brave sailors and col
diers before Charleston may this-weak 500
the old flag again floating over her fort, o.5
hear the national anthem again SUMO in No..
streets Bring strength and succas, .
our arms on the Mississippi and wherevon
in the southwest the rebellion presses harde,.
upon our struggling troops! Call the slun-
bering army of the Potomac into life again.
and send it in triumph over the battle fields
which it has made in sorrow, and incarna-
dined with its blood o there is power, and
glory, and crowned honor for those who shall