Richmond Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1862-1865, 1863-03-25
Divide and Conquer.

We are pleased TO see tbattbe Enquirer has materially
modified is tone aud to consdsable degree its position,
in regard 70 pae6c manifestations in the Northwest and
tie policy Of employing diplomatic and moral means,
II rser the development OF that spirit aud TO deiaeh
that section from the Yankee States, proper It admits
that the material interests the North West viii sooner
or later control the conduct and decide the attitude o
that peope-that their interests 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 aud of proper character, the EH9''Ts'
vii be ready to approve &c, &c. All this IS very dih'r
ent from and much better than, the fierce and scorn
full language heretofore held by the Enquirer towards
the people Of the Northwest.
For our tert. We cannot help feeling sentiment o.
admiration for such men as VAllandigham, aud Noor
bees and hang with applause the brave and honorable
stand they have taken We dOnot doubt their sincerity
for they risk too much for the nOtoriey they gam
We do not wonder that the blghng tyranny that reign
AZ Washington should have evoked the eloquent exeera
tons they have heaped upon l. We do rot wonder that
men Of earnest natures and enlightened minds should
stand as they do sghast at the mighty strides their Gov
eminent is making towards an absolute despotp, ano
that they should exert their utmost efforts to warn the
les obscrvant masses of the impending danger Is
wonderful that they should dislike all the forms
Of their once great Government prOstuted to the base
uses of vulgar usurper. We see in their resistance
and manly utterances something yet to admire annie
the ruins Of a once great and happy republic. Tn
views Of yallandigham and Voorhees,, and Of other>
now as earnest and eoquenupOn the subject Of slavery
as it exists in the Southern Couledecy, unknown
only to those WHO have read their speeches and
are gnoEaut Of their history, We do no, doubt then
sincerity and are glad them stand Ike men, erect
amid the multitude Of crOuching and trembling subjects
Of despOt
The effect produced by their speeches aod example
viii most certainly be felt st the NorIs aud though i,
may lot be sufficient 10 create at present party strong
and ready 20 control the action Of those States, yet il
viii eugeuder dissatisfaction aEi discomfort among the
people, aud Generalization in their troops which viii
operate the heavy disadvantage Of Their cause. -
house divided against itself cannot stand
Il is rrped by portion Of the Southern press, that j.
IS folly Tor the Northeast to talk of reconstruction OF
the Union and because they do desire sucL step,
should deuoguee their efforts fos peace. How absurd
How can any settlement ofvSis.iug difficulties be- fleet
ed until bOsttcs cease. IT, then, they then
70 cease, have they no. taken the frs step toward
ho,ues aud converted 80 many smiling fields into grave
yards, Reconstruction OF the Old Union, OF course, l.
impossible They 90 no hsrNi in advocating it. and
We should leave them TO use their TO enc
the war. II they select the sword and tue bayOuet
the only means We will them We have met them
II taey select truce and negotiation, accept IN,
proposition aud the argument they may 10 obtain
the truce is clearly matter Of little consequence TO rs
Iadeed, We regard the talk Of reconstruction mere
'de issue known by is advocates TO be impossible
". But reunion Of the Northwest aud the Southern
States is a question on which viii bave tay 70
pass, i0- iullli5y they vii zool or lac sohct such
an association There need nos discuss the queS
ton We viii Ouly say that do this chau-J
do not regard Il coUsamusa,ion deyoutiy 10 be wish
ed Too great an expansion OF territory is the bane Of
Republic diversity Of iuerese, arises and difficulties
in legislation eu-ue producing train Of triekery and
corruption too plainly exhibited in the downfall of the
United States.
The extreme desire the part Of the Yankees TO be
united with the South speaks pliuy their appreciation
of the latter and her importance. in increasing their
wealth, respectfully and happiness. Who hAIeves
that the Yankee nation would be expanding it, money
10 freely aud pouring out its blood 80 prolu.ey ii ONLY
principle the stakr. II they elruo whip us into
their Government tlry will beg to be admitted into
ours. They tying the first means OF recon
sruction, waret not interfere with those who are
preparing the way for the second-p-ace When union
Is asked then may express views offs advantages
or Disadvantage aud our views for or against il but
until then let Us TO the God of Battles, Who has
crowned with mauy brilliant victories and
leave the little leayen put into the mass by Mr. Eallan
dgham and others to produce is effects augnen
ted 6y every influence We can bring to bear.