Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1863-03-05
From the Augusta Constitutionai,st
Trouble Brewing.

There is a momentary lull in the tempest Of war.
Hookers army either inactive or else Is being moved
to the Peninsula and 10 the south side OF the James
River Kosencranz is at stand still: The long ex-
pected third attack on Vicksburg not vet made Tho
blow on our immediate coast is not vet struck-per.
haps will not be- until the enemy feels very sure of auc-
cess. In this momentous pause while the enemy In
doubtless strainiDg every nerve In preparation to at
tack the air ia filled with rumors calculated il not de-
signed, to throw Us of guard. Rumors Of foreign
mediation of peace of the secession of the Northwest
of propositions to unite with are continually pass
ing from one to another throughout the land, which,
they produce no ILL., can effect good to our army.
Our hearts beat high with hope but at this moment
we may be In far greater per than most people imagine
At this hour the destnes of the Confederate States de-
mand the most exalted and farseeng statesmaAship,
the utmost wachfu and caution the greatest vgor
and energy of preparation for battle. Our cause rests
our OWE exertions and we should not be mised
deceive ourselves. As to mediation, the fact is Just
this that French proposition for the meeting of Fed
era and Confederate Commissioners on neutral ground
has been utterly rejected by Seward SO that falls to
he ground and had It not We do not BEE that it prom
sed much good for the war was still TO progress while
the Commissioners discussed matters, and their discus
sion would, perhaps have resulted in nothing What
are the Northern peace indications? proposition ia
made by radical Abolitionist in Lincolns Senate,
that independence be acknowledged and peace made
the basis hat the two sections establish free trade,
have similar tariff and unite on the Monroe doctrine
"a basis acceptable neither to the orth nor South.
The North is unwilling to separation-the South viii
not and ought not consent to free trade with the North
That scheme will not work.
The Democratic party is unsuccessful In the United
States not hy declaring for peace and separation but
because it opposes Iincolns plan of conducting the
1t opposes for conquest and emancipation,
but declares for war TO restore the Union aud the Con-
stitution 1t has doubtless been in correspondence
with the Confederate leaders, and has become satisfied
that we will consent to re-construction-thatw We
want peace, but mast have separation. Hence, John
Van Buren, of the two or three who few months
ago proposed Convention for reconstruction, which
failing, he would say "Wayward sisters, depart in
peace" says now the war must 60 on. Valandigham,
with Illinois and Indiana ask for armisce in order
that peaceful means may be allowed to bring about
gradual construction Only the Abolitionists proper
incline to separation and upon such terms of trade and
intercourse the Conederacy ought never to accept
Thus the matter stands-a part of the Aboltionists
for ser nratOn terms unacceptable to US, and the
other part for to subjugation and the destruction
of saveythe Democracy for war to restore the Union,
for armistice with the same end In view. Does
there appear any prospect Of peace on any OF their
terms
Bat the Northwest is growing turbulent and dscon.
tented Rather than lose the South, Of the North
western politicians talk Of withdrawing from the old
Union TO unite with Their messenger Ia even now
said to be in Richmond And right here is the great
trouble Our authorities know that the people earnest
v desire peace but will not purchase it by onion with
the North and East on any terms But their senti-
ments are unknown to Government as to union with
certainty about popular sentiment il regard to union
alliance with the Northwest the strong probability
that the contemptuous rejection o. all terms by us,
coupled with foreign of interference may unite the
whole nOnsavehodipg citizens in more determined and
vigorous prosecution OF hositiee unite to make CON-
plication Of difficulties The President and his advisers
need to be firm and united. They should listen to no
terms till the armies of those who seek peace or alliance
are withdrawn from the field. That withdrawal should
be the first step, without which were idle to think of
uniting or negotiations. That can be contaminated
only by inaugurating revolution among them
selves Let it beginS for whether the West gains
anything from US by the movement it is the only
prospect they have of relief to themselves. If they
withdraw their armies secede from the Union set up
Government Of their own, and thereby secure cur
separation and independence, these negotiations may
commence between sovereign powers. The formation
OF Western COnfederacy would undoubtedly benefit
US but it would benefit the West also. Their union
with in the Confederacy, believe could only
work injury to u.s. and finally result in war. But still
terms of alliance and amity might be admissible and
desirable. They should be taught to expect nothing
before any thing is done, let the West with
draw its armies from our SOIL