New-York daily tribune., 1863-12-26
THE EXCHANGE OF PRISONERS.

We said, when the exchange OF prisoners irst
came to halt, that the real difficulty, however
cunningly disguised was just this-The Rebels
insist that they ar. not our equals, tu, our masters.
They began the war on this assumption, and
they must persist in it, or they have no case.
They stand upon the assumption that for Viz
ginian 10 engage in War against the United
States is not rebellion; but if ne fights for the
United States against wha. the Rebels claim 10
be the legitimate authority Of Virginia, then lie
j. traitor and rebel, and has exposed himself
to be Justly treated a. felon. True. negroes
and slaves are put in the foreground, bat the
principle asserted by the Confederscy affects
Whites the same as Blacks. Read carefully the
following wel-considerod article from JEFF.
Dsyis's more especial organ:
From TA~ Richmond Enquirer Dee II.
In the matter Of exchange o. prsouers. TIE inited
States Commissioner has beer drigon bs Mr Oud from
point % point from position - position until hnaly
Gems. Meredith aud Hitchcock have abandoned cry
point IN disPu'e except tie treatment ofneo prieon
The Message" of President Davis q. Jan. ~ is
made the 81 suspeT 'ing exc ange no'wih.
standing that from January Juiy thls assage has
been IL force, and "as never once referred % sum
oie.. for stopping the operations II the cartel
The enemy now rest their upOp this Message"
W. heye already shown that tie law II Congress FOR de-
Yeriig all negroes ard teir vhte oHcerr captured IN
10 State authorities for trial under State avs
too wide In it, baggage and covered matter tht = not
within the province ~ one nation 70 dictate 20 another.
No nation bes the Tglt 70 Say tat 10 eley .bal 10.
employ ia it, aneS certain Glars VI rs people, The
cOnpOs ton ofarncs l. matter 3eong exclusively
t4e authorities O tie nation t,. IL Tic IHnkc.s He
gTo troop they have the rgEt the free nogrO.t
al the Biied states in them aime and they have the
.sht demand 70. them the proper treatment Of pfs
OF ~ ion cnpoJ s,.yages a. Il, srrlos
retaliation is proper and jusfabe not because q the
ynent Of tie ages but fr any acts committed
b. the sOdiery in accprdaBc. IN be laws 81
So. hthe negrofs eIa.oy ed by tho tns'd states com
pose part OF Tho people OF those Sae, and rosg
lery mustered into he.I service = after capte tLcy
cau be proved gay Oi acts Iot recognized as within
the rules OF civilized warisre hey not entitled 10
the rights OF rironer OF war but may be pnnfhed "
bandits ard robbers And u the white tToo9s-oolor
bAs nothing % do with soldiers.
but the il different TO e s!ayes and fieo ne
groes Of these States captured IN tie ranks Of the
enemy. Their detention is Justified by the lava Of var
their Punishment provide foy, though should
not ko 70 any enforced for the poor sre.ches have
no III OF their and being forced INTO the ranks
ere not responsible for their conduct
Congress then. should so modify the law 70 apply
only 70 the slaves and free negroes Of these States cap
tured In the ranks Of the enemy let us place oursoVes
right under the laws Of war s leave the
~ take care Of themselves.
the enemy think proper leave their soldiers here
In prison because we viii not give up right uDdor
ths laws Of war continue their soldiers 10 prison 70,
our slaves and free negroes we can do nothing bet
ceps the issue and meet the responsibility. The .w as
II now stands 10 not within the spr Of the laws G. war
and since 10 made the lest ard Ouly cause Tor sus
pending the e1cnangs hope that 1t will be amended
and its provisions confined 70 tho cao Of slaves and
free negroes OF these ststes captured In alms Indeed
We no necessity for any law on the subject. H.
Yenkees are not going 70 send their negro troops IN the
Asld-they know a. well - we do that NO reliance can
BE- placed upon them; but a depot guards prison
guards Aa they win relieve theiY white troops This
& tho use that viii be made Of therp shond they be
sent 70 the Held and be pot IN battle .ons viii bs aen
yriseasI-ouf troops understand what % Do In such
easss u any negroes hare been eepred during TIE sar
- soliss IN s snsmys ranks hecs not hsari Of them
We do not think that such case has been reported.
The Law H. therefore, useless.
There Is no mi taking this language. The
Enquirn admit. .ha. The Confederate C0le-ess