Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1863-04-09
9elmoat Chronicle.
Tine Prospsct-After Peace whatp

st. Clairsvilfe, Ohio, April o, 1868
The Prospect--After Peace WhatP 1
Although we have waited long for the
victories we had right to expect, and the
sad repulsc at Fredericksburg is yet una
venged, there has never been q better pub
lie feeling in respect to the war than at this
moment. The period Of enthusiasm and
de!psive expectation ended with the battle
Of fredericksburg. Then came the period
Of despobdency, when the most ut,heart'
ed could speak, DO word of hope, and the
Best attitude the people could assume was
an effort to endure the worst that might be-
fall with stoical Indifference. Treason then
began 20 sho'g itself boldly ut the North,
and the rebels we're made glad with the
hope that by sedition and civil war in the
loyal States they should win what their own
strength had failed to accomplish But the
heart Of the North has recovered itself -
Enthusiasm has given place to cool deter
mination. All loyal men have come 10 sec
kHUS tucfc 10 Utltuci Hot pcisouHi
salvation except in the defeat Of the rebels,
and to resolve that it shall be done, at
whatever cost Of time, money and lie. This
is the settled purpose Of the great mass OF
the people Of all parties, aud those who
REASONABLY talk of concession and peace are
tolerated only because the talk is counted
harmless.
This stern fxedness of purpose is halfthe
battle. The rebels understand it, and they
cannot conceal their disappointment and
dismay. Other nations comprehend it, and
see that ii is the best for them to keel
hands off, and leave us to fight out our owl
quarrel. The traitors and towards in oul
midst begin 20 feel the pressure, and arc
making haste to disclaim all sympathy will
treason and all desire to cmbarrass the gov
ernment. To reinforce this popular deter
minntion in the cause of the Union, and tc
transform resolution into confidence, tho
military aspect is becoming daily more anC
more favorable. The credit of the govern
ment improves constantly. The stock. bro
kers, who read facts and intentions with al
eye to the main chance, show that they be
lieve in the ability Of the government to de
what it has undertaken, and that they art
calculating on quick and victorious cain
paign. The exhaustion of the rebels is to,
evident to be longer disguised. Their lead
ers are without resources, and their credi
ID fast running down to zero. They ar
feeding their soldiers by plaging their owl
people. Their armies may be as large n
ever, but they have conscripted not onl
the able. bodied, but the old men and boys
and are now trying the doubtful cxpcrimen
Of nrming their own slaves. II they NEE
with heavy reverscs now, they have moth
ing to fall back upon. If we are defeate,
many ofthe pending battles, tho govern
rhsht has hundreds of thousands of able
bodied men at its call. But all indication
warrant the hope that we shall finish tn
rebellion with the troops now in the field. =
five succeed only in the Mississippi valley
and hold our own elsewhere, we shal meet
no more troops from the North, because W,
shall soon have negroes enough 10 arms I,
garrison and hold all the strategic points OF
the Mississippi, and the three years mel
and the navy can finish up the work else
where. But IL more men are wanted the,
will be forthcoming. The CONSUMPTION av
is the most equal and acceptable law eve
enacted, aud it will be enforced withou
difficulty. We have the means and tho do
termination to compel success, aud We shal
succeed. We await with confidence tn,
signal of decisive victory. five are bafilet
and disappointed now, it will DO because o
some concealed designs of Providence whicl
require long christening and deeper humil
iation to prepare us for our future destiny
The soothsayers have predicted peace OF
the 23d of April. The prophetic spring il
Virginia indicates the close of the war be
fore June. We have small faith in moderl
prophecy, but we shall be disappointed /
the rebellion does not receive finishin,
blow before tho next anniversary of our na
tional Independence. 1t may rcquir
months, perhaps years, and considerable
army in the field, to pacify the disturbe,
districts, but We do not believe the rebel
lion is to exist with the forms of govern
ment, or in such formidable shape as to b,
considered belligerent power for man,
months longer Already our business mel
are forccasting the prospects Of trade afte
NE war. Tho whole people of tho Soutl
will need to be shod, clothed, and supple,
anew with the common household articles O
nscsssity and convenience. To be sure the
hsse little money, md confederate pape
Will then be WORTHLESS; but thero is yet con
siderable cotton and tobacco, turpcntine mn
lrnber, sugar aud hon, p stored away, an
those who have only land and houses wi
6od means to pledge their future crops O
ss security for indispensable supplies. Whu
demand there will be for shoes an cloth
ing, for salt and coffee aud tea, and for a
the articles the Southern people have bee
destitute Of or have bought sparingly 4
famine'prices; the whole South will be !
.~k - l.. 4