Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1863-09-12
SATURDAY MORNING, SEPT. y, 1863.
The Restoration of the Union.

The Restoration Of the Union.
An effort is now being made by our enc
mics, aided by extreme Abolitionists. to in.
lure US in the estimation of our Union friends
of Republican antecedents, by creating the
impression that we have changed our views
upon the slavery question, as connected with
the suppression of the rebellion and the res
toration Of the Union. AS evidence of the
truthfulness Of the charge. they refer to our
remarks in the STANDARD Of the 18th ult.,
called forth by the Geographic announcement
that North Carolina was about to send com.
misaioners to Washington to ascertain upon
what terms they would he permitted to re-
turn to their loyalty to the Constitution and
the Union; and likewise to our endorsement
of Senator Hardings letter, in which he de-
clares himself in favor Of " restoring tile In
ION first, and settling the question Of abolition
afterwards"
In our comments upon The probable return
Of North Carolina to the Union, and as an in
ducement for their return, we expressed our
approval Of the policy which will probably be
pursued of allowing tie rebellioms States to
settle the question Of slavery for themselves,
with the understanding that they would adopt
measures for its abolition ~ the course Of ten
or fifteen years. We also expressed our dis
approval of prosecution Of the war for the
purpose Of securing the immediate and total
extinction Of slavery, whenever it is practic-
able to stop the further effusion Of blood and
restore the Union on the terms and conditions
above indicated.
Having SO often repealed the charge pre-
ferred by Democrats, that the Administration
was prosecuting the war for the abolition of
slavery, We rejoiced at the opportunity af-
forded us of giving Our enemies practical
proof of our sincerity. 1t did not occur to us
that in doing this we were suljecting ourself
to the denunciation Of "prominent Republi-
cans" or that any one would be found reck-
less enough to charge us with abandoning our
former position and deserving the cause Of the
Administration.
W. think it would be difficult to find an
honest, rejecting man, North or South, who
does not regard the institution Of slavery as
doomed to rapid extinction. after the Union
shall! be restored, by the force Of public opin-
ion, where it now exists, as condition Of the
two sections remaining together on terms Of
peace and amity for the future. Why. then.
should we insist upon its immediate abolition,
when substantially the same result can be Sc.
cured by tile exercise of State authority? A
terrible responsibility will rest upon those
who shall be instrumental in protracting the
var by securing rejection Of such basis Of
settlement whenever it shall be offered by the
States now in rrbellion-a responsibility we
dare moi and ,ciW not assume.
The institution Of slavery has 50 intorwov-
On itself into every part Of the civil and
social fabric Of the States where it exists,
that it cannot be suddenly abolished. but by
inaicting upon the whites great injury. with
cut any corresponding benefit to the slaves
themselves. A systematic and gradual eman-
eipation, such as recommended by Jefferson,
Clay. Webster, Adams, and their compeers,
and which has recently been adopted in Mis-
souri,. should satisfy oil lovers Of human free
dom. who regards the interests and welfare Of
the whites. as equal. if not paramount to that
Of the blacks. Before any reasonable hope
can be INDUCED of q return to the Union Of
any Of the rebellious states, some intimation
must be given of the terms Of settlement that
will be conceded to them. The people of the
loyal States must settle the question of what
are to be the rights Of the citizens Of the rebel
states, after their return to the Union. Will
the North triumph over them after three
years contest, and treat them as defeated en-
mics rather than as misguided fellow. citizensl
Will the animosities and disabilities incident
to the rebellion BE- continued and cherished :?
Or shall we, as victors. magnanimously forget
the past, and treat them as kindred Of one
blood and tonguel These questions must be
decided before restoration Of the Union can
take place. As far as we are concerned, we
are prepared to answer them now.
We have thus briefly but plainly indicated
Tie course We intend to pursue in the discuss
ION Of the great questions now before the
country. 70 preserve our consistency, we
must continue to oppose the doctrine of max.
ing restoration Of the Union depend upon
he entire and immediate abolition Of slavery.