The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1864-10-21

The Position OF Vice President Ste.
phens and the Georgia Peace Move-
ment.

ment.
SPECIAL Dispatch 10 the Chicago Tribune.
WASHINGTON, Tuesday, Oct. IL
The Richmond Wing of yesterday con-
jains highly important letter from Alex
ander n. Stephens, to sundry citizens of
Georgia who had written to him about
peace movements. He begins by signi-
tying his desire for peace, and then says:
VICE PRESIDENT STEPHENS LETTER.
But | really do not see that it is in my power
or yours Or that of any number of persons in
our position, to naugurate any movement that
will even tend to aid in bringing about result
that we and so many more desire.
He then praises the action of the Georgia
Legislature last year, and says the organization
Of the peace party At the north may be traced
TO i, and proceeds thus TO give the only basis
OF peace. The easy and perfect solution of all
present troubles, and Of those far more griev-
Gus ones which loom in prospect, and pOrten-
tOusIy threaten in the coming future. is moth.
inc more than the simple recognition of the
fundamental principle upon which all Ameri-
can constitutional liberty is founded, and upon
the maintenance of which alone it can be pre-.
served. That is the sovereignty, the ultimate
absolute sovereignty of the States. This is the
only keynote 10 peace. permanent, lasting
peace. consistent with the security of public
liberty
Vice President Stephens then proceeds to
argue the States Rights doctrine thus enuncia-
ted in lis historical and constitutional bearings,
and continues:
The action of the Chicago Convention so
far a lis platform of principles goes, presents,
a. ! have said on another occasion, a
ray OF light. which, under Providence may
prove the dawn OF tic day of this long and
cherries night The prominent and leading
idea OF that Convention seems to have been q
desire 10 reach q peaceful adjustment of our
present difficulties through convention of
the States. They propose to suspend HOSTILE
ties to see what can be done. if anything, in
the way Of negotiation. This is a step in the
right direction"
After arguing in favor OF this plan of the
Chicago Platform the Vice President continues
&c But | should favor such proposition only
a q peaceful conference such as the COnvcn-
ton Of 17S9 was. | should be opposed to leay-
Ing the questions at issue. to the absolute de-
CisiOn OF such a body.
The plan OF adjustment should be submitted
Tor subsequent ratification by the sovereign
States, whom it affected, before ii should be
binding. and then il should he binding on such
rs should ratify."
The Vice President then cxhorts them to be
watchfll and care for their liberties, and pro-
Ceed5 10 compare the present rebel situation
with that o! our revolutionary forctathcrs,
thus:
III l.OlHt oil lCNclSc% our condition Is not TO
tc compared with theirs. Should Mobile
Savannah, Charleston. any even Petersburg
and Richmond fall. our condition would not
then be worse or less hopeful than theirs was
I. IN the darkest hour that rested on their for
tunes. With wisdom on the part of those who
control he destiny III the cabinet and field in
Outstanding and properly welding our re-
sources al their command. and in securing the
hearts and affections Of the people, We could
suffer these losses and caialni les and still tri
umph in the end.
After continuing further IN his strain the
Vice President concludes thus:
The CHEF aid and encouragement we can
give The peace party at the Moth, is to keep
before them these great fundamental princi-
pies, which alone will lead them and
ustc permanent and lasting peace.
with the enjoyment of constitutional
liberty. With these principles once rccog-
uizcd the future would take care of itself
There would be no more war so long
Il, they should be adhered to- All questions of
boundaries, ContedcracicS and Union or I'm
ions would naturally and easily adjust them
selves, according 10 the interests of the par
ties and the cyigencics OF times. Herein lies
the true law Of the baiancc OF power and the
harmony OF the States.
Yours respectfully.
ALEX. II. STEPHENS