The Ashland union. [volume] (Ashland, Ashland County, Ohio) 1854-1868, 1864-03-16


thousand miles of sea coast and an inland front
ier of equal extent. If we had succeeded in
preventing any success on the part of our en-
cmy it would have been miracle. What we
have accomplished, with a population so info
/, rior in number, and means so vastly dispnopor.
tionate, has excited the astenishment and ad
miration of the world - -. $50 aszF =
The war in which we are engaged Eas
wiekedly, and against all our protests, and the
most earnest efforts to the contrary, forced
upon t,s. South Carolina sent q commission
to Washington to adjust all questions of dis
pnte between her and the United States
One of the first acts of the ProvisienaI Gov.
ernmept was TO accredH o. eents TO visit Wash
ingsop, and use al honofable means to obfain
satisfactory settlementsof all questions oi
di pute with that Government. Both efforts
failed. Con nissioners were deceived and re-
jected, and clandestine but vigorous prepara-
tions were made for war. In proportion to
our perseverance, and anxiety ha been the
obstinacy and arrogance in spurning offers of
peace. Itseens W. can be indebted for moth
ing to the virtues of our euemies. We are
obliged to his vices, which have enured to our
strength. We owe as much to his insolencs
and blindness as to our preeaution.
The wageruf battle having been rendered
it was accepted. The alacrity with which our
people few to arms is worthy of all praise -
Their deeds of heroic daring, patient endu-
rance, ready submission to discipline, and mn
merous victories, are in keeping with the fer
vent patriotism that prompted their early vol
unteering. Quite recently scores of regiments
have re enlisted for the war, testifying their
determination to fight until their liberties
were achieved. Coupled with, and contribu.
ting greatly to the enthusiastic ardor; was the
lofty courage, the indomitable resolve, the
i oc u
by their lsbors of love, their patience of hope,
heir Enainching corsiancy, their uncompain-
ing submission to prvatoDs of the war, have
she'd an importa luster UPON their sex and
country.
Our army is no hireling soldiery It comes
not FROM paupers, criminals or emigrants-
1t as originally raised by the free, uncon-
strained, unpurcbaceable assent of the mep,-
All vocations and classes contributed to the
swelling numbers. Abandoning luxuries and
comforts to which they had been accustomed
they submitted cheerfuly to the scanty fare
and exactive service of the camps. Their ser
vices above price, the only remuneration they
have sought is the protection cf their altars,
f,esides and liberty. In the Norwegian wars
the actors were, every ono ofthem, named and
patronymically described as the kings friend
and companion. The same wonderful individ-
uality has been seen in this war. Our soldiers
are not consolidated mass, an unthiaking
machine, but an army of intelligent units.
To designate all who have distinguished
them selves by special valor would be TO emu
merate nearly all in the army. The generous
rivalry between the troops from different
States have:prsvented any special pre-emi-
nence, and hsIelfter, for centuries to come,
the gallant bearing and unconquerable devo
ton of Confederate solliers.. will inspire the
hearts, and encourage tho hopes, and strength.
en- the f ith of ali who labor to obtain their
freedom. -.
For three years this cruel war has been
wased against us and its. continuance has
been seized upon as pretext by some diseon-
tented persons to excite hostility to the Gov
ernment Recent aud public as has been the
occurrences. it is strange that misapprehen-
sion exits as 10 the conduct of the two Gov.
ernments in reference TO peace. ~
Allusion has been made TO the unsuccessful
efforts. when separation took place, to procure
an ainicable adjustment of all matters in dis
ru:e. These attempts at negocia ion do not
allthat has be N 9ens In cveryray
in which expires i'm eeuld be given to the
Sc ntimer tin public meetings, thrsugh the
press, by legislative resoives-the desire of
this people for peace, for the uninterrupted
Enjoyment of their rights, and prosperity, has
been made known. The President, more au-
in several Of his mcssagea while
the utter absence of all desire to
interfere with the United Stsses, or acquire
any of their territory, has avowed that the
advent of peace will be hailed with joy. Our
desire for it has never been concealed. Our
eff Irts TO avoid the war, forced on US as it was
by the lust of &C inquest aud the insane passions
Jf our foes, are known to n ankind."
The course of the Federal Government has
a1 hati III did opA vror,Id
not consent to it on any terms that we could
possibly concede. In proof of this, we refer
% the repeated rel sction Of all terms, ofthe con
enptuous refusal to receive the Vice Presi-
lent, who sent to negotiate foE snftening
me asperifies Of war, and the sc@nful rejee-
ion of tho offer Of neutral Power to mediate
oetweep the contending PARTIES. IF cunula-
i've evidence be needed, it can be found in
lie following resolution recently adopted by |
he House Of Representatives, in Washing
on:
"Rcso7oed, That as our country and the |
'ery existence of the best .Goyerpmcnt ever
instituted by man are impcIiled by the most
auseiess and wicked rebellion that the world |
las seen, and believing. as we. do. taat the |
My hope oi saving this country. and preser-
ing this Government is by the power Of the |
word. we are for tne most vigorous prosecu-
ion Ct the war until the Constituiion and the /
avs shall be enforced and obeyed in all parts |
# the United States, and 10 that end VIC op- |
ose any armistioe, or intervention, or media
ion, or proposition for peace, from any quar-
er, so long as there shall be found rebel in |
r;Is against-the Government and we ignore |
II party names, lines and issues, and recog- |
'ize hut two parties in this war-pa.riots and
raitors. - . -~+l Gss5-i ~ >t
The motive of such strang, conduct is OBJ |
ious The Republican party was founded
o destroy slavery and the equality of the
States, ,aRd Lincoln was selected as the in
tru,hent to accomplish this object. The u
ion was a blrrier to tAe--consummation of
his policy, because the Constitution, which I
Fas It's bond, recognized and protected slave
v and the sovereignty of the States The |