The Plymouth weekly Democrat., 1864-01-21

OF the elective franchise. In some quar-
ters discomfort has been increased; in no
place has the wisdom of the government
gained us allies
There is but one course which will save
us from national ruin We must adhere
to The soleDn pledges mad, by o:z. go+trr:
ment at the olltse. of the war
We must seek to restore the Union and
to uphold the Constitution. 10 this end
while We put forth every exertion of mate
rial powe: L beat DOM armed rebellion,
We must Use every influence Of ,s;se states-
manship to bring back tae States which
now reject their constitutional obligations
We must hold forth every honorable III
ducement to the people OF the South to as
sumo again the rights ard duties of Ameti-
can citizenship.
We have reached that point IN the war
for which all have struggled aud all have
put forth uaitci exertions Our armies
and navIeS have won signal victories: they
have done their part With courage. SIX IL
and success. BY the USAGE otths civilized
world statesmanship mast now exer; It's
influence. J. cur cause falls. in the indy
ment Of the world il viii be charged 10 the
lack Of wisdom in the cabinet and net to
the want Of bravery or patriotism in the
army. The great object Of victories IL to
bring back peace; We Can now with dignity
and magaan; ATTY prcclam TO the world
our wish that States which have long been
identified with eur history, should reas-
sumo their positions in the Union We
now sta1d before thc 7orld great AID
military power. No one can faresee the
latent victories or defeats which lie in our
course, if force and force alone is e1erted
The PAST has taught Us tie certain cost ol
war and the uncertainties Of its results
In this contest, beligercnt rights are
necessarily conceded to the South The
usages OF international warfare are prac.
ticed in the recognition Of flags and the
exchange Of prisoners Is it wise to put oa
the end Of the war. and thereby continue
recognition which tends 10 tamiliarize
the public mind in our ovu country and
IN ,hc world st large with the i1ea that we
\ needessly protracted war becomes dis
unioR.
Wise ststesmanship can now bring this
war to a close. upon the terms solemnIy
avowed AZ the outset Of the contest
Good faith TO the public creditors; to slI
classes Of citizens If our country; 10 the
world, demands that Til be done
The triumph won by soldiers in the field
should be followed Mp and secured by the
peace making policy Of the statesman in
the Cabinet Ia no other way can we
save our Union.
The fearisl struggle which has taugh;
the north and the .outh ;ke courage. the
endurance aud the resources Of cur people
mas made basis ef mutual r. pect upon
which generous and inagnanilrous policy
can build lasting relationships Of union
intercourse and fraternal regard If our
course is to be shaped by narrow and vim
dic;ive passions, By verai purposes, or by
partisan objects, then a patriotic people
have poured out their blood and treasure
in vain. ani the future IS full IF disaster
AMI ruin.
We should seek, no. the disorganizt:ion
but the paciication Of that section o;' eur
country devastated by civil war.
Faith to our armies and to our ci.i..ns
demands shat We keep sacred the .,,iemn
pledge made TO cur people and the oivili
zcd world when we engaged in this bloody
waT, that 1t Was not wagcd in any spirit
OF oppressioa. or for any purpose Of con
quest OF sub;ugalicn, CT purpose OF over
throwing oi interfering with Tie righ;a oi
established institute us IN tlose States. but
q defend and maintain the supremacy OF
the Constitution, and to preserve the Tn
ion with all the dignity. equality ani rights
OF the several States unimpaired; and that
as. soon as these objects are accomplished
the war ought to cease
The UEMoCRAcr-We acknow ledge M