The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1864-01-16

Gus events
These acts at first were justified upon
the ground that they were necessary to
savo the national existence. We now find
that new and more extreme claims to
arbitrary power are put forth when it Is
declared that the strength of the rebellion
is broken and that our armies are about
to trample out every vestise Of its incen~
diary fires. More perogatives..are asserted
in the hour of triumph than were claimed
as necessity in days Of disaster and of
danger.
The doctrine of southern dlsorgauiza-
ton and revolution is a doctrine of nation.
al bankruptcy and of national ruia; it IS a
measure fo- lasting military de.potisn
over one-third of our country, which will
be the basis for military despotism over
the whole lan". 1t does not contemplate
the return Of our soldiers to their families
or relief from the cost and sacrifices of
war 1t will make an enduring drain up.
on our homes, and impose crushing bur-
thens upon our labor and industry. 1t
will open . wide anu lasting field for pee
uiation and frand 1t tends to perptuate
power by making and unmaking States, as
the interests of factions may dictate. 1t
will be source Of internal disorder and
disquistude, and national weakness in our
external relations. 1t will give dangerous
allies to invaders of our soil.
"If this war is to make a social rovolu>
ton and structural changes in great States,
we have seen only its beginning Such
changes arc the work of time. If they
are to be made BY military power it must
be exerted through long periods. Whether
white Or black troops are used the liver
| sion from lahcc. ana the cost Of war will be
! equally prolonged, and We have just enter
ed upon . course of certain cost and uAcer.
| tain results. No such changes as are now
urged have ever, in the worlds history,
been without struggles lasting through
more than one generation of men.
| What has government accomplished
in the territories wrested from rebellion
by the valor Of our armies, Has it paci-
fed them? Has it revived the arts of
peace? Has quiet and confidence been
| restored? !. commerce renewed? Are
the expense 81 northern blood and trea-
sure? are not our armies wasted by
holding under armed control those 80.
ander wise and generous poicy, would
have been friend.? The spirit which
prompts :Eo marsh measure of subiuga,ion
has driven off many in the border States,
broke away from their ancient sympathies
with the seeding States and chung to the
Union. States which, by the elections of
tho people, ranged themselves upon the
side of the constitution, are not allowed
the free exercise Of the elective franchise
In some quarters discomfort has been in
creased; in no place has Ike wisdom of
| government gained u. allies
There tut 0po - n irh u III n 4.
US from national ruin. We must adj ere
to the solemn pledges made by our gov
! eminent at the outset Of the war
We must seek TO restore the Union
and to uphold the constitution To this
eud, while we beat down armed rebellion,
We must Use every influence OF wise states
manshlp to bring back the State. which
/ nOw reject their constitutional obligations
We must hold forth every honorable in.
| ducemen. &c the people Of the South to
assume again the nights al! duties Of
American citizenship.
We have reached that point in the
progress o. the war, for which all have
struggled and all have put forth united
eXertlons- Our armies and nay!es have
won signal victories; they have done their
part with courage skill ard success By
the usage Of the Civilized world statesman
ship must now exert its influence. If our
| cause fails, 10 the Judgement, Of the world,
it will be charged 90 the lack Of wisdom
in the Cabinet, and not to the want Of
bravery and patriotism. in the army. The
great OBJECT OF victories Is TO tring back
peace; We can now with digninty and
masnan!niIy proclaim to the world our
! wish that States, which have long been
identified with out story should resume
Q
stand before the world . great and success
full military power. No one can foresee the
latent victories or defeats which lie in our
course if force and force alone is to be
exerted The past has taught US the GER
tain cost Of war and the uncertainties Of
its results.
''la this contest belligcrent rights are
necessarily conceded TO the South. The
nsages Of international warfare are prac-
ticed in the recognition of flags and the
exchanges OF prisoners. Is it wise to put
of the war and thereby continue a recog-
milton which tenns to familiarize the pub
lie mind in our own country, and in the
world at large with the idea that We are
disun,ed into two distinct nationalities
\ nccd,essly protracted war becomes dis.
union.
Wise craftsmanship can now bring this
war to Close, upon the terms solemnly
avowed at :he outset Of the contest. Good
faith tie the public creditors; to all classes
of citizens Of our country; to tine world,
demands that this be done.
The triumph won by the soldiers in
the field should be followed up and So.
cured by the psacemaking policy of the
statesmen of the Cabinet. In no other
way can We save The Union.
The fearful struggle which has taught
the North and the South the courage, the
endurance and the resources of our poo.
pie, have made basis of mutual respect
upon which a generous and magnanimous
policy can build lasting relationships Of
union intercourse and fraternsl regard. If
our course is to be shaped by narrow and
vindictive passions, by venal purposes, or
by partisan objects, then patriotic people
have poured out their blood and treasure
in vain and the future Is full Of disaster
and ruin.
1--WE should seek not the disercaniza-
ton, but the pacifcation of that section of
our country devastated by civil war.
In this hour of triumph appeals should
be made to States, which are identified
with the growth and greatness OF our
country, and with some OF which are as
sociated the patriotic memories Of our
revolutionary struggle. Every generous
mind revolts at the thought of destroying
all those memories that cling about the
better days Of the Republic; that are con-
nected with the sacrifices Of the men who
have made our history glorious by their
services in the Cabinet, in the forum, and
in the field
"The victories with have given our
government its present commanding posi-.
ton were won BY men who rallied around
and fought beneath the folds Of flag
whose stars represent each State in our
Union. If We strike out Of existence
single State, we make that flag falsehood.