The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1864-09-23
But three fourths Of the States can amend

be carried out; but you get tho idea-that
the people should decide the question:
That tho majority should decide it, you
mean. We seeded to rid ourselves of the
rule of the majority, and this would subject
us to it again.
But the majority must rule finally, either
with bullets or ballots .f... ..-..
am not sure of that. Neither current
events nor history shows that the majority
rules, or ever did rule. The contrary, |
think, is true. Why, sir, the man who
should 90 before the southern people with
such proposition, with any proposition
which implied tina: tho North was to have a
voice in determining the domestic relations
Of the South, could not live here day. He
would bo hanged to the first tree, without
judge or jury
ALLOW me to doubt that. Think 1t more
likely ho would bo hanged, il he let the
Southern p,oplc know tho majority couldn't
rule replied, smiling.
Il have no fear Of that, rcjoined Mr.. Da.
Wis, also smiling most good humoredly. Il
give you leave to proclaim it from every
housc-top in the South
But seriously, sir, you let the majority
rule in single state why not let it rule in
the whole country?'
Because the states are independent and
sovereign. The country is not. 1t is only u
confederation Of states I; or rather it was 1t
is now two considerations. .-.r
Then we are not u people-we arc only n
political partnership?'
THAT is all"
'Your very name, sir, United States, implies
that said Mr.. Benjamin. But tell me, arc
tho terms you have nalncd-Emancipation,
no confscation, and universal nmnesty-thc
terms which Mr.. Lincoln authorized you to
offer us?'
No, sir; Mr.. Lincoln did not authorize
mo to offer you any terms. But think both
he and the Northern people for the sake Of
peace, would assent to some such conditions. '
They arO very generous, replied Mr.. Da-
Wis, for the first time during the interview
showing some angry feeling. But amnesty,
sir, applies to criminals. We have commit
ted no crime. Conhacation Is Of no 'accosn.t.
unless you can enforce it. And cmapcipa-
tion! You have already emancipatcd nearly
two millions of our slayes-and ii You will
take care Of them, you may cmancipate the
rest.
Il hnd few when the war began. was
of some use to them; they never were OF any
to me. Against their will you 'cInan:ipated'
them, and you may 'emancipate' every ne
gro in the Confoderacy, but We will bc free !
We will govern ourselves. We will do it it
VIC have to sec every Southern plantation
sacked and every Southern city in flames
Il see, Mr.. Davis, it is useless to continue
this conversation, replied; 'and you will
pardon us if We have seemed to press our
views with too much pertinacity. We love
tho old flag. and that must bo our apology
for intruding upon you at ALL
you have not intrudcd upon mo- no re-
piled, resuming his usual manner. am glad
to have met you both. | once loved the old
flag us we'll MS You do; would have died for
il; but now it is to Inc only the emblem OF
oppression .-.I
Il hope tho day may never come. Mr.. Da-
Wis, when say that said the Colonel.
CLOSE OF THE INTERVIEW.
A half hours conversation on other top.
ics-not of public interest-cnsued, and then
we rose to go. As VIC did 50. the rebel Pres
idcnt gave mo his hand, and bidding mo
kindly goodbye, expressed the hope OF see'
ing me again IN Richmond in happier times
when peace should have returned; but
with the Colonel his parting was particular
|ly cordial. Taking his hand in both Of his,
he said to him
Colonel. respect your character and your
motives, and l wish you well--l wish you
every good can wish you consistently with
the interests of the Coniederacy.' 4
The quiet, straightforward bearing and
magnificent moral courage of our fighting
parson' had evidently impressed Mr.. Davis
very favorably.
As we were leaving the room he added
Say to Mr.. Lincoln FROM inc that shall
at any tune be pleased to receive proposals
for peace ON the basis Of our Independence,
1t will bo useless to approach Inc with ary
other .IL. r
When wo went out Mr.. Benjamin called
Judge Ould, who had been waiting during
the whole interview-two hours-at the 9th
er end of the hall, and we passed down the
stairway together. AS put my arm within
that of the Judge, he said to mt
We'll, what is the resuls9'
Nothing but war-war to the knife
.Ephmim is Joined to his idols-let him
alone,' added tho Colonel solemnly.
-------------------- I.
Lawyers generally know too much Of law
to have . very clear perception of justice.
lust ms divines are often too deeply read in
theology to appreciate the full grandeur and