Civilian & telegraph. [volume] (Cumberland, Md.) 1859-1875, 1864-12-08
THE REBELLION.

aressed our readers under the above caption
s,me may have thought us too radical in our
views on this subject and some Union papers
have promulgated policy us opposite to that
we advocated as it was possible for them to
do and still rank us friends Of the Union cause.
From the change in the tone Of some Of their
recent editorials we feel satisfied that we were
right; they were wrong; experience is teaching
them wisdom. We not only confess to but
nrofess the most ultra radicalisn, on all sub
;ects connected with the present rebellion.
We profess full faith and the utmost conf
depce. as q rule Of action in the Mosaic COM
mand Of ian eye for an eye and tooth for a
tootb:' we have done so from its first outbreak.
Progression is n distinctive feature Of the
times, we have advocated progression too and
TO keep pace with occurring events that pro-
gre.si must lie rapid We have believed
that those who ipaugurated and those who
voluntarily entered into this internal rebellion
had 80 far fallen into the nethermost depths
OF degradation as to have left none of those
traits which characterize civilized humanity.
Recent developments in our midst, show that
in this too, we were right, and had not over
estimated the fiendish nature of treason and
rebels.
We recur to this subject at this time, be-
causewe believe that the emergency requires,
and the the public mind demands that there
should be greater, and more radical progress.
sion in dealing with the rebellion and Rebels
The " Conservative" cry becoming more
feeble, and the " preventative" moro energetic;
it must of necessity be 50 if We are to avoid
total shipwreck. We would suggest to all
.conserratiues' a few scriptural lessons.
whose truth has only been increased by the
lapse of time. The FIRST in importance is
thou canst not serve God, and mammon;"
/" thou wilt hate the one and love the other"
is fact 90 ipdellibly stamped into the nature
Of man that where you find being wearing
the human shape and not governed by this
principle his shape is all that identifies him
with man, II would thou vert either hot or
cold' I" but because thou art neither hot nor
cold will spew thee out ofmy mouth" is
another not less applicable to our times, and
will prove not less true in its results. The
rail on which we are riding has no middle but
only two ends, the one is loyalty the other
treason there is locomotive at either end
smash up is inevitable and those who stand
between must inevitably be crushed.
N we are radical progressionists, and advo-
cite the mosaic law amended for one eye taken
by traitors we must take two; for one tooth n
whole mouthful. The recent incendiary de-
monstrations in the city Of New York mani
fest as clearly as any acts can that there is no
crime so detestable that this treason has not
qualified its votalies for it, no barbarism so
gross that this rebellion has not educated them
to practice without conjunction or hesitation. |
To talk of magnanimity, to practice the rules
Of civilized warfare or exhibit lepity to such
persons is to say the least of it an exhibition Of
culpable ignorance Of their nature and history
if not offering premium for perseverance in
treason. ......
We are passing through days ola stern and
bitter reality, and theories and speculations
about magnanimity, chivalry. refinement &C.,
are about as appropriate as would be the pres
cncc Of n famished wolf amid flock Of de-
fcnccless sheep. "Au eye for an eye is
much more appropriate to the matter in hand
and will bring us to much more speedy,
certain, and satisfactory solution Of the job in
hand. Ancient and modern history and The
bitter experience Of our own days show that
the " conservative" system always has been,
is now and viii be, worse than useless as a
remedy in and against treason, while human
nature exists Past and present experience
shows that those rebellions have been most
promptly and certainly extinguished which
have been meet with spirit--promps, stern.
unrelenting, or if ycu will, savage This
doctrine may to sensitive natures seem harsh
but in reality is the most merciful the cat
who having caught mouse dallies and plays
with it for an hour only occasionally sinking
its claws into the helpless victim is more cruel
and inficts moro pangs than the fierce grim
akin whose first act is TO take off the head of
the captive. Safety 10 ourselves demasds the
cstinguishment of treason and its tools in the
most psompt manner. He who halts between
two opinions wi1 fail he who occupies middle
ground will accomplish ncAhiDg but his OWE
destruction. .t..
Recent developments strongly Indicate that
our generals in the field are handling their
gallant armies in such . manner that We can
both see and feel the approaching end Of the
rebellion. The rebels too feel it and in
their desperate efforts to protract the struggle
ore making their last and lowest efforts to d.
wort the government from the vigorous pros
ecution Of the campaign. They know full
we'll that thor only chance is to procrassinate
hoping that the loyal people will become
wcarid with the struggle and abandon it, will