The Bedford gazette. [volume] (Bedford, Pa.) 1805-current, 1864-12-16


some relief TO know that, compared With the
| surviving, the fallen have been 80 few
When corps and divisions and brigades and
regiments have formed and fought, and dwin-
died and gone out of existence, great major
| lty of the men who composed them are still
living. The same is true of the naval service.
Ihe election returns prove this. So many vo-'
tiers could not be found The States regular
ly holding elections, both now and four years
ago, to wit: California, Connecticut, Delaware,
Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Ma
ryland, Massachusetts,, Michigan, Minnesota,
Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey. New
York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Is
land, Vermont, West Virginia and Wisconsin,
cast 3,982,0ll votes now, against 9, $40, 222
cast then, showing an aggregate now of 3, 1882
oil
To this is to be added 33,762, cast now in
the new States of Kansas and Nevada, wkich
States did not vote in 1860, thus swelling tho
aggregate TO 4,0I5,773, and the nett increase
during the three years and half Of war TO
145, ,55i. A table is appended showing par
ticulars To this again should be added the
number of all soldiers in the field from Massa-
chusetts, Rhode Island, New Jersey, Delaware,
Indiana, Illinois and California, who, by the
laws of those States, could not vote away from
their homes, and which number cannot be less
than 10000 Nor get is this all; the nun
Der in organized territories IS triple now what It
was four years ago, while thousands, white and
black, join as the National arms press back
the insurgent lines. So much is shown afiirma-
lively and negatively of the election,
Il is not material inquire how the increase
has been produced, or TO show that it would
have been greater but for the war, which is
probably true. The important fact remains
we have more men now than VIC
had when we began; we are not exhausted nor
in process OF exhaustion but we are gaining
strength, and may, if need be, maintain the
contest indefinitely, and that as to men, eur
material resources are now more complete and
abundant than ever.
The National resources, then, are unexhaust-
I'd, and, as we believe, inexhaustible. The
public purpose to re-esta5lish and maintain the
National authorities is unchanged, and we be-
ieve, interchangeable. The manner of continu-
ng the effort remains to choice. On careful
consideration of all the evidence accessible, It
seems to me that no amicable negotiation with
he insurgent leader would result in any good.
He would accept nothing short of a severance
If the Union, precisely what we can not and
will not give.
His declarations to this effect are explicit and
,ften repeated. He does not attempt TO deceive
49, he affords no excuse to deceive ourselves
He cannot voluntarily re-aceept the Union, we
.annot voluntarily yield it. Between him and
is the issue is distinct, simple, and inAexibe It
5 an issue which can only BE- tried by war. and
decided by victory.
If we yield we are beaten IF the South
IN people fail him he is beaten. Either way
t would be the victory and defeat following
var. What Is true, however, of him who
reads the insurgent cause, is not necessarily
rue of those who fellow.
Although he cannot re-accept the Union.
hey can. Some of them, we knew, already
lesire peace and Union The number Of such
'aF ,5'f ,'s'fFtasafSiaa tsfi az ,,,.y .A.,5,4sy,. a.,
,y laying down their arms and su6miitffYlPE9n
l,e National authority under the Constitution
After SO much the Government could not, If it
would, maintain war against them.
Loyal people would not sustain or allow ii.
f questions should remain, we would adjust
hem by the peaceful means of legislation, con-
erence, courts and votes, operating only in
and lawful channels. Some Ger
ain and other possible questions are and would
)e beyond the Executive power TO adjust; "a,
or instance, the admission of members into
Congress, and whatever might require the ap
oropriation of money. The Executive power
tself would be greatly diminished by the ces-
ation of actual Parions and remis
ions Of forfeitures however, would still be
within the Executive control. In what spirit
md temper this control would be exercised,
IAN be fairly Judged by the past.
7 UtRr our.LLEKs, 'raI pardon and amnesty,
CIDER MILLS,
CLOVER HULLERs,