The weekly north Iowa times. [volume] (McGregor, Iowa) 1857-1867, 1864-01-27
WHOLE NO. $50.

| NOrt0. tOurteen nunOrcu tnen IN ElOrlui
would balance in tie Senate of the Unitei
States the power Of New York. Less thar
7O,O 900 voters in the nine States named ir
the Presidents proclamation would yield Q
power sufficient to weigh down that Of the
nine most populous States in the Union.
| We would thus have, with the nominal
States Of Eastern and Western Virginia, a
system of rotten boroughs which would
govern the Union and destroy the repre-
sentative nature Of our government. This,
in connection with existing inequalities in
State representation, would be dangerous
invasion of the rights Of a majority of the
American people. 1t would enable an ad-
ministration to perpetuate its power.
1t is fact full Of significance that every
measure % convert the war against armed
rebellion into one against private property
and personal rights at the South, has been
accompanied by claims to exercise military
power in the loyal States Of the North.
The proclamation Of emancipation at the
South, and the suspension Of the writ Of
habeas corpus at the North; the confisca
ton Of private property in the seeding
States, and the arbitrary arrests, imprison-
ments, and Punishment Of the citizens of
loyal States the claim to destroy political
organizations at the South, and the armed
interference by government in local elec
tions have been cotemporaneous events.
! These acts at first were justified upon
the ground that they were necessary to
| save the national existence. We now find
that new and more extreme claims to arbi-
trary power are put forth when it is declar-
ed that the strength of the rebellion is
broken, and that our armies are about to
trample out every vestIge of its incendiary
fires. More prerogatives are asserted in
! the hour Of triumph than were claimed as
a necessity in days Of disaster ard Of dan
ger.
The doctrine of southern disorganization
and revolution is a doctrine OF national
bankruptcy and of national ruin; it is a
measure for lasting military despotsm over
one third of our country, which will be the
basis for military dcspotism over the whole
land. 1t does not contemplate the return
of our soldiers to their families, or relief
from the cost and sacrifice of war. 1t will
make an enduring drain upon our homes,
and impose crushing burthens upon our
labor and industry. 1t will open a wide
and lasting field for speculation and fraud.
1t tends to perpetuate power by making
and unmaking States, as the interests oi
factions may dictate. 1t will be source oil
internal disorder and disquictude, and ma.
tional weakness in our external relations.
1t will give dangerous allies to invaders Of
our soil.
If this war is to make social revolution
and structural changes in great states, VIC
have seen only its beginning. Such changes
are the work of time. If they are to be
made bv military power, it must be exer.
ted through long periods. Whether white
or black troops are used, the diversion
from labor and the cost Of war will be equal
ly prolonged, and we have just entered up
on course Of certain cost and uncertain
results. Nosuch changes as are now urged
; have ever, in the worlds history, been with
out struggles lasting through more thar
What has government accomplished ir
the territories wrested from rebellion by thu
+ valor Of our armies? Has it pacified them,
Has it revived the arts of peace? Ha.
quiet and confidence been restored? |,
commerce renewedf Are they not helt
as they were conquered, at the expense o
northern blood and treasure? Are not oul
armies wasted by holding under armed
control those who, under wise and gene
T rous spirit would have baen friends? Tn.
spirit which prompts the harsh measure O
subjugation has driven off many in tn,
border states, who, at the crisis of oul
country's fate, broke away from their an
cient sympathies with the seeding State:
aud clung to the Union. States which, by
the elections of the people, ranged them
selves upon the side Of the constitution
are not allowed the free exercise of the elec
tive franchise. In some quarters discon
tent has been increased in no place ha:
the wisdom Of government gained us allies
There is but one course which will saw,
us from national ruin. We must adhere t
the solemn pledges made by our govern
ment at the outset Of the war.
We must seek to restore the Union ant
uphold the Constitution. To this end
; while we beat down armed rebellion, W
must use every influence of wise statesman
ship to bring back the states which nov
reject their constitutional obligations. w,
must hold forth every honorable induce
.nent to the people Of the South to assume
again the rights and duties of American
citizenship.
We have reached that point in the pro
gress of the war, for which all have strug
gled and all have put forth united eaertions
Our armies and navies have won sigma
victories; they have done their part with
courage, skill and success. By the usag
of the civilized world, craftsmanship mus
now exert it's influence. If our cause fails
in the judgment Of the world, it will b,
charged to the lack Of wisdom in the Cab
met, and not to the want of bravery or O
patriotism in the army. The great objec
f Of victories is to bring back peace; We cal
now with dignity and magnanimity pro
claim to the world our wish that States
f which have long been identified with ou
history, should resume their positions in tn,
Union. We now stand before the world
Preat. successful military power. No on,
can foresee the latent victories or defeat
which lie in our course il force and fore,
alpneis to be exerted. The past has laugh
the certain cost of war and the uncertainties
Of its results.
In this contest belligerent rights are nee
essarily conceded to the South. The US
ages Of international warfare are practiceG
in the recognition of flags and the exchan
ges Of prisoners. Is it wise to put off tn,
end of the war and thereby continue rec
legation which tends to famliarize the pub
Elc mnO In our own country, ana IN tue
world at large with the idea that we ar.
d,sunited into two distinct nationalities /:
A necdlessly protracted war becomes dis
union.
4 Wise craftsmanship can now bring thi.
war to a close, upon the terms solemnly
avowed at the outset Of the contest. Good
faith to the public creditors to all classes
Of citizens Of our country to the world
demands that this be done.
The triumph won by the soldiers in the
field should be followed up and secured by
the neacemakinp policy Of the statesmen