Democrat and sentinel. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1853-1866, 1864-07-27

stupidity ana ignorance. Nor do we
blame him, nor is he to blame, except for
his falsehood, heartlessness and dishonesty.
For his incapacity he is not to blame
We would as soon blame him for being
six fee; high or being loose jointed. We
would as soon blame the swallow for a
| late spring. or the woodcock for an early
winter, as to blame that poor creature for
being unfit for the Presidency His ma
| nipulators knew at the time that he was
unfit to preside over the destinies of a
great people. But they thought if the
country would be lost, that they would
enrich themselves, and many Of them
succeeded. The people got fired of pros
perlty, they got tired of honesty and vir-
tue in public affairs, and they wanted a
change. They have got it. They want
another now, and they will get it, but it
can't be another like the last. 1t must be
for the better, and we hope and trust that
the Prince of Peace will cease to punish
this nation by permitting this modern
Attilla called the scourge of God, to rule
its destinieS:
NIAGARA FALLS, Wednesday, July 20.
Two weeks ago Geo. y. Sanders, c.
c. Clay, of Alabama, Jacob Thompson,
of Mississippi, and J. z. Holcomb, Of
Virginia, arrived at the Clifton House,
just across the river from this place
Their arrival was duly announced in the
public press, and the object of their mis-
sion was understood to be to consult with
the Democratic leaders of the North in re-
gard to the Chicago Convention.
Results proved, however, that they had
a double purpose in view, which was first
developed to Horace Greeley by George
\. Sanders, who wrote to Mr. Greeley.
stating that Messrs. Cl.y, Thompson and
Iolcomb were duly recognized comms-
sioners of the Confederate Government,
and desired to know what terms could be
made for terminating the war between the
two sections. He added, however that
these commissioners were not specially
authorized to negotiate for a cessation of
hOStllltIeS or 4 restoration of the Union,
but they would like to have an informal
conference with such persons as the United
States Government might Indicate to meet
them. These facts having been presented
TO Mr.. Lincoln, he requested Mr.. Greeley
to act in the matter as he thought ad-
visable under the peculiar circumstances,
and stated that he (AIr. L., would at any
time be pleased to receive propositions
from those who had been III arms against
the Government for return to their al
legiance and duty as citizens Of the L
Mon.
He also stated that he would be pleased
to see the Union restored upon any terms
consistent with the present and future
safety, welfare and honor of the Govern
ment Mr.. Greeley having settled all
preliminaries with Mr.. Lincoln, proceeded
to this place, reaching here on last Mon
day morning, and took up quarters at the
international Hotel. 4 correspondence
was at once opened with the commission
ers, and, as a final result, made the fol-
lowing proposition, and gave it as their
opinion that the Richmond Government
would approve and ratify the same
The restoration of the Union in statu qu0
upon this basis:
First-All negroes which have been
actually freed by this war to be secured in
such freedom.
Second-All negroes at present held as
slaves to remain so.
Third-The war debt of both parties
to be paid by the United States.
Fourth-The old doctrine of State
rights to be recognized in reconstructing
the Union.
This proposition was laid before Mr..
Lincoln by Mr.. Greeley. The President
at once telegraphed to Mr. Greeley the
terms upon which he would propose a set
tlement and reconstruction, TO wit
Executive Mansion, Washington,
July Is, 1864.
To Whom it May Concern:
Any proposition which embraces the
restoration OF peace, the integrity of the
whole Union, and tie abandonment of sla-
Ue'y, and which comes by and with an
authority that can control the armies now
at war against the United States. will he |
received and considered by the Executive |
Government of the United States. and |
will be met by liberal terms, on substan |
tial and collateral points; and the bearer
Or bearers thereof shall have safe conduct
both ways.
(Signed) ABRAHAM LINCOLN. |
Clifton House, c. w.
July 21, 1864.
To Hon. Horace Greeley-ST: The
paper handed to Mr. Holcomb on yester-
lay In your presence by Major Hay, as
an answer to the application to our note