The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1864-08-14


port very light aud this aAo imparss increased Arm
ness 70 toe views Of shipowners.
An Armistiee-The Very rhtng for the
Administrasion and the loyal states.
We have indicated in several recent editorial
articles, through these columns, the advantages
which would follow to the administration and the
national cause from the experiment Of peace
commission to Richmond, with authority to
enter into arrangements with the rebel leaders
for an armstice of six months, and . convention
of representatives from all the States in the
interval, to consult together upon the ways and
means Of peace. Leaving, for the present, the
proposed convention out Of the estimate, we
think that the inducements suggesting an arms
tice are 80 great and so apparent that If they
can be brought to the attention of President
Lincoln he cannot long resist them.
What possible impeachment or objection can
be presented Of sufficient weight to overbslance
the certain advantages Of an armistice we can
not comprehend. Leaving the military situa-
ton, places and lines Of occupation. on land
and water, just rs they are on both sides, We
should lose nothing from the suspension Of the
war for six months. On the contrary, in the re-
Enforcement of our armies; in their reorganiza-
ton, SO far As desirable; in fnrloughs for short
terms to our officers and soldiers; in more gene
raj and careful attention than, in the midst Of
raging war, can be given to our sick and
wounded and in all the needful preparations
for probable renewal Of hostilitiss, we should
gain immensely more from tho truce proposed
than could be possibly gained by the enemy.
In another and most important matter our
gains would be Of incalculable value. We re-
for to the gathering in of our autumnal crops
Of Indian corn, potatoes, beans, buokwheat,
forage, &C. Ten per cent ia the loyal States,
from the increased supply of labor secured to
their farmers by an armistice, would probably
be added to the savings Of their products be-
yond what will or can be saved with the war
continued in full blast.
The presence Of our furloughsd soldiers
among the masses Of the people would also be
productive Of good results, especially among
the copperhsads, and as volunteer recruiting
agents for the army. But from the friendly
and familiar intercourse which would be
opened BY an armistice between the soldiers,
sailors and non-combataIte, men and women,
Of the loyal and rebellious States, the pervading
reaction on both sides that would follow in
behalf Of peace and reunion would surely put
an end to the war. Union men and rebels, in
calmly comparing notes, would shrink from
renewal of this fearful and destructive struggle,
whether for an abolition millennium or the
Utopan idea Of Southern confederacy upon
the corner stone Of African slavery. So terri
BILE, indeed, on both sides, but particularly
in the South has been this work Of fire and
sword, slaughter and destruction, to life and
properly, that truce would surely end it.
With the maintenance Of the Union and the
peace and harmony Of the two sections as they
were after the adoption Of Henry Clay's great
compromise measures Of 1850, the country
North and South together would have been
this day as Rome was amsng the nations in the
zenith Of her glory. We have lost by this do
structive war, both sides included, half
million Of young and able-bodied white men,
and their widows and orphans I'll the land with
mourning. Between the contendng parties,
but chiefly in sacrifices to the Moloch Of aboi-
ton philanthropy, half million Of the blacbs
OF the South have been cut off In property
wasted and destroyed, and in the profits OF
peaceful labor diverted to this business OF mu-
tual destruction, the country at large has sac
rifced the enormous aggregate Of at least five
millions Of substantial wealth. Surely
this is war enough for an abolition idea or
Southern confederacy. Give the people of the
loyal and the rebellious States an opportunity
calmly to reflect upon these things, and to com
pare notes, under the inviting shade tree of an
armistice, and surely they will come to this
conclusion.
At all events we appeal to the adminisFa-
ton to do something that will satisfy the
country in reference to this disturbing accu-
sation that the rebel chiefs are ready and
anxious to enter into negotiations for peace,
but that President Lincoln and his advisers
are not. Let US know what is the ultmatum
of the responsible leaders of the rebellion.
1t may be an ultimatum upon which we can
build an honorable and desirable reunion to
all concerned But II nothing short Of South
ern sonfederacy or war will satisfy JEFF. Davis
and bis ruling confederates the administration
will stand fully justified before the reunited
people OF the loyal States in pushing on the
war. This object OF itself, If nothing more can
be expected, ought to be sufficient to persuade
President Lincoln to try the experiment Of
peace commission to Richmond.
The SITUATION IN THE SHENANDOAH VALLEY
General Early is in full retreat up the She
nandoah valley. General Sheridan, with a
sufficient force, is at his heels, and there is
sonable ground for the hope that Early will
not be able to get away without battle. 1t is