The New York herald., 1864-08-21

l0c higher, With . lar demand wneat ves ic = 80.
armer, and corn asou, To- bct.se. oass were dull
ana lower. Pork higher with fair demand Beef
quies armsr, and whiskey arm. Freishs were dull
The Qusstson OF an Armisssce-WAat
Pre.ideas LiacoiA Probably WalA do.
aad what He Oagnt do.
We are gratiied to learn that the question OF
an armistice is the prevailing topic Of discus
sion in Washington; that the other day con-
ference of New England leaders Of the re
publican faith concluded that the only course
OF safety to the admins alton, under exist
Ing circumstances, sis in proposing negotiations
for the termination OF the war; that ''these
necessarily involve an armistice, which will al
low postponement Of the draft until after the
Presidential election;" that the Secretary OF
tie Treasury is warmly in favor OF this leace
movement, and that President Lincoln is like
wise, having expressed the very sels bic .opin-
ion that "if it can do no good it will do no
harm to try it on"
This is good news. But We are further as.
sured from Washington that the republican
leaders there fully comprehend the critical
situation of their party, and that . movement
for an armistice is the only card now that can be
played successfully to take the wind oui Of the
sails OF the peace democracy; and, lastly, we
are promised by an intelligent correspondent
That th's thing will be tried, and very soon
Que OF tie Washington newspapers. identified
with the Kitchen Cabinet, has been evidently
aboring to throw out some hints in this direction
for several days past; hut lit beats about the bush
50 very cautiously and gingerly that it hardly
approaches q distinct and definite idea as to
what the administration will probably attempt
inbehalf otpeace. We are otherwise informed
however, that Mr.. Lincoln has resolved upon,
and will no doubt shortly issue, proclana-
ton opening the door to any bona .Jide overtures
Of peace which the leaders of the rebellion may
have to offer. En
Now we would respectfully suggest, "to
whom it may concern" that such proclama-
tien will most probably end to the prejudice of
the administration and the advantage of the
enemy. For example, proclamation is issued
recommending an armistice and inviting pro-
posals from Richmond. jeff Davis seizes the
opportunity to propose an arm.stice for six
months, with the condition that the land and
naval forces of the Ua;ted States shall be with
drawn from the soil and the waters Of the So
called Confederate States.u These overtures
must of course be rejected; but the administra-
ton will thas accomplish nothing towards
peace, and nothing towards that next object in
importance-of putting the leaders Of the rebel
lion and their copperhead peace agitating allies
of the North in the wrong before the whole
country and before the world. 4
To do this eAectIally something more than
a proclamation is called for. The simplest and
shortest way lies in the appointment OF a peace
commission to Richmond, with overtures for
an armistice for six months, and convention
Of all the States within this lucid interval to
consider the larger subject of treaty OF peace
Send upon this mission three Of our most able,
distinguished and universally respected public 4
men; ard, whether their overtures sha,l be ac-
cepted or rejected. the supporters OF the ad-
ministration will. before long, be joined by the
friends of the Union cause from the opposition
camps in their rcjoicnss over the happy
results.
We may be told that during this armistce
the expenses OF the war will 60 sn, and that at
the end Of the truce, on resuming the war, we
shall discover that we have wasted SIX months
of precious time and five or six hundred mil
lions os dollars, for the benefit oil the enemy
We hold, however, to the opinion that il the
people Of the rebellious States under an ar.
mlstice, shall be given the opportunity calmly
and deliberately 10 look at their desperate
situation, they will speedily yield to the con-
viction that their cause, which originally, with
a body OF twelve millions OF people to draw
upon for soldiers aud supplies. was a losing
concern from the start. is utterly hopeless now,
reduced as it is to a coniederacy invested by
land and sea. OF less than five millions OF souls
one. .af slaves OF the African race. This is
our view of tue issIie Of an armstice, if agreed
upon. 1t is as likely. however. that If proposed
it will be rejected by jeff Davis, in order to
keep The people under his iron rule sill in igno
rance Of their real situation and still subject to
his imperial will. He may do this, because in
any event there is no safety. no place of re-
fuse for Davis and his ruling associates at Rich
nond except in Southern con!ederacy or an
iguoninious exile.
But in placing the rebel junta at Richnond.
and lis copperhead peace allies OF the North
indisputably in the wrong, the cause of the
country, and the present admiaistratoa. too.
VIII still be successful, through the active unity
u the people of the loyal States in the prosecu-
ton oi The war.
FRIVOLOUS COURTS MARTIAL.-One great
bane Of our military system is the facili-
and kept il session week after week, month
after month, upon the most frivolous pretexts
This frequently destroys the essential ele-
men.s Of an active campaign, by withdraw
ing from duty in the field many Of our