American citizen. [volume] (Butler, Butler County, Pa.) 1863-1872, 1864-08-03
Peace Movements.

The first we saw of the great peace
movement now being inauguratcd, was
from one Of jeff. Davis organs, in Rich
mond, which told us that its last special
advices from the North" assured them
that the Democracy of the North were
turning their thoughts upon peace plat
form, and that forsaking all war candi-
dates, they were looking round for some
consistent peace candidate for President.
that Frank Pierce or the Connecticut
Seymour" was thought about. Soon af
ter this, the organs of Vallandigham in
the West, came out, not only in favor Of
peace, but of separation. About simul-
taneous with these demonstrations, move
ment is got on foot in England to infu-
ence her Majesty's Government in favor
of mediation. A large deputation of TO-
gy clergy who claim to be in the inter
ests of humanity, i. e., human slavery,
backed by a few NJ. P's, who represent
the cotton interest, they waitupOn the Pre-
mier Lord Palmerston, and remind him of
the evils of war, of the hopelessness of
the struggle for the restoration of the
Union-.of the great privations which the
laboring classes of Europe have been call
ed upon to endure-of the injury to their
manufacturers. But when by the impor-
tunity of their appeal, at least, they had
hoped to receive some encouragement
from the Government, his Lordship in
formed them that at present the govern
ment could not see the propriety of me-
diation-that the North would be very
sensitive to any interference, which bro't
to his mind the couplet which says:
"They who in qHarrels interpose
Will often wipe bloody nose"
Thus the first offensive movement of the
peace party has met With severe rcpulse.
This is certainly encouraging to the friends
of the Union, All that is now wanting
to give them a complete route, is vigi-
lance on the part of the Loyal millions.
No party in this, or any other country,
has been able to survive opposition to
just war and the present will not be an
exception to the general rule. But while
it is encouraging to reflect that no disloy-
al movement can accomplish much harm,
other than the consequences of prolon
CATION of the war; it is sad to think that
any considerable body of American citi-
zens can be found so forgetful of their
solemn duty in this hour of their nations
tribulation. But having deliberately cho-
sen their course, they can only blame
themselves when they meet the conse-
quences of their folly. A sudden, sure
and everlasting death awaits them and
with their death will come the end of this
wicked rebellion, for nothing but their
avowed sympathy could have Kept it alive
so long. 1t seems quite fit then, that the
rebellion in the South and its counterpart
in the North, should expire together and
be inferred in the same grave. For GER
tainly no similar number of men, so wick
ed, SO cruel, so void of all those princi-
pies of justice and enlightened freedom,
ever assumed the right to mould the pol
icy of an enlightened nation, and in an
enlightened age like ours. Upon their
head-board, therefore, (for they have no
right to mark more honorable let :. the
Jonnie's epitapth be written
"Whoe'er tho arr, o reader know
That death has murder'd Jonniel
And here his body lies fo' low
For soul he ne'er had one