The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1864-12-09

AoS0l... 90, iOz
To this again should be added the number of
all soldiers in the field from Massachusetts,
Rhode Island, New Jersey, Delaware Indiana,
Illinois and California who by the law of those
States could not vote away from their homes,
and which number cannot be less than 80 900.
Nor yet is this all. The number in organized
territories is triple now what it was four years
ago, while thousands, white and black, join us
as the national arms press back the Insurgents
lines. So much is shown affirmativelv and
negatively by the election.
It's not material to inquire how the increase
has been produced, or to show that it wonld
have been greater but for the war, which is
probably true.
The important fact remains demonstrated
that we have more men now than we had when
the war began that we are not exhausted nor
In process of exhaustion that we are gaining
strength, and may, if need be, maintain the
contest indefinitely. Thus, as to men aud ma.
terial, it is more complete and abundant than
ever. The national resources then are uneX-
hausted, and, as we believe, iEeXbaustable
The public purpose to re-establish and MAIN
tain the national authority is unchanged and
as we believe, unchangable. The manner of
continuing the effort remains to choose.
NO NEGOTIATION WITH INsuRGENT LEADERS
On careful consideration of all the evidence
accessible, IL seems to me that no attempt at
negotiating with the insurgent leader could
result in any good. He would accept of noth7
ing short of the severance of the Union His
declarations to that effect are explicit and often
repeated. He does not attempt to deceive US
lie affords us no excuse to deceive ourselves
We cannot voluntarily yield it. Between him
and us the issue is distinct, simple and iRiexi-
BILE. 1t Is an issue which can only be tried by
war, and decided by victory. Ii we yield, we
are beaten; If the Southern people fail him, he
is beaten. Either way it would be the victory.
and defeat following either way.
TERMS OF PEACE.
What is true however of him who heads the
insurgent cause, is not necessarily true Of
those who follow. Although he cannot re-en-
ter the Union, they can. Some of them we al
ready know desire peace and reunion. The
number OF such may increase They can at
any moment have. peace simply by LAYING
down their'arms and submitting to the Nasion.
al authority Under the Constitution After so
much, the Government could not if it would,
maintain war against them. The loyal people
would not sustain or allow il.
If questions remain we would adjust them
by the special means of legislation, conference
courts and votes, operating only in constitu-
tlonal and lawful channels. Some certain and
other possible questions are and would be be-
yond the Executive power to adjust. For in
stance, the admission of members into Con-
gress, and whatever might require the appro-
priaJlOn OF money.
EXECUTIVE CLEMESCY.
The executive power itself would be greatly
diminished by the cessation of actual war;
PardOns and remissions of forfeiture, how
ever, would still be within executive control
In what spirit and temper this control would be
exercised can be fairly judged of by the past
year ago general pardon and amnesty upon
special terms were offered to all except certain
designated classes, and it was at the same time
made known that the excepted classes were
still within contemplation of special clemency.
During the year many availed themselves of
the general provision, and many more would,
only that the signs of bad faith in some led to
such precautionary measures as rendered the
practical process less easy and certain. Dur
ing the same time also several pardons have
been granted to individuals of the excepted
class, and no voluntary application has been
denied.
Thus practically the door has been full
year open to all except such as were not
in condition to make free choice that is such
as were In constraint.
It is still open to all, but the time may come,
when public duty shall demand that it be
closed, and that in lieu more vigorous meas
ures than heretofore shall be adopted.
In presenting the abandonment of armed
resistance to the national authority on the part
of the insurgents as the only indispensable
condition to end the war on the part of the
government, release nothing heretofore said