Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1864-10-27


greatest stretches Of the doctrine Of necessty- was un
quesonaby of the most startling exercises of the one
power which the history Of human free
or dcsp0tic, witnessed have no disposition 10
question ts wisdom its authority az a measure adopted
Tor securing greater to arms and an earlier
termination Of the though cannot help entertaining
grave doubts both points But the idea that il is now
be made the pretex for proongng that war after the
original and only legitimate end for which il under
taken shall have been accomplished the idea that we are
to 60 on fighting and fighting for something more than
the Unon the idea that the is not to be permitted to
until the whole social structure Of the South has
been reorgansed is abhorrent every instinct of my
SOUL to every dictate Of my judgment to every principle
which cherish as a statesman Christian 1t ia a
policy too in my opinion, utterly unconstitutional and an
much in the spirit of rebellion almost any thing which
has been attempted by the Southern States Why does
any one doubt for an instant that the Southern States
were to lay down their arms Tomorrow and throw them
selves unreservedy their rights under the Constitution
that it would be the bounden duty Of the Government 10
receive their submission and recognise their rights sub
ject only to such pains and penalties might be legally
enforced upon individuals duly convicted OF treasonf
have often hoped that this question might be brought
practical test. have often hoped, and still hope, that
one State like the old State of North Carolina or
the great State Of Georgia. might be induced to try the
experiment OF simply coming back under the old flag with
out asking any questions or seeking to exact in advance
any conditions whatever [Cheers.1 What President,
what Administration what party shall dare stand in the
wsy and tell either OF those States that have ceased TO
fight for the UDi0n-that fighting for somethinP
more than the Unon and that she must stay out until she
dent, what Administration what party shall dare to repel
and repuse such returning sister and tell her she
not be re-admed to the old family household until she
has prepared herself for reshng the eoquence of Wendell
Phillips, justly celebrated as that eloquence may be7
My friends, the proclamation OF the President, an
instrument for achieving and securing submission
is one thing but demand for the total abandonment Of
slavery, aud the reorganization of the whole social
ture Of the South conditions precedent for receiving
and accepting submission whenever IL shall be rendered
and alter 1t has been secured is wholly different thing
The one may, perhaps be justified constructive plea
OF necessity But there be plea Of necessity after
the submission is accomplished II the States in rebellion
or ALL were simply to lay down their tomorrow,
and throw themselves Internationally the old Consttu
on and range themselves under the old flag,
what ese could we do what else should do, but re-
ceive them with open arms TO the old Union Of our
fathers Pains and penalties might be enforced on indi
vidua offenders. The law aud the officers of the law
would have all that matter to look after But pains and
penalties would be almost forgotten In the Joy which
would pervade the country The return Of the prodigal
son would be nothing TO it We should get and