The weekly pioneer and Democrat., 1865-02-03
Li1.LHysltEtItEi7 !.
RETALIATION.

OnI opinion of Senator SUMNER of Mas
sachusetts has been materially elevated by
'ne noble stand he has taken in, the Senate
AGAINST bill introduced by Mr.. HOWARD
Oh Michigan for retaliating upon the rebel
prisoners now in our hands for the treat
inen' our soldiers received while in their
prisons. In this he has exhibited enlaroed
craftsmanship, tes and a just appreciation of
what the Christian civilization of the ace
demands. We cannot afford to initiate
the barbarities of the rebels. We should
lose the respect of the world and gain
nothing but future shame and remorse
while the war would degenerate into a
butchery. .,.4...s
Mr.. SUMNER introduced the following as
as a substitute for Mr.. HowARDs resoln-
ton, and advocated its passage, Quoting
from General WASHINGTON, Chancellor
KENT, General HALLEoK, VArrE1, and
other authorities, against inhuman retalia-
ton, which, he said, never reached the
guilty parties:
Resolced, That retaliation is harsh ALWAYS
even in the simplest cases, and is permissible
only when, in the first place, it may reasonably
De expected to effect it's object, and when. in
the second place. it is consistent with the usa-
ges OF civilized societY and that, in the abb
sence OF these essential conditions it is useless
anu uarparous, having no other end than ven-
geance, which is forbidden alike to nations and
to men. :" . - D-" '"0 '''NA
ttesosged, That the treatment of our officers
anu soidlerS Is cruel, savage and heart-repding
beyond all precedent; and that it is shocking
" morAs mat 1t is an offence against human
aaou. naou.e sseii that 1t adds new guilt to the
ample from which history will turn with sor.
row and disgust. "-'-- '0'-
Resolved, That any attempted imitation of
| rebel barbarism in the treatment of prisoners
would be plainly impracticable, on account of
lts inconsistency with the sentiments of hu-
manlty; that it would be Injurious at home
for 1t would barbarize the whole communitv:
that 1t would be utterly useless as it could not
a11ect the cruel authors of the revolving con.
Duct which we seek to overcome; that it wouId
be immoral, because it proceeded from ven.
geance alone; that it could have no other re-
suit than to degrade the national character and
the national name, and bring down upon our
country the condemnation of history; and
that being thus impracticable. useless. i'm.
moral, and degrading, it must be rejected as a
measure of retaliation, precisely as the barbar-
ism OF roasting and eating prisoners is always
| rejected by civilized powers.
| Resotced That the United States filled with
grief and the deepest sympathy for their cher
ished citizens who, as officers and soldiers,
have become the victims of heaven defying
outrages, hereby declares their solemn deter.
minaton to put an end to this great iniquity
by putting an end to the great rebellion of
which it is the natural fruit; that to secure
this humane and righteous consummation,
they pledge anew the best energies and all the
resources OF the whole people; and they call
upon all to bear witness that in this necessary
warfare with barbarism, they renounce all ven
geance and every evil example, and plant
themselves firmly on the sacred landmarks of
Christian civilization, under the protection of
that God who is present with every prisoner,
and enables heroic souls to suffer for their
country.
Mr.. Sumner spoke in advocacy of the above
resolutions.