Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1865-01-03

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foIt could ts found upon Southern sol
But Sir { must notice the resolutions proposed
by lhis = mir city report This the irst resOiu
toner Toe series
Rssolr2g That tlle Espssseptst the people
hyehed do not hesitate 20 declare their earnest,
desire for peace based upon the iudependence and
ffire sepafatien Of the Confederate S.Ates govern
menk from the government of the United States,
and vii accept with Feady and cheerful spirits any
propositions which the public authorities OF the
Unfted States may make for the furtherance of
spcAa pufpose" -
In their 1nxietyto and objections, and prevent
the opening Of any negotiation upon the subject Of
peace, gentlemen seem to be running into the very
dangers which they profess to besseking 70 avoid.
LIQUID not.yote for this resolution Apart from
the useless reiteration Of the demand Tor indePen-
dence and separation Is preliminary basis Cor ne
gotntons there lis vital objection TO this proposi-
ton. If opr enemy could derive aid and comfort
from the bare appointmshtsof commissioners to
open nsgotiations ne would De likely 2 accept the
ing most encouraging anxiety upon the subject.
Accept with ready and cheerful spirItsi Is il
not sufficient to say the We viii aceeptf But
v az q Il proposed u Aeerepf NIith resaY and
pubIfc adt hostITiss - -, =, ~ .lsf =
for the flrtherssSe pnfp y =
have been any honorable propositions -and sven
then, it would be better to leave out the "ready
and cheerful spirits" Those who discern aid and
comfort to the enemy in the resolutions upon the
table, have solemnly recommended the adoption OF
this unguarded and humilIatng petition for some
proposal from the public authorities of the United
States, accompanied with the declaration that any
proposition" would be accepted with ready and
cheerful spirits" beg leave to decline accepting
the substitute and to deny the validity of the rea
sons assigned for its adoption. The recommends
ton Of such resolution, by the minority report"
candOr
the suggestion that the adoption of the original
resolutions might give encouragement to our adve-.
sarIes. 1t becomes US to be guarded and watchfu,
while we are determined and firm in the prosecu-
ton of any purpose required by the honor and in
terests Of our country. The appointment and ten
der of these commissioners from the States would
remove the pretence upon which the opening of
negotiations has been prevented, and throw upon
others the responsibility of continuing the mad ap-
peal to arms alone, which has characterized this
struggle and shocked the enlightened sentiments of
mankind by its temper and its fury. The advan-
tage of moral position claimed against u.s. is being
used with effect to justify or excuse the unrelent-
ing lerocity and persistence with which the war is
waged and really gives aid aud energy to the oper
atoms and policy OF the United States government.
Let this advantage be taken away, and if possible
turned to account for by the action proposed IN
the resolutions upon the table. If the effect of this
action be parried by the acceptance of the commits
soneTs and the opening of negotiations, it will still
retain much of its moral weight; and the true is
sues between the belligerents will be opened in
naked detail without the possibility of further mis-
apprehension or evasion This is desirable to those
who contend in just and righteous cause, and IS
formidable only to the projectors of ambition and
wrong The high claims and exorbitant demands
Of warning chiefs, put forth amid the clash OF arms,
must be viewed with allowance, only the ebulli-
ton Of passion meant to excite the enthusiasm OF
their respective followers bat never as true ex-
position OF the real purposes and objects which
reference to calm negotiation would disclose. This
war has continued long enough, and been marked
with sufficient carnage and misfortune, to admit
now the appeals of humanity and reascn land the
varied success, the unqhestionable display of ex-
allied fortitude and valor and the exhibition OF won
derful strength and resources have fully satisfied
the requirements of military honor, and even the
demands Of pride and vanity. Interest, duty, and
patriotism now call for the more steady and efec-
tive efforts Of craftsmanship and diplomacy. Those
who are first to initiate this will be honored by the
appreciation Of the Christian world and blessed with
the gratitude of pOsteTty; while those who refuse
or impede it must bear the responsibility for the
continued shedding of blood.
No delinquency is imputed to the President in
efforts for peaceful solution of our present trou-
bles. l. has been the misfortune of his official po
stion and the peculiar, distinctive character of this
a revolution, which have made him unable
TO open negotiations. He is still powerless in this
respect, unless the States take advantage of their
tary aid in the manner now proposed. The propo
sition strangely favored by the opposers of these
resolutions, to request him again to tender commits
sioners of his own appointment does imply delln-
Quency his part Is he so blind or perverSe that
the States must instruct him in his duty? Let it
not be said. His self respect and dignity may for
bid his again making the identical proposal which
has been SO pOintedly refused. This is new pro-
position, embracing new and essential element STIR
king at the very point upon which former proposals
have been rejected-an element beyond the power
Of the President TO command without the aid of the
States, in which the States necessary partic-
pants, and from whose participation alone success
is expected. 1t is an acknowledgment that the
President has performed his whole duty, and hav
ing failed of success, it now becomes necessary for
the States to extend that aid which the peculiar
ture of our government places in their power alone
The States can remove the obstacle which has been
raised against his efforts to open negotiations, and
in obedience to q request from them, he can,
sistently with dignity and self respect renew those
efforts, with element at his disposal by which
to test the sincerity of former objections, expose
the dupclty with which they were made
Mr.. Speaker, [ hope these resolutions will be
taken from the table and passed. 1t will place US in
truer and more tenabe position. TIE good Of our
country, own character, and "decent respect
for the opinions of mankind urge to this action.
The people expect and desire that some movement
be made towards peace, by other means than the
stern and dreadful arbtrament of arms. While We
make new drains upon them, let US be equally
est in all efforts to peace by other means.
1t is due to gallant soldiers, who for honorable
peace Drawing with equal fortitudc the SHOWS of
winter, and the dangers that dwell in the battles
"high carnival of death" Let them see that the
civil departments Of the government are earnestly
lending their aid to the same end by every legiti-
mate means. The objections to the action proposed
in these resolutions are untenable. 1t is no inter-
ference with the constitutional treaty making pow
ers of the President and Senate-gives to our ad-
versaries advantage either moral or physical but
altogether the reverse. 1t implies no delinquency
in the general government but offers it the aid and
CO operation of the sovereign States upon serious
difficulty peculiarly within their province to RENE
dy. Il is a step upon the path Of peace. All