The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1865-04-14
Peace at Hand.

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"Dovn the dark future, through long genera.
tons,
The eohoing sounds grow fainter and then
cease;
And. like bell. with solemn. sweet vibration,
hear once more the voice OF Christ say,
"Peace 7"
Peace and no longer from its bralen portals
The blast Of Wars great organ shakes the
skies!
But beautiful as sons Of the immortals,
The holy melodies IT love arise
Last week the country was electrified oy
the news Of the capture Of Richmond, and is
meant great deal. But of itself It was on
ly the taking Of good stronghold and that
stronghold the capitol Of confederate treason
But IL was that and nothing more. ms
week we chronicle more than the occupation
Of a dozen Richmonds-the capture OF the TO
bsllion itself in the surrender Of that large
army and master mind which gave vitality to
and upheld II. Everywhere have the people
reioiced at the good news as they never re-
j,iced before. For four years has the coun-
try fought for thisg glorious consumation. and
after untold and unnumbered sacrifices it
has come at last, and that proud army, which
has 50 long withstood our legions and shed 80
much innocent blood in defence OF the slave
oligarchy, is forced to surrender with their
great chieftain Internationally. Rumor Is
aying that Johnston has surrendered, but at
this time Of writing il is not confirmed
Ta,t this result must he reached very soon,
is placed beyond doubt by the surrender OF
Lee.
The particulars concerning this last great
victory will be found elsewhere in this paper.
The public mind now naturally turns to the
conditions upon which peace will be based.
We all know that the first condition will be
the disarming OF all resisting powers that be
in rebellion. After that. what?-and that
brings us directly to the engrossing subject
before us.
Speculative correspondents assert that the
President will issue proclamation of uncon-
ditional amnesty on q return TO allegiance.
The New York Tribune claims that victors
should be magnanimous, and therefore all
persons concerned in the rebellion. the lead
ers as well as the led. should be restored to
all their former privileges Of citizenship!
Laying aside the ignominy of this unjust pro-
position. We have too much faith in the wis.
dom and sagacity Of the President to believe
that no will for moment listen to such adj
vice. Such an amnesty means the restoration
of Mason. Davis, Slidell. Cobb and ,he whole
nest Of conspira,ors to their former places in
the Government. II white-washcs the crime OF
treason and makes it respectable. 1t places
the soldier who has fought to uphold the aag
on level with the traitor whose hand was
raised to smite il down. The starved prison.
srs of Belle Isle and Libby prison may here
after go to the polls alongside Of those fends
by whose directions they ereslowly tortured,
to witness the reward Of the traitor, and the
furnishing humiliation Of the patriot.
No, no No, that must never be There
is an underlying feeling OF justice pervading
the hearts Of all civilized people, the destruc-
ton OF which in mans breas, prepares him
to DO criminal Destroy that beautiful
temple sacred in our hearts to the memory Of
the sons Of this Republic fallen on hundred
battle fields in the defense Of their country.
and you prepare us all fora worthless appre-
citation OF that country hereafter. Had il
been known when our thousands Of SCARED
veterans took their lives in their hands, that
all their fighting should only result in restor.
ing criminals to favor and dignifying treason,
and with what enthusiasm would they have
rallied under the Gag. and how patiently
would they have borne their suaerings!
II general pardon is to be granted, all
punishment for u violation Of law should be
revoked. II the wretches who planned and
executed this hell.born conspiracy. and whose
hands arc dripping in innocent blood, are to
20 unhung, hanging should be abolished.
And if the plotters Of this gigantic treason
shall be restored to citizenship, there will be
far less induccment hereafter to support tho
Government, than ever before existed. We
do not believe in the barest probability that
the President will heed the advice 80 humil.
iatingly given and advocated, and until that
time CONES speculation may cease.
Como, gentle Peace! bring to war-worn
and tried people the blessings their valor has
secured, but do not put them to the blush for
opportunities lost. Come to US as sufferers
who have endured too much to lightly throw
away the loving sacrifices which four years
have made. We are not the vanquished in
the strife, but winners in victory dearly
won. Come, Peace but give as yet no sign
OF thy approach. il shame come with thee.
hut bear stern justice in thy hand US well as
mercy u
c. r Al