New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1865-04-06
IT
THE NATIONS HOPE.

THE NATIONS HOPE.
The general and eager anxiety wherewith the
American People expect and await Proclama-
ton from President Lincoln calling ON the in
surgents TO lay down their arms and return to
the ways Of loyalty and peace was forciby e1-
hibted yesterday in leading editorials in The
Times and The Uorld-antipodeS in politics,
yet neither of them an organ of extreme
opinons-urging President Lincoln to take
instant and energetic measures to stay the
further efTusion of American blood in fratricidal
conflict The point of view of one OF these
journals is so widely different from the others
that their concurrence in simultaneously put
ting forth urgent appeals to the President
for an exhibition of magnaminity and clemency
may be fairly taken as conclusive that on this
point public sentiment is very nearly unani'
nous.
We quite comprehend that the subject is beset
with difficulties and not to be approached with
out circumspection and patient thought. we
realize that such words as we would have the
President utter are not to be recalled, and that
the danger Of sacrificing by mistaken lenity
what has been gained by enormous sacrifices OF
blood and treasure is far from imaginary. We
plead not for weakness but for generosity, ana
are far less solicitous as to the letter than the
spirit of the overture which we trust the Presi'
dent is even now preparing. So that it DO recog'
nized as large-hearted, and impelled rather by
humanity than by calculation. we ask no more.
Never was there an era in the worlds history
when obvious generosity could have been more
timely, more effective, than now. The SUBJ
stantial power of the Rebellion is broken, yet
lis capacity for evil is not exhausted. 1t has
still more than One Hundred Thousand men in
arms, most of them veterans, and three-fourths
of them easily concentrated by a three days
march toward a common focus. They have a
central position, Astounding in mountain
businesses and dciiles, whence q flying column
may be launched without warning upon any
portion Of the adjacent valleys and plains. Too
weak longer TO imperil the integrity Of the Re-
public, the Rebel forces, if driven TO despera-
ton, may yet mar its peace and waste It's re-
sources for months. The magic word which
shall dsarm and dispense its routed, often deci-
mated but still formidable battalions, Is in
voked by true policy as well as by humanity.
We do not ask that the President shall
disregard any danger by which the Union is still
menaced. We would not have the breast of the
Republic barred TO the assassins who so lately
sought her life. But We do ask and trust that,
so nearly as may be, every one still clipging to
the tattered, trailing flag of Disunion shall be
supplied with reasons for quitting that unholy
service and casting himself unreservedly on the
mercy fhis aggrieved and lately imperied but
victorious and placable country.
Should the Rebels insist on further fighting,
then fighting must be- bat We shall deplore the
necessity and count the slain as usclessly,
wickedly sacrificed. But we do not believe
there need be another battle. All the Rebels in
arms this side Of Georgia are not enough TO
Withstand on O fair field the forces Of either
Sherman or Grant. Nor have Davis, Lee
and Johnston command Of the armories, arsenals
and depots of supplies, requisite to enable
their remaining followers TO keep the field in
the face of such armies as our. The great m"-r
Of their forces are disheartened Ill appointed
scantily fed, and most anxious to return III
peace to their families Only give them an eI-
cuse. and they will bid speedy and final adicu
to the broken, dwindling ranks Of the Rebellion.
We cannot doubt that the President will
promptly supply those forces with the only
impetus now needed to insure their rapid and
complete dissolution. -...- f.-,.