American citizen. [volume] (Butler, Butler County, Pa.) 1863-1872, 1865-05-31
Settling IN,

After such times as we have had, IN
consequence Of the rebellion, and after
they have been prolonged through four
yearisome and painful years, it isnot sur
prising that difficulties should be encoun-
tered in settling up our public affairs.
The severe and protracted storm has dis
placed persons, things and interests. 1t
has shaken everything except the true
principles of our republican government.
These stand firm in the midst of exten-
sive ruins. But the very stability and
infexible justice of these principles
render our disorderel affairs the most DIFF
fcult, by the imperative necessity they
impose, for deliberation caution, and equity
In the procedure
But there seems to be among us Ell
ther from national temperament or from
habit, or from both, proclivity to spec
dy processes, that by grand and rapid sue
cess shall bring in the desired results
Caution stands below expedition in the
scale Of administrative virtues. We are
less patient Of delay than of mistakes
The gigantic Dimensions Of the rebellion
have familiarzed the public mind with
high magniudes. The numeration Of
warscasualties by thousands startles US
less than they formerly did when reckon
ed by hundreds Or even by scores. Our
immense armaments, our vast conflicts,
our glorious victories have, in a measure,
abolished the7old prudential considera-
tions of difficulties and obstacles. No en-
terprise appear impracticable. lIercule-
an has grown to be an absolete figure, as
the expression af great achievements.
Yet, the work which remains to be
done in settling up our national affairs,
is work of time and deliberation. |. is
going on well, because it is going on with
the aid OF caution and with the support
of patience on the part Of the govern
ment. 1t took time 10 disarm our enc.
mics oftheir military power. 1t requires
time to reorgauize their civil institutions,
to get their suponded political functions
into operatiynaeain, to replace industri-
al pursuits, to start, on a fresh and bet
ter impulse, the domestic and social life.
1t requires beliberation to make the nee
essary discrimination among the guilty
men who have so greatly disturbed the
peace and damaged the interests Of the
republic. 1t demands time for the diffu-
sion of the vast martial element advanta-
geously among the pacific population of
the country
The era of heroic achievements may be
regarded as past. The time for deliber-
ate steady action has come. The gov
eminent may almost be said tohave rever-
ted,to its normal state of peace, aferits for
ccd and unavoidable exercise of martial
efficiency in suppressing the great insur-
rection. The balances appear conspicu-
Gus now, in the hands of justice, the
sword lying by awaiting the turn of the
scales. Many of the great offenders are
in her custody Her function is defined
by law and right She will not waive
her claims at the pleading of expediency.
She willu enhance them for the clam
ors of vengeance. Principles, not pas
sion, will dictate her awards, and princi-
pie viii also approve them.
While, in the settling up of the DIS
orders produced by the rebellion the des-
erts of individual traitors and murderers
are Under judicial treatment, the gener-
al interests Of communities will not be
overlooked, The pacifcation of the in
surrectionary portion of our country win
be followed by its Improvement. Time
and jGdicious procedure will accomplish
this The political machinery, though
much shattered, win be replaced and
set in motion by the wise engineering
which has kept the rest in good condition
during the great rebellion. The revival
of industry, and of trade, and the
resumption of home feelings and pursuits
,,,,1l n,,g,,,o a,,oang5
Let us, therefore, hope and wait.
Things must have cure Of sufficient ra-
dius to turn on, safely. Fruits do not
ripen, even und r the best culture, in a
day. Providence, in some things, moves
slowly, but it always moves safely. Its
vindicatious have been seen conspicuously
during the war; it may be confidently
trusted for prosperous issues in the peace.
Justice will reach the great wrong -doers,
clemeney viii embrace the rest, and the
Republic willreceive no detriment in the
final settling up Pittsburgh CONNER
oidL
e-&N--~s-
-fhere is a man out West who claims
tocure disease by LAYING on hands. That