The weekly register. [volume] (Point Pleasant, Va. [W. Va.]) 1862-1909, 1865-03-09

been constantly called forth on every
point and phase of the great contes
| which Etill absOrbs The attention and
engrossos the energies Of tho Nation.
little that is new could be presented.
The progress Of our arms, upon which
all else chiefly depends, is as well known
/ to the public as to myself, und it is, ]
trust reasonably satisfactory sand Ell.
couroging to all, With high hopes for
the future, no prediction in regard to il
is ventured, o. the occasion cores
ponding TO this four years ago oil
thoughts we're anxiousy directed TO az
impending civil war all dreaded il; all
sought to avoid it. While the inaugu.
raj address was being delivered from
this place, devoted ellogetber 10 saving
the Union without war, insurgents were
in the city seeking to destroy it--wirh
out war seeking to dissolve the Union
and divide the effects by negotiation. =
Both parties deprecated war, but one Of
them would make war rother than lei the
nation survive, and the other would ac.
ccpt war rather than lei it perish, and the
war came.
One eighth of tie whole population
were colored slaves, not distributed gen.
orally over the Union, but localized ia
southern parts of it. These constituted
peculiar and powerful in tercst
All knew that this interest was
somehow the cause Of the war. To
strengthen, perpeluure and extend this
interest was the object for which the
insurgents would rend the Union BY
war, while the Government claimed no
right 10 do more than restrict the terri.
torial enlargement of it. Neither party
expected for the war the magnitude or
the duration which it has already attain
ed.
Neither anticipated that the cause Of
the cOnaic. might cease, even before the
conflict itself might cease Each look
ed for an easier triumph, and result
less fundamental and astounding. Both
read the same Bible and pray 10 the
same God, and each iuvokes His aid
against the other.
ltmay seem strange that any men
should dare TO ask just Gods assis-
lance in WingiDg their bread from the
sweat Of other mems faces, hut let us
judge not less we be judged. The
prayers OF both should not be answered.
That Of neither has been answered full
ly.
The Almighty has His own purposes
Woe unto the world because oil its Of
lenses, for it must needs be that otfenses
come; but woe unto tie man by whom
the Offense comelh. five shall suppose
that American slavery is one of these
ofenses which, in the Providence of God,
must needs come. but which, having
continued through His appointed time,
lie nov wills TO remove and that 10.
gives 10 both North and South this lei.
ribIe war as the woe due 10 those by
whom the offeuse comes. shall we dis.
Germ that there is any departure from
those divine attributes which the be-
levers in living God always asc,ibe
10 hint Foudly do we hope, feryenlly
do we pray that this mighty scourgo OF
war may speedily pass away; yet, If
God wills that ii continue until oil the
wealth piled by the Loniman's two
hundred and fifty years of unreQuiled
toll shall be sunk, and until every drop
Of blood drawn with the lash shall be
paid by another drawn with the sword,
as was said three thousand years ago, SO
st it must be said that the Judgments
Of the Lord ere true and righteous, al.
though with malise toward none, with
charity for oil, with 6rmness in the
right, as God gives US to see the right,
let us strive to finish the work. We are
to bind up the nations wounds and care
for him who shall have borne the battle,
and for his widow and for his orphans,
to do all which may achieve and cher
ish 3 just and lasting peace among our
selves, and with all nations.
a national salute was fired.
The procession then again moved up
Pennsylvania Avenue, the President be-
Ing conveyed in an open barouChe, and
seated with him were his son and Sena.
tor Foster Of tho Committee OF Arrange
ments. The President was escorted to
the White House, after which the pro.
cession separated. Everything passed
off in the most quiet and orderly man
ner, and although thousands participated
in the ceremonies, not an accident &C
cured TO mar the pleasures ofthe day.
EJ-Wc take the following from the