Gallipolis journal. [volume] (Gallipolis, Ohio) 1837-1919, 1865-04-06

hibiting all the baser passions OF the
human heart, and however great
their crimes, public opinion excuses
them in some degree, from punish
ment well merited indeed. but passed
over on account of their gross igno-
rance and passions.
But with regard TO the others no
such excuse should avail any thing.
They knew their sin would find them
ont, and leave them guilty before
God and man, of crimes without a
parallel in the dark history of malic-
ious and #ilful cruelty. We have
alluded to the wretched fate of our
soldiers doomed to death in South.
ern prisons. The details as laid be-
fore the public are horrible beyond
conception. In every town and vii
lage of the North, are now to be seen,
men whose iron constitutions enabled
them to outlive the cruelties inflicted
upon them whilst in Southern pris-
ons. Yet they bear upon them the
marks OF the beast. They tell us of
scenes, that chill the blood with hor-
ror. They describe 10 US, the weary
tours of suffering from cold, hunger
and nakedness they endured, and of
the effects upon thousands of our
brave men, and the picture they
draw, is well known to be far short
OF the reality.
Now it will hardly lie required OF
us, to say that this cruelty is charge
able to the guards or office. having
these men in charge, much as they
are to blame. They were only the
tools of the Rebel Government jeff.
Davis, and his co workers al Rich
mond, are the real instigators and
authors of this great crime against
humanity. They knew perfectly
we'll that our men were being slaugh
tered by thousands in these horrible
pens. They could not have been ig-
norant of it, unless we attribute to
them much less sagacity and kDowl-
edge than their friends claim for
them. Such being the case, is it not
right. that they should be held up to
the execration Of mankind, and be
held amenable to the laws of the
land. Is it not sufficient to exclude
them from the pale of civilization
and demand that they shall be treat
ed as monsters of whom the world
should be rid, with as little delay as
possible.
Yet these are the men, we will heal
very shortly as worthy of clemency,
and for the sake of peace, advised to
admit to negotiations having that end
in view. We shall be gravely asked
by Northern men to overlook their
crimes, and treat with them as gen
tleman. Can any thing be more re-
pulsive, to mind that has decent
respect for human nature? 1t can
not be that Divine Justice will al
W these men to escape the reward
due their crimes in this world. HUI
man Justice demands that the peace
of society shall mo- be endangered
by their presence, but that they shall
be hunted from the walks of civilized
life, like beasts of prey.
In conclusion, if any one says we
are too harsh in our structures let
him hear the stories of the returned
prisoners, who walk about our streets,
and then search the papers of the
South for any evidence, that word
of explanation, denial or regret, for
the atrocities perpetrated at Bell
Isle. Andersohville or Florence, has
ever been uttered by JEFF Davis OF
his CO. conspirators. Until they find
such evidence, common decency
would require their lips to be sealed
against any appeals for mercy tc
su.h blood thirsty, hell deserving
scoundrels.