Daily Richmond Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1865-1869, 1865-05-20
TILE QUESTION OF TO DAY.


John G. whittier the distinguished New Eng.
land poet has written his views of the present
danger of our country, and duty of her loyal
people. After treating eloquently OF the evils of
slavery he refers to the assassination of the Pre-
sdent, and remarks;
do not wonder at the indignation which has
been awakened by the late outrage, for have
painfully shared it, But let us see TO 1t that 1t is
tightly directed The hanging Of score Of
Southern traitors will not restore Abraham Lin
coin nor atone for the mighty loss. In wreaking
revenge upon these miserable men, we must see
to it that we do not degrade ourselves and 90 DIS
honor TO the sacred memory OF the dead. We
do well to be angry; and, If need be, let our
wrath wax seven times hotter, until that which
was murderer from the beginning IS con-
sumed from the face OF the earth. As the people
stand by the grave Of Lincoln let them Lift their
right hands 10 heaven and take solemn vow
upon their souls TO give no sleep to their eyes
n5r slumber to their yelids until slavery is hunt
cd from its last shelter and every man, black and
white, stands equal before the law.
| In dealing vita the guilty Leaders and irstiga'
tors OF the rebellion we should beware how we
take counsel with passion. Hatred has no place
beside the calm and awful dignity OF Justice
Human life il still Q very sacred thing; chris
tian forbearance and patience are still vlrtnes-
For nv own part, / should be satisfied so see the
chiefs of the great treason 60 out from among
us homeless, exiled forever, with tne brand OF
Gain on their foreheads, carrying with them
wherever they 60 the avenging Nemesis OF con-
se.ence. We cannot take lessons, at this late
d,v. IN their school of bRrbarism we cannot
stirys and torture them ss they have starved
an d tormented ouE soldiers. Let them live. Per
hans that s after all, the most terrible penalty
For, wherever they hide then selyeS the story Of
their guilt will pursue them-they can have no rest
nor psace save 10 that deep repentance, whi3h,
| through the mercy Of God, Ia possible even for
them.
men and Justice. If arrested they can have no
claim to exemption from the liabilities Of crimi-
mails. But il is not simply question OF their
deserts that is to be considered; we ere to take
into account our own reputation as Christian
neop.e, tho wishes of our beat friends abroad,
and the human instincts of the age, which for
bid all InpeeesSary ssyerlty. happily we are
mot called upon to take COUNCIL Of our fears
Rabbinioal writers tell US that evi, spirit. yhe
are once balfled in q contest with human beings
lose from hencefo-th all power OF further mis-
chief. The defeated rebels are in the precise
condition OF these jewish demons. Deprived of
slavery, they are Wasps who have lost their
stings. - ,
the shattered and crippled remnants of the ar.
mics of treason. the dessolate wives, mothers and
children mourning for dear ones who have fallen
| in vain and hopeless struggle, 1t seems to me
our duty Is very plain. We must forgive their
past treason, and welcome and encourage their
returning Loyalty. None but towards will insult
and taunt the drfeated and defenceless. We
must fsed and clothe the destitute, instruct the
ignorant, and, bearing patiently with the bitter
nsss and prejudice which will doubtless for
time thwart our efforts and misinterpret our mo-
tiyes, aid them in rebuilding their STATES on the
foundation of freedom, Our sole enemy was
Slavery. and Slavery is dead, We have now no
an yrel with the people Of the South, who have
rsSIlv more reason than we have TO rejoice over
tbe downfall Of q system which impeded the
NJ sterial progress perverted their religion shut
,bam oJt from the sympaties OF the world, and
riSgsd their laad with the graves OF its victims.
We ara yictors-the cause OF al this evil and
snEsrtn M Is removed foIever-and we can afford
~ he msgrsIimops. How better can we evince
our gratitude TO God for MS great mercy than
| in doing good TO those who have hatsa nc, snd
N SayinS COMPASSION on those who have do:
spitsfully used US. The hour is fastening ioT Us
al when our SOLE ground Of dependence will be
| the mercy and forgiveness Of 600. Let US en-
deavor SO to feel aud act in our Feisnons TO the
neople of the South that We 0an repeat IN SIN
cerity the prayer Of our Lord Forgive US our
trasnasses as we forgive those who trespass
AGAINST MS reyereutly acknowledging that He
has indeed led captivity captive and received
Gifts for men, yea, for the repelllous also, tnat
The I ord God might dwell among them.