New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1865-02-07
Our Prisoners in the south-Is the Ex'
change Resumed, or NOtt
from Our Special Correspondent.

From Our Special Correspondent.
An official letter, which has just appeared in
print ntmates that the general exchange OF prisoners
is resumed but adds that owing to the bad condition
Of Southern Iailroads much delay will 10 experienced
before all onrec1ms can b returned. Meanwhile 1t
assures ID y 4 pliss = money, packages for pris
oncrs in The eoutk can hasn't to them
There is danger that the public may receive false
impression. If the Rebels really DESTROYS OF i'm
mediate exchange (and know they were very anxious
for it few weeks ago. they can deliver every Union
prisoner they hold Gen Grants lines within twenty
DAYS. II their military necessities required 1t they
would Transport. the same number OF Rebel soldiers
from the points where the prisoners are confined, IN
half that time
telegram TO one OF the city journals lnserts that
under this new arrangement they deliver US only
three thousand per month. The aggregate ofunion
prisoners in the South Is something over thirty thou
sand Thus we shall receive monthly less than ten per
cent OF them We left the Salisbury prisoners dying and
enstng In the Rebel Army at the rate Of twenty-five per
cent month on the entire number Our excess Of prls
oners over the enemy likely TO increase very
rapidly The Rebels are extinguishng portion OF
our army good deal faster than they could by fighting
IL, and at no cost whatever to themselves.
The Richmond authorities doubtless agree 70 deliver
supplies and money We left behind some friends who
are very dear u.s. and whom would sacrifice much
10 relieve Bat we shall make attempt to reach
them with money or boxes. The bitter experience OF
twenty months conyinces US that not tenth Of the
articles sent will reach their destination. And
have met few Union prisoners who for the sake OF re-
ceiving one box willing 10 contribute nine to OH;
cal or unofficial thieves within the enemy's lines.
The resumption OF exchange Las been announced
many times within the last eighteen months; but no
exchange has followed II II is the settled policy to
postpone ii until after the coming campaign the country
has light to be dealt with honestly and frankly. Ii
should be tred with by any disngenuous announce
ments 1t will not be diverted from the subject by any
peace rumors especially when, like the present ones
they relate to "a peace which passeth all under
standing
There are but two alternatives real and immediate
general exchange. or measures which shall compa the
Rebels to supply their prisoners with the food clothing
and fuel essential to life and comfort Ii this is neg
lectcd tie responsibility for it cannot be evaded The
War Department cannot shuttle it off upon the Lieutea
ant General. for he is only its agent The Executive
cannot place it upon tie War Department which is
bound by his orders Congress cannot thrust it upon
either for all three are sW orn alike 10 carry out what
ever Is enacted the law OF the land. Thirty thou
Sand Of soldiers who langush in Southern prisons.
and the fathers mothers and wives who mourn their
absence at home. expect and have right to expect,
early and e,iectual relief. ABR
Ner- York MoFday Feb 6. 1865.