Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1865-02-09
nThere is NO Peacc.v

s'TheTe IL NO Peace
No matter how great the anxiety of
the people for peace, and no matter
what may have been the hopes en-
couraged by the recent efforts Of self
constituted agents, from Washington
to Richmond, and from Richmond to
Washington. The question, for the
present at least, has been put to rest
by the recent interview held at For
tress Monroe between the President
of the United States and Messrs. Ste
phens, Hunter and Campbell, repre-
sentatives Of the SO called Confederate
States. That interview has clearly
demonstrated that no peace can be Sc
cured with the leaders of the rebellion
that does not secure their independence.
A Washington correspondent Of the
New York Times, giving an account Of
the interview says:
"The President presented tie sub
ject to them in every conceivable form,
suggesting the most liberal and con-
siderate modification of whatever in
the existing legislation and action Of
the United States government might
be regarded as specially hostile to
their rights, and wounding to the pride
of the Southern people, but in no sin
gle particular could he induce them to
swerve for moment from their de-
mand for recognition.
"They did not present this conspicu-
ously as resting on their own convic-
tions or wishes, but as the condition
which their government had made alb
solutely indispensable to any negotia-
tions or discussions whatever concern
ing peace. President Lincoln, on the
other hand, informed them at every
point that such recognition was utterly
and totally out of the question; that
the United States could stop the war
and arrest, even temporarily, the move
ment of Its armies, only on the condi-
tion that the authority Of the National
Government should be recognized and
obeyed over the whole territory of the
United States. This point conceded, ht
assured them that upon every Other
matter of difference they would b,
treated with the utmost liberality, bu
without that recognition the war mus
and should 60 on"
Political demagogues during tn,
past campaign constantly asserted
that peace could be obtained and tn
Union restored through the instru
mentality of negotiation, and they pro
posed to "exhaust the resources O
craftsmanship" for the accomplish
ment Of this object. Many persons be
lieved these protestations coming fron
leading Democrats were not withou
foundation, and were clamorous 70
peace commissioners.
Mr.. Blair and Mr.. Singleton, wa
Republican and peace Democrat, b.
permission of the President visite
Richmond, In quest of the much dc
sired peace, and both returned withou
seeuringit, or obtaining any assurance
from Rebel leaders that they were vii
ling to accept OF peace on any othe
terms than the recognition of their In
dependence. They were assured, how
ever, that the Rebels were ready an
willing to send commissioners to Wash
ington City to negotiate for peac,
and Mr. Blair, authorized by Mr. Lin
coin to do so, assured them the wa
was open, and that any commissioner
that wished to pass through our line
upon mission of peace, would be per
mitted to do so. In accordance wit
this assurance, the above named ger
tlsmen passed through our lines an
met Mr.. Lincoln and his Secretary {
State, Mr.. Seward, at Fortress Monro
JEFF. Davis informed the people ,
the United States through >Messr
Jaques and Gilmore, during the la
falls campaign, that che could recei,
no proposal for peace, except as Il
President Of an Independent Confe,