Daily Ohio statesman. [volume] (Columbus, Ohio) 1855-1870, 1865-02-16

The New York Erening Post-one of the
leading Administration journals of the
country-is Of the opinion that President
LINCOLN In his recent conference with
Messrs. STEPHENS, HUNTER and CAMPBELL,
should have had sagacity enough to suggest
/, Free Trade as basis of reunion. This, 1t
O claims, "would 60 further towards produ-
cling a cordial Union" between the "North
Sa and South ''than any external plan OF
filibusterism and robbery" 1t argues that
at would furnish the only basis of compro-
mise now possible with honor to either side."
e On this subject 1t expresses itself thus
'''l aThdt principle, now that slavery is re-
moved, Is destined TO be the rdltytng point Of
the oredt popular and Democratic party OF the
f,lt,fre !: il is positive, comprehensive, true
and consistent with our institutions; 1t has
always been, from reasons OF circumstance,
very acceptable at the South; and the con-
cession of It on our part would be, we be-
lieve, hailed with eagerness and JOY 6y large
numbers of the Southern leaders and people
n as a compensation for the REIMBURSEMENT
or loss of slavery. It tcould furnish the only
basis Of compromise no,o possible pih honor TO
either side. Did the President think OF 1t !.
!, did Mr.. Seward suggest 1t; was it talked OF
at all; or was it wholly overlooked? III 1t
was forgotten, we think the negotiators on
both sides neglected the most vital and sug-
gestive topic that could have been brought
into the debate. Hunter, who IS almost
fanatical free-trader, would have closed his
Jaws upon the thought like snapping-tur-
tie: and Stephens though an ancient Whig,
has shown that he can change ground when
the occasion serves. At any rate, we could
have put upon them the burden OF reject
ing a principle which is more that half their
stock in trade in Europe" -
We are glad to see journal SO distin-
guished and so able giving to the subject OF
Free Trade its favorable consideration at
this time. In this matter the great and
teeming West has as much at stake as any
other section of the country. For years
The Erening Post has labored in the anti
slavery cause, and from the very commence
ment Of this unfortunate War, it has given
to the Federal cause most Jealous and efh-
eient support; but even it is not blind to
the necessity OF some compromise" being /
rendered by the Federal Government to the
insurgent States that shall be alike honora-
BILE to each. On the subject of Slavery 1t
win not compromise" and, after casting
around and weighing all matters that might
furnish "a basis Of compromise" it has not |
found any that would be likely to amount
to as much as Free Trade. 1t thinks that If
either the President or Secretary SEWARD
had suggested this as a basis of reunion, it
would have put on the rebels the ''burden Of
rejecting a principle which is more than
half their stock in trade in Europe" And
because they did not do this, The Etenfng
Post thinks they NEGLECTED the most vital
and suggestive topic that could have been
brought into the debate" In short they
were wanting In craftsmanship; and, there
fore, they Old not realize that some "basis
of compromise must be agreed on that will
not dishonor either side." The party in
power is animated by the pernicious idea,
that any lccmpromise" with, or concession
to, the rebels would be dishonorable. This
idea interposes between Peace and Union,
and 1t has controlled the minds OF the masses
of the people touching this subject. Let
them once be permitted to believe that an
enduring Peace and Union can alone be Sc
cured through compromise" that shall
be honorable alike to ''either side" and the
days of carnage, of increasing oppressive
taxation, and of growing wretchedness
throughout the land, will be arrested. If
Free Trade will prove satisfactory ''com-
promise'' let us have it as speedily as posi-
BILE; If not, then why not agree to some
other "compromise" that will prove salts h.
factory? Test the virtue of Free Trade by
all means.s