The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1866-07-24

| as defined by Congress and the Presi-
dent, but in lieu thereof, propose to
gather up the fragments of their shat
tered armies in the South, and their dis
different field, struggle TO maintain in
the government the remaining UiTHS of
| those issues which drenched our land
in blood, and robed a continent in
mourning; or, should they propose a
fusion of the elements lately hostile to
| the nation, North and South, for the
''better government of that country,
which the one tried to destroy, and the
other said was destroyed, who that
loves his country could fail to see in It
cause for just alarm, and q source of
long, prolonged misfortune to the
Should the Philadelphia convention
fail to accept the situation, then the
convention of Southern Union men,
which see has been called, will be-
come Indispensable. 1t would be its
duty, among other things, to make
every appeal to the interests and patri-
otism of the southern masses to cut
themselves loose from reckless leaders,
and bring repose to themselves and the
nation by accepting the mildest terms
ever offered to a conquered people
throughout the history of all civil
For the sake of my own people, and
the welfare of the nation, desire inf
nitely above all personal considera-
tions that the country, so long dis
turbed, should have repose. The way
IS clear If the southern people will on
| " seek it; and don't care what party
1t breaks down or builds up, so It
brings permanent peace to the people.
But repeat, they could have but one
legitimate object at Philadelphia,
and that would be to accept the situa-
ton and urge the Southern people to
ratify their action. II is in their power
to do SO, and should they fail, whatever
delay in restoration or paralysis in
business may result from it will be
clearly traced to them as having the
power and yet not the will to end the
strife. -I
regard the present movement, how
ever patriotic in its inception, as rapid
ly merging into a continuation of the
late struggle, only assuming different
shape. II possible 1t should beayerted.
Since 1853 have labored for peace and
harmony, but could see no other road
to 1t except that which led to an ac-
ceptance of the situation. I see no other
way to-day consistent with the safety
otthe nation and the happiness OF the
people for the future.
1s6l-62 situation" was rendered
protecting slavery forever. 1t was re-
jected, and the war ragged on.
In 1858, peace and gradual emancipa-
b1Ou COuIu nave sDeen ODtulneQ,
1854, abolition of slavery, with no
solitary privilege abridged or penalty
inflicted. Bat they were all rejected,
and the carnival of blood went on.
And who caused their rejectionP The
very men who are TO meet at Philadel-
phia.
In 1866 the "situation' sharply defin-
ed by Congress and the President, and
setting everything growing out of the
| issues involved, except the remote one
OF suffrage, will come Informally before
| them. VIII the same leaders cause it
to be rejected too? Will they take no
lessons from their bIunders in the ter
rible past ? Should the situation as
now defined not be accepted, it is easy
to see that everything involved in the
conflict may at last be required, and If
required, accepted.
A glance at events would clearly in
dictate it.
Over all the tempest of war, one dis
tinct characteristic has shown itself to
the observant. That after each lull in
the Storm and attempt and failure at
adjustment, the mind of the nation, as
ifswePt by mighty sea, has moved
toward the remotest point of this great
struggle-equality before the law. The
nation may well pause and see whether
the situation as now rendered will be
accepted at Philadelphia. If rejected
there, 1t may transpire in some shape
or other, that the last step will be taken,
and the real situation, as legiJImatelyl
resulting from the struggle, and, as /
should then verify believe, intended of
Providence, rendered for acceptance.
| For one, / should advocate its accept
ance, and rejoice in its consummntion.
For would feel that a reluctant and
bleeding people, having reached the end
OF their tolls and triumphs at last,
could, in perfect peace and concord,
with every right secured TO themselves
and full justice accorded to others, in
hale the fresh air and bask in the pure
sunlight OF model Republic, before
whose laws all men would be equally
privileged and protected, and over
whose broad domain, from ocean to
ocean, would linger no latent source of
hatred or strife! n
Hoping to hear from you, 1 am, your
obedtent servant. G. w. CAN'T.