The Evansville journal. [volume] (Evansville, Ind.) 1866-1870, 1866-07-28

stroy, and the other said was destroy
ed, who that loves his country coulC
fail to see in it a cause for just alarm
and source of prolonged misfortune
to the South?
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 interest and patri-
otism Of the Southern masses and
bring repose to themselves and, the
nation by accepting the mildest terms
ever offered to any conquered people
throughout the history of all civil
wars. For the sake of my own peo-
pie and the welfare of the nation, |
desire infinitely above all personal CON
siderations that the country so long
distracted should have repose. The
way is clear if the Southern people
will only seize it; and | don't care
what party it 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. tbs in their pow
er to do so, and should they fail, what.
ever 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.
| regard the present movement,
however patriotic in its inception, as
rapidly merging into continuation of
the late struggle, only assuming a diff
ferent shape. If possible it should
be averted. Since 1868 l have labored
for peace and harmony, but could see
no other road to it except that which
led to an acceptance of the situation
| see no other way to-day consistent
with the safety of the nation and the
happiness Of the people for the future.
In 1861-'62 situation F" was ten
dered, protecting slavery forever. 1t
was rejected, and the war ragged on.
In 1868 peace and gradual enamel
patton could have been obtained.
In 1864, abolition of slavery, with
no solitary privilege abridged or pen
atty inflicted. But they were all re-
jected, and the carnival Of blood
went on. f oat rag
And who caused their. rejection?
The very men In the main who are to
meet at Philadelphia.
In 1866, the = situation y sharply
defined by Congress and the President,
and settling everything growing out of
the issues involved, except the remote
one of suffrage, will come informally
before them. Will the same leaders
cause a to be rejected, too? Will
they take no lessons from their blum
lers in the terrible past. Should the
situation as now defined not be accept
ed, it is easy to see that everything in
volved in the conflict may at last be
and if required, accepted.
A glance at events would clearly indi-
cate it. s M
Over all the tempest of war, one
distinct characteristic has shown it.
self to the observant. That after
each lull in the storm, and attempt
md failure at adjustment, the mind |
Of the nation, as if swept 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
Is now rendered will be accepted at
Philadelphia. If rejected there, it
nay transpire in some shape or other,
hat the last step will be taken, and
he real situation, as legitimately re-
'ulting from the struggle, and, as
hould then verify believe, intended
,fProvidence, rendered for acceptance.
For one, / should advocate its accept
nee, and rejoice in its consumation.
Cor would feel that a reluctant and
bleeding people, having reached the
md of their tolls and triumphs at last,
could, in perfect peace and concord,
With every right secured to them
selves and full justice accorded to
others, inhale the fresh air and bask
n the pure sunlight of a model Re-
public. before whose laws all men
would be equally privileged and pro-
ected, and over whose broad domain
rom ocean to ocean would linger no
atent source of hatred or strife!
Hoping to hear from you, am your
'bedient servant, E. w. CAN'T.