The Van Buren press., 1866-02-10
SATURDAY, FEB. 10, 1896.
Ourselves.

Again we would most heartily greet our for
mer patrons and friends Al, We cannot greet;
for some-toO many-havc sunk beneath the
waves of the bloody storm that recently SO
nearly wrecked our ship Of State. But to
those whose eyes may res, upon these once IA
miliar columns we tender the hand Of friend
and hope for the reciprocation Of theoest and
kindest feelings Of our heart.
There can be but little difference in the opin-
ions of all well-meanng citizens as regards
their duty and department to the President
and General Government. That Government
Is established. 1t may be- indeed 1t is undeni-
able, that its present economy and power were
unlocked for by many, and are disagreeable
has spoken and its utterances have prevailed.
Ii Is deplOrable that abstract political, COM
mercial and religious questions can at times,
only be settled by war. In our own case there
was no other means Of decision. Orators and
philanthropists had exerted their energies for
solution from the foundation of the Gov
ernment to the fall of Sumpter. The issue at
length was made; the North and South stood
face to face as combatants. Was it unnatural
that the stronger should overcome the weak
er? One side or the other had to succumb.
In rising from the conflict we accept the
experience we have gained. We do not in
considerably cast it aside. A STRIPPING arm
with lcaden sabre, would in vain essay to
measure strength with that Of a stalwart 81
ant, bearing ponderous steel broad sword.
We have yielded; and although there may be
tears around firesides for the eternal absence
Of those who, five years ago, were accustom-
ed to assemble around thcm-although indi-
viduals in commerce and trade may regret
pecuniary losses-although politicians may
utter anathemas for the want of position and
distinction, there is no desire for or spirit of
resistance among our people.
Our old patrons will remember that in 1860
-'6l, when all too plainly saw that flood of
war was coming, we did not join the politi-
cal Canutes of the day, endeavoring to drive
1t back by high sounding words, threats. and
resolutions. We thought it best to build lev
ees of forbearance around our rights and the
Constitution. Such spirit actuates us now.
We cried peace when there was no peace; we
now cry peace when there is peace and shall
struggle honestly and faithfully to maintain
it. In doing so, we hold 1t our duty to sustain
the policy Of our President. He has shown
himself ruler of large capacity and magma
limit, o,,A hat ha o,tl. Al,
justment of the confusion that the war has
entailed upon the country. His actions to say
nothing of his words have manifested the
spirit of clemency. 1t is to his interest, leav-
ing patriotism out Of the question, to restore
the land to concord. He well knows that war
Is destruction, and peace is prosperity.
We all know the same. The man who now.
however exalted his position, would throw
an apple of discord among the peoples un-
worthy of their confidence or respect We
know there arc restless spirits among us. There
have been such in all ages and places. Crimi-
nal they are in the eyes ofall who endeayor to
promote the best interests of society. 1t may
be, as 1t ought to be, our duty to oppose them
LII So uoiiS We sii'tll uot NuIlucI from our ac-
customed path We were conservative yet in
dependent formerly we shall be so in the fu-
tup.
We do not feel that we are addressing stran-
gers. If needed at all, our assurances can only
be that we have changed only wherein all,
have changed. The experience of the past
has taught that times change and we change
with Them" But 1t is the part of all good men
when they see a worse state of things approa-
ching than those they We're wont to enjoy. to
endeav0r to turn them aside. We struggled
to avert the war, and failed. The hand of de-
vastation has been upon our country. 1t has
been withdrawn Let us strive to recover all
we can from the wreck and build from the r,l-
ins that are around us. Bright skies are above
our heads and virgin soil beneath our feet
Stout hearts and willing hands, in five years
will place us in better condition than we
were five years ago.
We look Into the future with hope, and
leave the dead past to bury its dead. For our
own part. as editor and publisher. we shall ex-
ert all our energies to contribute to the gener-
alwelfarc Of the country.
kTS" Government amnloypps pommonca1