New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1866-06-07

plished more than the assertion by itself of its
nationality, to which all the rest OF mankind
responded: No-by no manner Of means, turning
the cold shoulder automatically, and keeping up tho
theory of friendly understanding with the authorities
At Washington The Confederaoy was no more
nation than ayagrant is householder, or pauper the
equal in wealth with Mr.. Aston. 1t IS one thing 10
struggle for nationaityit is another to attain IT. ana
the South never did attain it, nor the sembance OIL IT,
nor had the least chance of it, for they merely played
at nationality in Richmond and found it rather hard
to maintain even the complement of decent Cabl-
net. although there was nothing to do except IN
their extemporized War Department. Does any
body ask why we object to this little game OF as
SUMPTION feeble as it is, and harmlessi we answer
simply because it is not harmless. 1t Is quite I'M
portant to get certain theories kicked out OF this
world never to return to vex the peace and endanger
tbe life of the real "nation" If the Slave States
have been Irrational" once, why not national"
ocon7 If they ever had the franchise it is fair argu-
ment that they have been deprived OF it by force, and
are at liberty by force to regain it. TO admit tnis Is
not only to write ourselves down tyrants and usurp-
ers but theoretically to give up what we have Deen
fighting for Admit the Confederate nationality,
and there is no reason morally, why we should not
have another Rebellion tomorrow. There is mischief
in the very idea Of "a brave nation struggling LOT
their liberties" Consider how the last words may
still be used "to fire the Southern heart" 1t means;
"You were free, and you are slaves you are inc VIC
tins of unmerited public misfortunes you have sue
cumbed to superior physical forces you are crushed,
conquered, and cruelty subugated." What will come
nextl What but
"Be We men and suffer this dishonorF
And so we shall have no peace, no hxedneSs'
nothing but semiannual fights and chronic explosions
after the Mexican manner.
Do we object to allowing disappointed men the
liberty of their tongues Certainly not while they
confne themselves to talk-it is the BRAIN tha'
peryerts aud the heart that polSons Speech ana ABOUT
the Southern brain aud heart we cannot help feeling
atrhe Of anxiety. We object to everything winch
needlessly complicates good solid reconstruction
and postpones it even for an unnecessary hour. IL
is great stretch of faith to believe in mans loyalty
when he is ceaseessy talking Of Confederate
nationality" or of "a brave nation struggling Tor
their liberties" If these be not the dlest words,
will ANYBODY tell Us by what authority, human
or divine poor Mr.. Davis is locked UPS TO De
tried-is to be put in peril Of his life Admit the
"nationality" and why is MT the unfortunate D. d.
like William Tell or Kosciuskol or Kossuth! or
Mazzin1 Why is Mt he a martyr from his head to his
heels Those who admire him--whether at the
North the South or the West-want nothing else but
to get him into that category, aud then what capital
candidate for the Presidency will he make-the leader
Of "a brave nation struggling for their Liberties
We certainly do not thirst for his blood-we are not
for racking, hanging, drawing or quartering him-we
are not for shutting him up in a dark dungeon on a
hard.bread and codwater diet; but we do think that
the Rebellion was causeess and wicked; and We can
not in the present delicate crisis, read with much
eqUanimity of this "brave nation struggling Tor their
liberties"