Dodgeville chronicle. [volume] (Dodgeville, Wis.) 1862-current, 1876-01-21

which they betrayed and labored to de-
s'roy. 1t shows that the southern lead
ers, SO far from being disposed to
accept the unparalleled clemency of
the government toward them as any
evidence of the good, will justice and
mercy of tho northern people, make a
virtue Of their return to the Union, de-
claring that they are back to claim their
r:ghts-as though they had ever been
denied any right by the government
except the right to be hanged for their
treason
There is scarcely person in the
North that would not rejoice beyond
measure at any sign on the part Of the
Southern leaders of some small appre-
citation that they have been in the
wrong; that they have been fairly treat
ed, and that they are now ready to
show some true loyalty to the govern
ment, and at least to reciprocate some
portion of the fraternal feeling which
has been shown them.
great and terrible war which these rebel
leaders have made necessary for the pres
ervation of the Union and our free insti-
tutors. Families broken, Ineu manned,
men diseased, men whose early plans for
life were sacrificed for their country
cause which they thought would win for
them at least the gratitude Of their coun-
trymen in return for their sacrifices. BIT
what now is the demand ofthese conquer
ed rebels, echoed by their old allies of the
Democratic party? Why, this: "Do not
say anything about your conflict with us.
or your sacrifices therein; do not dare
charge US with wrong; we are the only true
friends of Constitutional government;
others are traitors and tyrants." And
the Demo cracy cry out: "Don't say any
thing about our late uhpleasantness;; you
will hurt the feelings of the South; don't
discuss any question involved in our do
mestic struggle; don't revive old animos-
ties" and so on, until one would almost
suppose that it was theduty of the Union
men to ask pardon for having remained
true to their government. This kind of
talk is an insult to every patriot of our
war; it is the most contemplate morol
cowardice assuming the grab of mercy and
forbearance. Our ar for the preservation
of the Union was either an eminently just
one, and waged on our part with singul;
courage, patriotism, and purity Of purpose,
or it was unjust. cruel,a and an outrage upon
civilization. fit was one of the former
character, then its history is proper SUBJ
ect for comment whenever it will serve to
throw light upon proposed policies or
measures, and there is not necessarily any
insult to the Southerners in such discuss
ion. If the war was unjust on the part of
the North then it is certainly not best to
say much concerning it. But we do not
believe that the Union men are quite ready
to admit that they committed crime in
preserving the integrity of the nation at
the expense of blood. That was grand
exhibition of patriotism on the part of the
Union men, and the feelings of those who
took part in it are of quite as much conse
quence as the feelings of rebels. It was a
struggle the history of which is full of
lessons that Americans and freemen need
| to keep in clear recollection and carefully
study.
The Government and the Union people
have erred on the side Of mercy, if they
have erred at all, in dealing with the reb-
els. They have not only forgiven the of.
tenders, but, through delicate regard for
their feelings, have permitted them to i'm
bide the impression that the Northern
people are not quite certain that they have
not grievously wronged their Southern
brethren in the past-are not quite certain
that their cause was wholly just. If this
debate shall set the Southern leaders right
in this regard, it will have accomplished
an excellent object.
There should be no unnecessary or wan
ton faking over the embers of our late
civil confagration, but when the truth of
history is to be vindicated or lesson
therefrom, let it be done without fear and
in the language of conscious rectitude and
justice. If the late rebels, recon structed
or otherwise. cannot endure this, then let
them keep out of the halls Of Congress.
If the loyal people of the country can en-
dure them in the halls of legislation, they
should be able to listen to discussion of
war history.