Year: 1862

portance to this country Of speedy termi.
nation OF the war. We all know the priva-
tion and suffering which great portion oil
our population are enduring in consequence
Of this unfortunate war but on the other
hand, as had been we'll put by an honorable
gentleman who spoke in this debate, any at-
tempt to put an end to the war by active and
violent interference would only produce
greater suffering among those in whose behalf
that interference might be attempted. (tiear
hcar.)


There Is no instance in the history Of the
world, think, Of q contest such as that
which Is now going on in Americas con-
test Of such magnitude against different sec.
tions Of the same people. The thirty years
war In Germany was joke to it in point oi
magnitude. II was only the other day TO
ceiyed map drawn by the Quartermaster
General OF the Federal army, in which the
position of 30 900 Federal troops was mark.
ed, and now we learn that 300, 900 more are
to be called into the field. Here there are
1000, 1000 of men engaged in active hostilit.
les on tho one side. and perhaps there are
not very much less on the other side. The
irritation and evaporation on both sides ID
admitted, and il ut the moment ut which Il
can be thought that q successful offer OF me-
diation is likely to be made? (lIear, hear. J
Ny honorable friend says he does not care
for that we had better offer our mediation
even though it were refused. Iwish to guard
myself against anything in regard to the fu.
ture. The events Of the war have been 90
contrary to all anticipations from time to
time that he would be bold man who would
prophecy from month to month what char.
acter this war may assume. (fiear, hear. }


But 1 think the house and the country are
of opinion that the government have pursued
q wise and prudent course. (Hear, hear. y
We should be glad to avail ourselves OF 1t, il
any opportunity presented itself OF fair and
reasonable prospect that any effort on our
part might be conducive TO establish peace
between those parties who are carrying on
this desolating and affecting contest; but
the house, l think, had better leave 1t to the
discretion Of the government to judge of the
occasions as they arise, and OF the opportu'
mites that may present themselves. (liear.
Upon that account II Is that without going
into any discussion Of right on ono side OF
tho othcr-without saying who was right OF
who was wrong-without expressing any
judgment on this point-bccauso It Is the
business of government to abstain from ex'
pressing any opinion-I say that If at any
time we should be able by our friendly Offices
to contribute to the establishment Of peace.
we could only do 50 by presenting ourselves
in the shape OF impartial parties who were
not committed by the expression OF any opin-
ion on the one side or the other, and anxious
only to promote such settlement between
the two as may DO consistent with the feel
ings and interests Of both. That Is the only
way In which we can hope to render any ser
vice In that matter. But 10 remain In that
impartial position, and to enjoy that condi'
ton and character, 1t is necessary that W.
should avoid prsnouncing any Judgment oil
opinion. Therefore have not followed The
example of those who have pronounced IN
opinion between tho two parties; and there
fore hope the House will leave to the re-
sponsiblo government OF the country the task
OF Judging what can be done, when II can be
done, and how 1t can be done. (Cheers.)