Year: 1862




The most enlightened and sagacious
statesmen of the South predicted, more
than a year ago, that secession would be
the death blow TO slavery; and siHce
hostilities commenced, we have never en-
tertained doubt that the only salvation
for the institution was the speedy crushing
ont of the rebellion. AZ The Federal army
advances. slavery falls by its own weight,
and if the Government forces are compelled
to overrun the revolted States. in order to
nut down the rebellion, slavery will OF me-
cessty become extinct by the operation OF
natural laws, whether the Government
wills It or not. This result is as certain as
that the war is protracted, no matter wheth-
er the rebellion is successful or not; and
any action 10 the matter on the part OF
Congress, or the civil authorities, while it
might embarras the military commanders,
would have no effect upon the result.


The Washington correspondent of the
Bulletin, 10 bis letter of December Sd. gives
some information as to the feeling among
Congre ssmen on the subject, at the begin
ming of the session. He says:


It is a significant fact that no man argues in
favor of any act by the Government to protect
slavery in any way. On the contrary, all par
ties disavow the least disposition to preserve
the institution. The most conservative urge
that slavery and the war cannot last long in the
same latitude, and that slavery, in the success
full prosecution of the war, will, by causes which
none can control, be brought to an end. These,
therefore, oppose any positive policy looking to
negro emancipation. On the other hand, there
is very strong party in Congress who believe
that slavery is the tender point OF the rebel
States, and as it is the business of war to strike
the enemy where he will feel the most sensibly,
it becomes the duty of the Government in the
present crisis to strike directly at slavery, and
keen on striking until the rebels lay down their
arms and sue for peace. A third party-and
growing one, too-hold that slavery is the cause
of the rebellion, and that its determination must
be made prominent object of the war, before
we can hope for an honorable and advantageous
peace. Among the advocates of this latter
doctrine find many man whom knew
year ago as among the most earnest supporters
Vi TIC COuthi anu uciSHuSAo vi hSi PSSu".i ~"
stituton against the assaults Of the political
aboltionists with whom they now consort.


What is to come of this conflict of opinions
no man can foretell with certainty of course
but for one, have not a doubt that the only
salvation remaining for slavery in the United
States is to be found in a series Of speedy and
brilliant victories for the Federal arms, which
shall put an end to the rebellion at an early
day. If the war continues, and June next finds
the rebellion still strong enough to be seriously
troublesome, it may be well doubted whether a
dozen votes in either House of Congress can
be poled against the proposition to declare
emancipation, upon some terms, in every dis
trict where the flag of the Union has to be car
ried behind Federal artillery. Even to-day the
question is simply whether all slaves in rebel
districts shall be freed, or only those who be-
long to disloyal masters.