Year: 1861

the idea that our country's foes must be
vanquished; and here the question is nat
urally suggested, allow shall that be ac-
complishedl"


1t would seem that the wisest heads
aud the truest patriots in the nation have
exhausted their energies in vain on that
important consideration, and thus far it
has only proved vain attempt. have
looked on with throbbing heart, anxious
ly hoping that some measure might be
adopted that should prove efectual in the
adjustment OF our national difficulties, and
the honor of both branches of our coun-
try be preserved. But, alas our highest
hopes have been disappointed, and our
nations glory has been polluted by q civ
il war.


But, still, let us not despair. Those
troubles can be speedily ended, and all
our difficulties amicably settled. Shall it
be so? AS an obscure individual have
held my peace thus far, hoping that 9th
ers would accomplish more. But now l
would like TO suggest plan, which, if
laid before the leaders of both parties,
and promptly acted upon, will soon re-
store our national breach, stop the effu-
sion of blood, and send the olive branch
of peace to every family in America. 1t
is this:


Let an armistice be proclaimed for a
time of sufficient length to admit of the
action Of Convention. Then let an
election be called in each State and organ
lied Territory, in the whole country, at
which there shall be elected number of
delegates in each Congressional District,
equal to the number of Representatives
in Congress, and let no present member
of Congress, nor any military officer in
the present army, above the rank of Ma
jor, nor the President, or any member of
the Cabinet of either the federal or con-
federate government be eligible to the Of
patriotic men, who have had rs littfe to
do with the present difficulties as possible,
consequently as little selfish ambition TO
gratify-men whose hearts only burn
with true patriotism, and whose only em-
ulation shall be who best can work and
best agree. Let them meet at the Capt.
tai, in Washington, so soon as possibly con-
venient, and let the whole matter be laid
before that body, when duly organized
for the despatch of business, and allowing
that Convention sufficient time for mature
deliberatiou thereon, let their decision be
final.


If they decide for the Union, let us
sustain the Union at all hazards. But,
if they decide for a peaceful separation,
let us submit, and endeavor to live in
peace, as twin sisters in separate families.
Let the members of the Convention draw
the same pay per diem as members OF
Congress receive, and let the amount be
paid by the States respectively to which
they belong.


The officers and soldiers of both armies


should be allowed 10 return to their res


pective homes 10 participate in the cleo


ton, but held as minute men, to be call


ed into service again, in case of failure
of the Government to ratify the decision
of the Convention.


The above plan is certainly feasible


and might be easily and honorably car
ried out. 1t would draw ont fair eX


preston Of the views and feelings of a
: the people, who are the rightful arbiter
, of all oar national affairs. And it ma
well be supposed that already the evils {


party politics and sectional animositie
J, have been sufficiently experienced to er
! ! able every voter TO express his "sob'


second thought" at the ballot box in
n manner that shall tell efficiently on OF
: national veal. And, certainly, no ma


who is willing to have the people rul
! can reasonably object to a plan like th
!, for termination of the difficulties whiC


have so long distracted our nation. n
ID mans honor is compromised by it. \
n n stain is left on our national escutcheo
I'd and, in the event Of success, no dou
= would be left among the nations of &
I'd earth of the ability Of the people to go
"a a, em themselves, or the fitness Of a repu
g. lican form Of Government.


" Who can not see at glance that