The people “must demand an armistice and negotiations”
A Democrat editorial thought the war was too costly to continue it just for the purpose of abolishing slavery and believed peace negotiations should be the main issue in the 1864 elections.
From a Seneca County, New York newspaper in July 1864:
An Armistice.
There is no doubt but that the South is anxious for peace, – they proclaim it and declare themselves willing at all times to enter into negotiations, looking to the settlement of all our difficulties honorable alike to both parties. Mr. Lincoln says he will not entertain peace propositions from the rebels except upon the basis of the abolition of Slavery. What do the people say to this? Abolition being the object of the war, it must be continued until that object is attained. And for such a purpose is the war to be continued; for such a purpose tens of thousands have been sacrificed and tens of thousands more are still to be sacrificed.
A proposition having for its object a termination, if possible, of a war attended with more misery, ruin and effusion than any other war among civilized nations, upon honorable terms, cannot be entertained by Mr. Lincoln. The enemy may lay down their arms and return to their allegiance, the seceded States may repeal their secession ordinances, and resume all their functions as loyal States – and yet Mr. Lincoln virtually says he will still wage war for the abolition of Slavery! – To this one object must the whole power of the government be brought to bear. – Are the people prepared for the sacrifice?
But the people must take their position. They must demand an armistice and negotiations. Let this be the issue in the coming campaign, and we shall sweep from power and place the last vestage [sic] of an administrations [sic] that dares thus to trifle with the happiness of the people and the life blood of the nation. Let no man falter now!
I got the image of the broken gun at WPClipart
