A latent love of Southern institutions _per
se_; the hope of personal political advantage, among politicians, by an
alliance with Southern leaders, on the part of others who care nothing
for the South as such; a lingering tenderness, a forgiving magnanimity
and generosity, among the people at large, which would in this case be
wholly misplaced; and finally an easy faith in the extent and
irrevocable nature of the successes already accomplished--all concur to
lead on to the commission of this error.
Talk as we will of the purposes of this war, the hand of destiny is upon
us. We must accept the _role_ of emancipators and champions of human
freedom, or the only alternative will happen, the loss of our own
liberties and the forfeiture of our national office as the leader of
Progress combined with Order, on the planet. We have to deal with an
implacable, a subtle, and a versatile enemy, wholly committed to the
opposite cause; unscrupulous, inappreciative of magnanimity or
concession of any kind; restrained by no considerations whatsoever short
of the accomplishment of his absolute and tyrannical will. We have this
enemy nearly prostrate under our feet, and we stand hesitating whether
to avail ourselves of our advantage or to stultify ourselves at the
tribunal of the world and of history, by allowing him to rise, to
repossess himself of his arms, and to recommence the conflict upon terms
of equal advantage.
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