The Tribune's Preposition.
We were greatly entertained with an article of the New York
Tribune, written before the great battle of the 21st, in which the eminent philosopher and saint who conducts that civilized and philanthropical journal proposes that the North and South should have a big battle, and that the section which is whipped should no longer continue the war.
We have not soon the
Tribune since the battle, but take it for granted that it has backed out from its proposition more rapidly than the invading army from
Manassas.--When it proposed its terms, it had no more doubt that the
South would be whipped at
Manassas than it has of the sun's rising tomorrow; but, now that the
North is the vanquished party, we shall have no more peace propositions from that quarter.
It was edifying to see the main ground on which the humane and benevolent
Tribune wanted the matter left to the decision of a great battle; and that was, to demonstrate the manhood of the
North.
Well, although numbering more than two to one, and having that incentive to valor in their favor, we concede, on the statements of Southern officers in the battle, that the
North fought bravely and obstinately, and therefore, having demonstrated its valor, the
Tribune is bound in justice to go for peace, to inform the
North that the point of ‘"honor" ’ is satisfied, and therefore there is nothing else left to fight for. The gigantic duel has taken place; both combatants came up to the scratch; David, with his sling and stone, whipped Goliath to death, and took away his spear and his sword, and we think that, according to all the laws of ‘"honor,"’ Goliaths friends ought to be satisfied, and cease henceforth to disturb the people of
Israel.
Of course, every one perceives that the
Tribune's solicitude to demonstrate Northern valor is a miserable piece of hypocrisy, in keeping with its uniform system and design of irritating and provoking the
North to bloodshed, by holding up before it the fear of being considered a race of cowards.
This is decidedly cool, coming from such a hero as
Horace Greeley. Having never shown any anxiety to demonstrate his own valor, it is most remarkable that he should be so concerned on a point of honor for his countrymen.
Now that his countrymen have done their part, and been thoroughly flagellated for their trouble, let us hope that
Mr. Greeley will be satisfied --satisfied with them, satisfied with us, and satisfied with the New York
Tribune, which has been the principal agent in producing the present bloodshed and misery, and all to put money in its purse.
