already declares that 'it
would concede to the South a position of equality.' Such a concession
cannot, for a moment, be thought of. For the very question at issue is
our constitutional supremacy. When that is yielded, all is yielded. The
exchanging of prisoners, and the numerous like questions that
perpetually arise in the progress of war, are matters of common
humanity, that depend upon their own law. They are totally independent
of the questions at issue between the parties belligerent; and our
dealings with the South, in reference to such matters, cannot be
construed into a recognition of its separate independence. If we consent
to treat with the rebel chiefs, however, in regard to the very question
involved in the war, how can we longer compel the non-interference of
foreign Powers? If _we_ acknowledge the authority of Jeff. Davis to
speak for the Southern people, we cannot then take offence if other
nations acknowledge him as the representative and head of a new
Government.

Such and so great are the consequences of a 'cessation of hostilities,'
which the Chicago platform proposes to the serious consideration of the
American people.

It thus appears how irreconcilable are the expressions in that platform
in regard to the preservation of the Federal Union, with the clearly
announced determination to propose immediately 'a cessation of
hostilities.' They are vague generalities, and can have no other purpose
than to catch the popular ear so as more effectually to deceive the
popular heart. That this is not a harsh judgment, consider how the four
resolutions that treat of the war all hinge upon the proposition to
suspend hostilities. For they concern themselves with what? With
condemnation of the rebellion, its authors, and objects, suggesting, at
the same time, how more effectually to bring upon it its righteous
retribution? Far from it. Indeed, a stranger to all that has passed in
our country during the last three years, would suppose, from a study of
these resolutions, that the United States Government had usurped the
power of a despotism, and that all who are not arrayed in open
rebellion, against its authority were groaning under the yoke of a
tyrant. The platform throughout ignores the one supreme question that is
before the people to-day. That one question is, Shall we maintain the
integrity of the nation? It is vain to introduce other issues; they must
abide the event of arms. The old maxim that in the mids