The Sun.
London, England, 1865-03-31 00:00:00

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it g, mut.

LONDON, FRIDAY, MARCH 31, 1865.

The full text of President DAVIS'S Message to
the Confederate Congress is now before us, and it
is in every way a remarkable document. The
Southern leader has always been distinguished for
his ability as a public speaker and writer, and the
address which at this momentous crisis he has issued
to the councillors of his people is worthy of him-
self and of the occasion. While speaking in a tone
of calm and dignified moderation, Mr. DAVIS can-
not conceal his regret that some of the measures
needed for the public service had not earlier become
law. He points out to the Congress that owing to
the delay inseparable from debate, discussion,
and difference of opinion, the passing of some
useful measures has been deferred until too late.
Some of the measures recommended by him in
November last have lost their value by this delay,
others have proved altogether useless, owing to
altered circumstances, and some are even yet unde-
cided. Prominent among these is the bill for en-
listing the negroes, respecting which the PRESIDENT
observes that it has not yet reached him, though he
has heard of its passage through Congress. " Much
benefit," he adds, "is anticipated from this measure,
though far less than would have resulted from its
adoption at an earlier date, so as to afford time for
their organisation and instruction during the winter
months." He cannot, indeed, fail to recognise the
loss which this delay has caused, the weakening of
LEE'S hands, and the advantage tothe enemy which
have resulted from the lack of men on the Con-
federate side. Had the measure been passed
six months ago, and had the Southern armies had
the advantage of the additional strength during

SHERMAN'S march, how different might have been
. their position. Another measure strongly recom-
mended by the PRESIDENT has not found favour
with the Congress—the abolition of class exemptions
from active service. The PRESIDENT advised the
total abolition of all exemptions, but the Congress
has only passed an Act of a partial character, whose
exemptions are believed to be quite as numerous as
the former ones. " A law of a few lines, repealing
all exemptions, would not only strengthen the
forces in the field, but be still more beneficial, by
abating the national discontent and jealousy created
ill the army by the existence of classes privileged by
law to remain in places of safety, while their fellow-
citizens are exposed in the trenches and the field."
Such is the PRESIDENT'S dictum, and few can
question its good sense ; but there aro naturally
many obstacles to such a measure, Owing to the in-
fluence of the privileged classes themselves. Other
measures which JEFFERSON DAVIS recommends, he
admits, are as a general rule dangerous and liable

to abuse, but he considers the moment has come
when it is not advisable to think what plans can
best be laid down as precedents or followed on or-
dinary', occasions, but what is absolutely indispen-
sable to the safety of the country. Great difficulties
are put in the way of military progress by the
militia laws of the different States. In some in:
titancegl the GoYernors hue been unable or 4