The Kenosha telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1860-1888, 1861-08-01
..
Who are Friends and who Enemies of
the COuntry2

Who are Friends and who Enemies of
the Country
1t is a common expression, 1--WE have uni
ted North" This in general sense may be
true; the unanimity of sentiment which has
pervaded the free States since the fall OF Fort
Sumpter, is remarkable especially in view OF
the strong party divisions which have hereto
fore existed in this country. But that the union
of the North has at any time, or is now COM
plete--that there have not been and are not
now traitors among US, no intelligent and OBJ
serving man will pretend, The fact cannot be
concealed that there are as rank disunlonlsts
among us, as in Missouri or Maryland. The
number it is true, is comparatively small ana
are of that class who have always had strons
nro-slayery tendencies, and who have always
sYmpathized with the slave holding interests OF
the South. The overwhelming public sentl-
ment sustaining the government since the com
mencement of the present war, has to great
extent oveTborne and kept in obeyance the
pro-slavery element among US, still the feeling
in favor of the rebels, has not failed to show
itself on different occasions
The late disaster of our National army, has
more fully developed the elements of treason in
the North. Our temporary defeats have en-
speak less cautiously and to disclose their Atm
ity offeeling for the South. Immediately on the
receipt of the news of the retreat of our army,
little squads might have been seen at the cor
ners of the streets, discussing the disastrous oc
currence with evident satisfaction. There
were men in the Free States during the war
with Great Britain in 1912, who fejoiced over
the victories of our enemies; the race Of ene-
mics to American rights. has not become ex-
tnct. The events transpiring will determine
the positions of men; concealments ofreal SEN
timents cannot last long-every mau's place is
being defined That there should be traitors to
freedom on our northern soil is to be regretted,
but is not surprising there never was a cause
however just, that commanded the united
strength and support of a people. In our Rev
dictionary struggle, when our forefathers soft
the establishment of freedom on these western
shores, there were traitors to the cause oflber-
ty in that period of our history they were de-
nominated tories. Our fathers were less toler-
ant than we, for they were wont to hang trait
ors by summary process, or drive them from
their borders the adherents to the enemy then
were adjudged nuisances too great to be en-
dured. We are indulgent to the tories of 1861;
we allow them to denounce the governmental
speak disparagngly of our army, to sneer at
the cause of the war, and to exult over the sue.
cess of the enemy Perhaps we can afford to
be tolerant towards the enemies of tie war in
which we are engaged at all events, we should
counsel no violence against the miscreants, who
chuckle over the misfortunes of our army-they
will one day have their reward.
There are other classes of persons who are
loyal to the Government, and have no sympa-
thy whatever with secession, disunion or slave
holding, who nevertheless, (unintentionslly
doubtless,) weaken the cause for the mainten-
ance Of the government. r There is at the pres
ent time disposition quite prevalent among
well meaning men, to indulge in all sorts O
commentary upon our army, its officers, and the
heads of Departments. Cowardice, want o.
competency and indiscretion, are freely charged
upon the move ments of the army and its lead
ers. 1t is unwise, and damaging, to impai
confidence and create public distrust. A public
sentiment, unimpaired by distrust, but full O.
confidence, is as essential to success, as vel
| Il ;,n ;Y11,
patriotic at heart and well disposed, may err il
this particular crisis, by an over anxiety TO blame
some one for the reverses of the Federal army
What happened to the American army a few
days ago, has happened to the best disciplined
and the most ably differed armies in different
periods of the past. Instances have occurred
in Europe, where armies long Injured to service
and led by the most experienced generals, have
by a seemingly small accident or trifing event
been put to route by enemies insignificant il
numbers--imperfectly disciplined and poorly
armed. There are chances in war, and it viii
sometimes happen that the most prudent fore
sight and Judgment, 'will!be taken by surprise
and suffer defeat.
AHO ulLAhhotC ouSCSoS VI OuI dlAho III pulllLs
DOWN treason and rebellion, no reasonable mar
can doubt; it is only question of time. If il
be necessary to admit that the South is equally
valiant--that its armies are equally disciplined
and we'll differed as the North, still the North
has overwhelmingly the advantage in point Of
numbers, resources, wealth, and whatever is
indispensable 10 maintain protracted and sue
cessful war. The few traitors we have at home
are already pretty well known, and so long as
they commit no overt acts, will be treated with
indulgence. But it behooves those who have
no treason in their hearts -who love the Union
and are determined upon its preservation, to be
careful not to lower the standard of patriotic
feeling, by INDUCING in idle commentaries on
the defeat of our army
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