The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1861-09-17
THE ACTION OF CONGRESS.

Hon. A. w. VenabIe of n. c., in letter adj
dressed to his constituents, speaks Of the late ses-
sion of the Confederate Congress as follows:
The great measure, such as the Direct Tax, the
appropriation of money and authorizing the raising
of men for the defence Of the country, as we'll as
all other acts of like importance, were passed by
the unanimous vote of Congress. Upon no great
question was there serious division. The body
was most able, intelligent and patriotic, and entirely
free from the least appearance OF party spirit. In
patriotism and craftsmanship the Congress OF the
Confederate States has had no equal in my observa
ton. A spirit of united action for the good OF
the whole country seemed to pervade the assem-
bly,. 1t is supposed that in view Of the contisca-
ton laws of the Federal government, the utter
disregard of the usages of civilized warfare, and
the demonstration of barbarity and inhumanity re-
served for the Southern people, without regard to
sex or condition, establishes the necessity Tor
united resistance with one heart and one purpose.
The handouts captured at the battle OF Manassas,
the brutal letters in the trunks OF the officers,
which fell into our hands, which were taken
from the bodies Of those left on the field OF battle,
disclose their fendke purpose to be satisfied with
nothing short Of the utter degradation OF the
South. Such purpose avowed should call forth
the indignation of every Southern man, and send
to the field all who can make resistance to such a
host of savages Every woman in the land de-
mands protection of every man who can fight, and
the untiring efforts of all whose circumstances,
withholding them from the field, can rouse tie
country to resistance
| suppose that none fail to perceive the ne
ccssity of Direct Tax. 1t is levied not On the
poor but upon property in undertaken for
the protection Of property well as our equal
rights. it is indispensable to sustain our credit,
to keep our armies in the field and support them
when there. 1t but redeems a pledge given BY
the Congress at Montgomery, for the payment Of
the interest and gradual redemption Of the prin-
cipal of the first loan. The Lincoln government
have confscated all our property, should they sue
coed in conquering us, and none should hesitate
to pay fifty cents on the hundred dollars to save
the ninety nine-and-ahalf.
| have mistaken confidence lii the ability and
patriotism of our President and feel assured that
his administration will be worthy of his exalted
character. He will surround himself with coun-
scIlOrs, who whilst sharing the burdens will give
efficiency and energy to his government. We have
n right to expect prompt and glOriOns prOsecu-
ton Of the war from the means he is able to en-
poy. We cannot hope to be exempt from some
reverscS, and when they come they ought 10 unite
more completely and stimulate to more vigorous
resistance to the foe. We have an army such as
was never before in the field, composed Of
best. our nobest men, who will never fail to fulfill
all our hopes under the blessing of that God who
has hitherto sustained and guided our hearts in
the day Of battle.