The south-western. [volume] (Shreveport, La.) 1852-1870, 1861-10-16
Let them show their Hands.

The New Orleans Crescent THINKS il full time that
many should show their handsn We have in our
very midst many noisy doragogues born in file norta
who have iamilieaand property in the north buinteres
aud their safety require that in noisy camor they are
all southern though in feeling they may be rank north
I'm abolitionists.
In our humble opinion the time has come when ey-
cry resident Of the State should come forward and give
evidence that he is willing take up in its de
fence. The day is past when excuses Of business dis
ike to empty show ana Sunday soldering should be
held as valid Those who really intend standing up in
the hour Of danger and not Sinking their duty should
show theirhsnds. They should be preparing them
selves by earnest training do good service. Com
paucs battliions and armies are not formed in day
A crowd of inexperienced and undrillcd men cannot
defend themselves against regular organised attack
individual bravery and individual willingness to sacr
fee life for nothing unless brought together and
concentrated by discipline We constantly hear strong
and active men, who while giving expression to firm
determination to fight to the last grasp in defence of
tile State at the time excuse themselves for not
connecting themselves with some military company by
saying that they have time for such SPORT or that
the weather is too warm or wet for them to expose
themselves, loaded down with a heavy musket and
knapsack. Are these men really in earnest in their
protcstaons they in fact only Sinks who
intend to draw rammer or 60 beyond the length Of
wives apron strings? If they in earnest, will
remind them that they acting with the enemies Of
their country. They are setting example Of mac
tiyty to those who have been inclined to do their duty
the perncious effects of which are seen and felt in ev
TV
soldiers err even passable soldiers requires much more
than will. Its necessary thag men should undergo
the fatigues of company, battalion regmcnal drill
not for day or week, but for weeks and months
Raw recruits only unreliable id every particu-
lar, but eten dangerous to friends than foes
Many gallant armies have been thrown into confusion
by the unskilltu Increment Of the cowardIy fight Of
leyics made at the moment Of action2
If however these men, who boast of their intention
to fight what they call the proper time, are only in
venting escape the duty which every citizen
to his country il would be well if the community
knew it, and made provision for their especial
benefit. Our people would in this manner have ex-
posed to their view clearly and fully the extent Of the
danger which surrounds Them and when this is done
We are sure measures would be taken to place Us in
position more secure and more compatible with the re-
sponsibilities resting upon US.
We therefore say, let all show their hands. Let Us
know friends from enemies. Let us know who are and
who not the patriots and defenders Of their country
We think that the time has arrived when this should
be done. Colonel Battle has ordered his regiment to
drill, and we hope the citizen-sodiers will respond
without compuson. Men who are too delicate to risk
their health too lazy to forego their comfort cannot
be expected to make very efficient men Of war, and
they should be known and placed in their proper posi-
ton Let men Of property get an example BY entering
the ranks pryates, rather than seek after Office
if they will not defend their property they cannot
expect that those who possess little nothing will do
it for them The contributing Of few hundred dol
lars will not serve as an excuse for ''shirki1a."
The ''old foges" and boys between = and 1, years
of age acting in conccr fully competent for our
''home protection"