Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1861-09-27
DIssENsIoNs IN THE CAMP OF THE
ENEnY

copy OF me hlonmond Na.) mig OF sept.
2l, which has reached this city, contains the
following amongst other articles of a similar
tenor, going to show the state of feeling per-
vading the councils Of the Confederates:
We have no disposition to detrsct from the
merits Of the late Secretary Of War, Mr.
Walker While we believe he was not the
right man in the right place, for the two suf-
feient reasons that he was not prompt and de-
cisiye enough, delaying from day to day what
should be done at once, and devoting too much
Of his time to petty matters to the neglect of
great ones; We are glad to state that no taint
Of suspicion rests on his integrity, and that he
was flled with noble real for the Southern
cause. But, when his friends claim for him
all the honor Of organizing the armies of the
Confederate States, injustice is done not only
70 Individuals but to our Confederate system.
The Sta:SS and the Governors and the people
are they who created our immense armies
upon the instant and out Of nothing, and to
them is due the glory. The Confederate War
Department may at times have aided, though
we suspect. in very many cases, it acted rather
as q damper on the impetuous patriotism of
the States. Very certain we are, that the
military operations in Virginia were not con-
dueted with more energy and efficiency after
the advent of the COnfederacy than they were
before. We suspect that the same remark is
equally true Of the other States.
But, that which We the more particularly
object 10, in the layishing sill the honors upon
a Confederate department to the disparage-
ment Of and the ignoring the States, is; that it
sssimilates rs to the old Yankee system.
There, all honor for everything Is hsbitually
awarded to the Federal head; the States are
nothing and Of no consideration. We have
been 30 long under the saneful influence Of the
Yankee Upss, that We insensibly repeat the
follies that do not pertain properly to our sys-
tenn. 1t is time We had adapted our language
Nd - 10 alk 81
no longer q consolidated government-at least
We hope 80. The States are the true sover-
eigus in our system. We are aware that while
an immense power and patronage is centered
in and welded by the Confederate authorities,
the tendency is constant and almost irresisti-
bic to make US second and worse edition Of
the old Yankee Government. To counteract
that tendency should every true southern pa
triot labor. There will not be wanting those
who, looking to self, will adulate secretaries,
and seek by every means to augment the pa
tronage by which they hope to profit. Already
We have here goodly number who graduated
At Washington, and who are thoroughly quail
ihsd to put our government, at the very start,
on the same corrupt system as prevails in the
Federal metropolis.
OUR ARMY ON THE POTOMAC
To tbs Editor of tie Whtg:-Who ontrols
our army on the Potomac? Is it Generals
Johnston and Bsauregard or is it Pre- sident
know be kind enough to enlighten the public
Information is in demand on this subjeet
Universal dissatisfaction seems to prevail with
the non-aetion Of our army on the Potomac, and
one party asserts that President Davis controls
the matter and refases to allow our troops to
advance, because he wishes to be in command
himself when We take Washington, and at this
time his health viii not allow him to assume
that position. cannot concur in the proba-
bility Of this speculation. Under our Constitu-
ton, no candidate is eligible to a second elec-
tion to the Presidency. Mr.. Davis is the fayorite
of every State in the Confederacy for the first
term. He will have no opposition in his cam
didacy. It Is not necessary for him to win q
victory to secure his election. No man oan
whip fights enough between this date and cleo
ton day to defeat him. Moreover, his presence
is not necessary there. The only influence
that our army will need, when they storm
Arlington, will be one of restraint Under
some circumstances, great men WELD an i'm
mense moral power on the battlefield, but the
Confederate army is composed of men who
strike to sustain State sovereignty, self govern
ment and human feedOm, and who feel that
their freside altsrs, and the happiness and
destiny Of those who worship at them, and who
to them are dearer than "light and life, ;" are
all involved in their success. Bomb-shells,
cannon-balls and grspe-shot are almighty
Jewellers on the embattled plain Great men
are never thought Of amidst the din and car
mage Of the conflict. The man who compre-
hends great principle, and is willing to lay
his life down to establish it, is in the greatness
Of his soul the peer Of auy man; and no empty
title can awe bis proud spirit, or inspire him
with artificial courage. Our soldiers are not
fighting for JEFF Davis They are fighting for
their country. They love and respect JEFF
Davis; but it is not for them to know how long
they will continue to do 30. Their conhdeu ce
in and devotion to him is built upon his devo-
ten to the true interests Of their country
In this he has been guided by q wisdom that
has been equal to every emergency. When
ever be fails to meet q crisis with capacity
equal to il, he will forfeit the confidence of his
countrymen, and he will be certain to hear
from them In plain terms. Then il would be
seen there is broad difference between JEFF
Davis and our own country. Louis XIV. once
exclaimed, 90 am the Empire" and "Riche-
lieu is France" the Cardinal said; but JEFF
Davis can never be the Confederate States
The people Of these States fully appreciate
the contrast which must forever exist between
the insisnihcance Of any one frail, fckle, fsl-
ible mortal, and the immeasurable magnitude
Of their beloved country. Nobody understands
this better than President Davis, and we scorn
to believe him capable Of the slightest CON-
plieity with the non-action Of our army. 1t
IL not for men who are sleeping every night in
Rishmond to know what Is occurring every
hour on the Potomac. 1t 10 not for men who
are In the fog Of ignorance to direct men who
have the blaze as it were Of 9 MONDAY sun,
BY which to direct their footsteps. Generals
Johnston and Bsauregsrd are in possession Of
ten thousand facts, no doubt, which no man in
Richmond ought TO or does know. They may
be facts entitled to control their conduct; and
to undertake to condemn them for non action,
until We know what those facts are, would be
as ridiculous and unjust as Ii would be to de-
nounce verdict before We had heard the evil
dsnos upon which the jury rendered it. Our
people have one important lessen to learn,
and that 10, how 10 mind their own business.
Another, how to confds in those who have
proven themselves worthy of confidence; and
lastly, still another, svhsn to complain.
CAssIUs.