Cincinnati daily press. [volume] (Cincinnati [Ohio]) 1860-1862, 1861-12-09
TFor the Cincinnati Daily Press. |
The SutIer Question.

EDITORS PRKss Some weeks since the tele-
graph informed the readers of the newspapers
that Senator Wilson would introduce a reso-
luton at the opening of Congress with
view of excluding all suffers from the army,
which information seems to be true, as the
proceedings of Congress show that notice
to introduce such bill has been given by the
above gentlemen.
1t is beyond question of doubt, that the
intention and even the only object of so
able and patriotic member of Congress as
the Hon. Mr.. Wilson, is, that in his introduc-
ing such resolution to do the most good to
the soldiers who have volunteered in our
country's cause, and at the same time do that
only which will be advantageous 20 the army.
Therefore, Mr.. Wilson, as well as all members
who may be called upon to vote for or against
the passage of this bill, should first inquire
whether by casting bis vote for such meas
ure, he, by such an act, is doing the most
good to the army, and thereby to the coun-
try. To do this they should have inquired
carefully what relation the sutler and his
goods for sale have upon the health of the
army; whether the health of said army is not
keptup to higher standard by being part
or not. We purpose making some illusions to
the facts touching the subject to show that
such an interference would be highly ipiu-
rious to the health of the soldier.
First: 1t is well understood that different
systems require different kinds of food, while
one person by eating the same amount of
animal food that his neighbor without in
jury, would produce bilious state at once,
resulting in fever. While one person re-
quires to keep his health more or less acid,
such as apples, pickles, &C., others require
luxuries, such as tobacco, cigars, &C.; there
are others again requiring more saccharine
matter or sweets. Thus you will find one
soldier caring for nothing but animal food,
another almost sickens at meat, and has a
constant desire for more vegetables.
There are many persons who are able to
do business regularly if they have certain
kind of food, but without such food they are
sick. The army congregates all classes with
appetites Just as varied as the soldier ranging
in character, age and race; but does the com.
missary or the Government make such pro.
vision against these demands, that are natu.
raj and must be obeyed2 Is not each mess
(ss it is termed) furnished with ra-
tions alike, and are they not expected
to have the same :appetites2 does the Gov.
ernment make provision to meet this
| specific law recognized by all the dietetic
| laws laid DOWN. We think they make nc
more provision than if such facts were mo-
| known. Again often by the various acci
| dents incidental to a campaign, the regiment
| is without food for an indefinite period; the
! Suffers camp can always be relied upon in
an emergency.
| Now, while Senator Wilson and the friends
of this bill would, by passing such bill, in
crease the amount of money coming to eact
soldier on pay day, such means would de-
| prive these soldiers Of those little luXurie
that the system Graves aud must have.
wonld take away the supply which is Otter
the only means by which the regiment il
furnished for an indefinite period with-food
By such policy an attempt would be madt
to enslave the soldiers appetite, and woult
tend TO fill the hospitals all over the country
But that is not what Senator Wilson wants
He wants the soldier to make money.
this was war being fought by slaves, tht
owners policy might be one and the healtl
OF the enslaved would require another. WhC
is there in society that does not daily fee
the great desire for an apple, an orange,
piece of pie or some different kind of fooC
from what our table furnishes, even in tn,
midst Of luxury. Where is the soldier tina
does not at a time feel that he had butter II
eat on his bread (can he get it but from tn
Sutler2 an apple, pickle, piece o
cheese, crackers, eggs, and many articles tha
he feels he should eat that his health woul
be better and MS happiness lncreased( In
army might ask If it was possible there b
one in the country that would be 80 un
friendly to the soldier as to desire that sue
privilege should be taken away from him
Where can an intelligent medical man b
found who does not accommodate his ow
appetite and recommend his patients to
likewise, by eating such food as agrees beE
with their system2 All means should b
used for suppressing the liquor trade wit
soldiers; but what his appetite demands 8
food his system generally requires. Th
health and ability of the army does not II
quire such law as the one proposed by NJ
Wilson. This is a vital question, and shoul
be discussed freely, d,