Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1861-05-01

the unhappy circumstances that surround us, as
people, more striking more affecting than the uni
versal sadness which hangs like funeral veil over
the face of society 1t is dscernbe in the midst Of
the widest excitement and where there is no dis
position manifested to shrink from the worst conse-
quences OF resistance. No such feeling would be
prevalent if the warfare were of different charac-
ter If two or three of the most powerful nations
oil Europe combined to menace our land, and we
were united people, resolved on resistance to the
DEATH we could be cheerful in the midst of the
most appalling porteDts. The death Of those who
might fall in conflict with foreign foe would be
robbed OF half its sting, and instead of dishearten-
ing the survivors would only add to their energy
and determination. Because there lies deep down in
every American heart the conviction that we are an
invincble people, and sequence of reyerses could
destroy or weaken this conviction.
But we find every thinking man, everywhere,
North and South, manifestng the same heartfelt
sorrow at the prospect of civil war 1t is not SO
much on account of its proverbial horrors and ca
amities as because it is sure to be as proess as it
Will be Vlndicve and bloody. 1t matters not which
side is trumphaht-the triumph brings no gain to
either. The victory when achieved will be barren
victory, purchased at an enormous cost. Each drop
OF blood shed in the miserable quarrel will embitter
the contest, and drive farther away the hope of
turning peace. The boundaries separating hostile
sections will be marked by scenes of butchery hth
erty unknown among christian nations. And when
the remnants Of exhausted combatants pause in the
Capitol and patch up peace each will find that his
inheritance is nation of orphans who receive moth
ing from their progenitors but large capacity for
hatred.
There are not many men on either side who are
msled by the promise of "conquering a peace"
No peace can ever be conquered in America The
armies on both sides, where bayonets are to clash in
mortal strife, are composed of men who can never
be subdued. We do not mean to assert that battles
will not be won and lost but we do assert that no
hattie ha ThoG ,o,t
one disastrous field will be the eager volunteers for
the next fight, and will fight obstinately from
the memory of the preceding defeat Many thou
sands OF loyal citizens who have heretofore plead
for peace and reconciliation will become ruculent
and bloodthrsty as the most brutal and depraved,
If they are once drawn into the fatal vortex and the
one allabsorbing desire Of those who now shrink
from the sight or thought of boodshed will be to
die scattering death around them. 1t has been said
of the American nation THAT they are a people
averse to war, whose genius was best displayed in
all the acts and occupations of peace; but at the
same time people who might easily be transformed
into demons of cruelty, if their passions
aroused"
May we not CLEAN some hope from this very fact
The hopelessneSs of the contest the utter and
ifest unproftabeness of the victory either way and
above all, the insuficiency Of the ground upon
which the war is inaugurated all plead for the re-
turn of reason and moderation.-Balt american.
THE CAPE FEAR RIFLEMEN.-This gallant company
stationed at Fort Caswe and which is posed of
mechanics, some of whom are the best in this part
Of the country, is doing the State invaluable service
We learn that more than thirty members have been
detailed for civil duty in the last few days Fifteen
at work the Manchester Railroad running
trains and in the machine shops others are at the
foundries casting balls, &c-others still building
sheds, &c, one is engi neer on the Uncle Ben. and
more expecting orders every hour. The re-
mainder of the company getting uneasy for fear
they will not have chance to fight. They will,
however cheerfully the State in whatever ca
pacty is deemed BEST and like true soldiers are
always ready to obey orders Wilmington Herald.
We learn that on Monday night, at the culvert or
bridge where the Wilmington & Weldon Railroad
crosses the main stream of Tossnot Creek,
about half mile beyond Wilson, three of the
ties upon which the track rested, found to be
entirely removed leaving the rails to be supported
by the chairs only. The telegraph wire was also
cut. Most providentially, although the track was
felt to yield partially, the Georgia volunteers were
enabled to pass safely. The string pieces were
also found to be partially sawed through. Ofcourse
the bridge was Immediately made secure. 1t is re-
ported that the fend guilty of this atrocious &C:
has been arrested.
The County Court of Wilson county being in ses-
sion Immediately detailed patrol to guard the
bridge.
There are bad men among US, and we cannot be
too cautious or too vigant especially in regard to
our railroads. Journal