The Lansing state Republican., 1861-06-12

in, ,revalen, in our community that after all
there is not going to be much Of fight, and
tha. the government will find no diffiulty in re-
instating its authority in the revolted States.
This opinion has grown out Of the evidences OF
cowardice betrayed by the secessionsts who
have thus far come in contact with Federal
troops But we apprehend it very superficial
view of the subject to judge the entire charac-
ter Of events by what has already transpired.
True. as far as the government force have
penetrated into the hostile country, their course
has been marked by continued success. Such,
We believe will be the case in in the future, but
We must remember that as yet We have bare
ly driven the rebel flag out Of sight OF the Ma
tonal Capital, and have only routed a few OF the
enemy's pickets. In many cases, too, their re
treat was made by positive orders from their COM
manding officers.
IL is "A great mistake to underrate the courage
or resources Of an enemy, and is also one OF the
fruitful sources of disaster. The caution with
which our government is moving proves that
they fully appreciate the nature OF the contest
and the magnitude Of opposing obstacles, while
the removal of the rebel government from Mont
gomery to Richmond show that the bogus Pres
ident is at least not destitute of confidence in his
power Of resistance.
We appIehend the refusal Of the government
tn call for ali additional number OF troops at
present has been misconstrued. 1t is quite likely
that they are unable now TO determine how
large a requisition to make, because they know
not as yet what proportion Of the troops enlisted
for three months will extend their term OF ser
vice during the war, nor what provision will be
made by the extra session for carrying on hostil--
tiles Ii is also undoubtedly true that there are
as many forces in the field as the government
can at present equip, and that no more force will
be asked for until such time as there are sufii-
cent means and munitions OF to enable
them to render efficient service.
We think, therefore, that the impression,
which is prevalent to some extent, that the war
war is about over, and that no further troops
will probably be needed, is entirely erroneous.
The thousands who have anxiOusly, but vainly,
impOrtuned the government 10 accept their SER
vices, should not tnrn away to their farms, their
shops, or their merchandise, muttering their dis
appointment in the very natural remark that they
will make no further attempt to aid govern
ment that has refused to accept their assistance.
Along the border States, where the battlefield
is almost in sight, where the thunder of cannon
may often be distinctly heard and where the
people are constantly excited by the "pomp,c
pride and circumstances" OF war, there is littl
danger Of their relaxing into supneness and
indifference. So, too. in the eastern States,
the disastrous effects of the contest will be suf
hciently felt to keep alive spirit Of resentment
against those who have causelessly prov oked it,
and consequently there will be little difficulty in
meeting any demand which may be made upon
that section.
But in our own State the case is different
We are so far removed from the theater of ac-
ton that scarcely single swell Of the tide
reaches Us, and we would hardly realize the exis-
teEce OF any disturbance, were it not for the in
crease in . price OF some such trivial article
as turpenti.e. Hence the tendency to reaction
will be strong, and must DC constantly guarded
against. Our people must not 60 TO sleep, but
must be yisilant and ready at all times to do
with their might what their hands find to do.
Wherever circumstances will permit, ccmpan.
les should be formed Of those who are willing to
serve their country, should occasion require it,
and such time as can be spared should be devo-
ted to Improvement in the art Of war. The
martial spirit should be generally cultivated, and
as many now as possible should become familiar
with military tactics.
An important duty also rests upon the capital.
lists Of our State. Of course all are aware that
the Legislature at its extra session provided for
the raising of enc million dollars for military pur-
poses. But We fear the obligation, imposed
upon all who have means to invest them in these
bonds is not fully realized. Every dollar might
and should be taken up at par by our own cti.
zens. They draw interest at seven per cent,
and in ordinary times would command premium
in the market. The Investment ia perfectly
safe one, and We call upon all good citizens to
evince their patriotism by using such funds as
they can spare in the purchase of these bonds. |
As they are in sums of from fifty to one thou
sand dollars, no one need plead the excuse that
he has but little to invest, but all who desire,
have an opportunity to furnish material aid
Let the great interests of the country now
pressing upon public attention raise mems
thoughts above and beyond the narrow bounda.
res Of merely selfish concerns. Let the mind be
come expanded by considerations pertaining to
the general good, and the heart grows with the
burden Of patriotism borne by our fathers in the
days OF the Revolution.