The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1861-06-21
Military at the Capital..Disgracefu
Position OF Minnesota..The New
Rcgiment.-Military Appointments.
torial Correspondence of the Pioneer and Democrat
WASHINGTON, June IL, 1861.

Editorial Correspondence of the Pioneer and Democrat.
WASHINGTON, June IL, 1861.
The changed condition of the country
from go to 81, is nowhere more strikipgly
evinced than at the National Capital. On.
der the control of the imbecile who admin.
istered its affairs up to the 4th of March
last, there was nothing visibly representing
the American spirit, character, or power.
The life blood of the nation scarcely stirred
through the channels Of the government,
which are its veins while over all seemed
to be cast the shadow of despair which
marks the expiring days of cowardly race.
To day, from the dome of the Capitol, are
seen the encampments of tens of thousands
of brave hearts, called into life, as it would
seem, by the electric influence of manly
appeal to the Nations patriotism. There
is much in the outward symbols of Ma
TONS power to stir the blood and heighten
the pride of the citizen, even in times of
peace. But, what new significance do these
possess, when the Nation itself is in peril,
and how dearer are they to our hearts when
we see the patriotic hosts of the land mar.
shaled to save them from dshonor, and the
government they represent from destruction.
For the first time in years the citizen can
visit Washington without experiencing
sense of shame that it is the Capital of his
country, and without feeling it to be mon.
umental reproach to the peerless man whose
name it bears.
The grounds about Washington are pc.
culiarly picturesque, and Gaping nearly
every height are seen the white tents of the
volunteers who rushed hither to the defence
of the national honor and authority. 1t is
not fattering to ones State pride to look
around in vain for regiment to represent
the patriotism of Minnesota. nor is it any
more aatteripg when you come to ascertain
the position which the State holds in the
estimation OF the government. Minnesota
stands at the foot of the list of the loyal
States. Every other State, when called on
by the President, responded by regiments
uniformed, and in most cases fully equipped
out of the State Treasury. Minnesota,
alone, demanded, through her Governor, the
money from the Federal Treasury, before
her first regiment could be called into active
service. This fact, if it has not damaged
our reputation for loyalty, has certainly de.
prived Us of all reputation for generosity,
and even of commendable State pride. 1
felt Inundated, as Minnesotian, when,
calling on the President with delegation
from our State, headed by Senator RICE,
found that our parsimony had served to
render our State contemplate in the eyes of
the administration. I was still more hui
inflated when the Secretary of War, in
stanced the patriotic action OF all the States
OF the Northwest excepting ours; even
putting us in damaging contrast with Kan
sas, which, while suffering from famine, and
subsisting on the charities of the country,
yet raised and equipped three regiments to
sustain the government and put down its
enemies. And, it was only when the Presi-.
dent, and Secretary were appealed to, to
give Minnesota chance to retrieve her
reputation, that they consented to receive
second regiment upon the terms which will
have been made public before this can reach
you.
1t is earnestly to be hoped that the op,
portunity now offered to the State to prove
not only our loyalty, but our generosity,
will not be allowed to pass away with.
out improvement, through any misery
calculations of cost to our people. If the
men can be gathered together, their uni-
forms can be furnished by citizens of our
State, and the State will be trusted with
the cost until the meeting of the Legisla-
ture. With the men ready, nothing but the
meanest parsimony can prevent Minnesota
having chance to retrieve her lost reputa-
ton. hope there is spirit enough in our
people to force Gov. RAMSEY to prompt and
liberal action in this matter.
am requested to state that the over.
whelmiDg rush upon the War Department,
renders it almost impossible that any, ex-
cept the most important business, can re-
ceive consideration. This will explain to
hundreds of our citizens the reason why
their applications for military positions are
not promptly responded to.
am also requested by Senator RICE to
state that he has forwarded to different
post Offices an aggregate of several hundred
bags of documents, which have been directed
to individuals whose names have been long
ri L. 81 49, Al onfa vsc