The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1861-10-15
EFFECTS OF THE WAR ON THE
SOITTH

The people of the South are now suffering the
consequences of state of actual warfare Our
active men from every city, town, village and
county have left the ease of home and the pur-
suits OF private business, and gone to the army
for twelve months or for three years The sud-
den departure of so many leading citizens leaves
vacuum in the business and social circles of their
respective places of business and residence, which
Is silently but painfully felt. -a-
Daily We walk the streets, but meet not, as for
merly, many of our ardent friends. They have
gone to the wars. But not only is their absence
thus noticed from the streets, but alas! how pain
fully is felt every day and night their absence
from the home circle. The chair at the table is
vacant. The family feel the loss of the absent
one but are silent. All this, and more than this,
has been brought on our country by the war which
perfdous administration has waged upon u.s.
But we all patiently resign ourselves to these
tribulations and make no complaints 1t is the
destiny and fortune of the age in which we live
to pass through great and notable period in the
history Of human affairs. The ages to come will
read with intense interest the history of these
times, and linger upon the record we are now max
ing, we do upon the great events of antiquity
We derive strength and consolation from the faith
which We cherish in the development of the future
However trying may be the scenes through which,
as people, families and as individuals, We
full Of bright future to US who endure these pri-
vations, and to those who shall come after us, to
enjoy the good heritage which we SHALL by this
war, establish for them.
On our part, on the part of the Southern people,
this war is necessity which we could not avoid
and when God sets apart an age, people or an
individual, to take great part in the affairs of
the world, that same q cd prepares them with for
titude and courage to fit them for their destined
task. So it is now. The people are moved as by
the power of destiny to do and suffer everything
that war require them to suffer. Hence, men
everywhere excited to deeds which they never
would have thought of in time of peace and quiet.
Families submit patiently to privations, which,
but for the excitement, they could not en-
dure.
We begin to feel severely the effects of the war
and the blockade in all matters of business and
trade. Supplies OF the usual goods and even pro-
visions, are becoming scarce. Hence prices
everything are going up to figures which, owing
to the scarcity of money and the diminishing or
suspension Of business, it is difficult for many peo
pie to pay. These evils are augmenting upon
every day. Yet we do not complain. We know
that these things are occasioned by the war, and
We look for little or relief till the is ended
Until the present troubles be overpast it is the
duty, and it should be the pleasure, Of the people
to Tighten each others burthens much pos
sible. The strong should bear with the weak.
The resources of the South are such that any
thing like famine starvation of any part of our
people need not be apprehended, The means of
subsistence can be produced within our own coun-
try, and the changes which happen in the circum-
stances and pursuits of individuals may prove
advantage to them, and to the prosperity of the
country in the end.
Many enterprises will be started and many
sources of profitable labor will be sought out, which
will become of permanent advantage in developing
the resources of our country, which are now Who'll
ly unimproved
The pressure which we now feel will have the
effect to stimulate enterprise, and to enlarge the
operation of Southern capital and labor. But this
war must end 1t cannot last, at least it cannot
maintain the huge proportions it has attained,
many months to come The North cannot long
endure the loads and the evils which are already
falling with crushin force upon the mass of the
people. The war must diminish its proportions,
anG its evils must be mitgated, before winter sets
in.
Though We could hail with JOY honorable peace,
yet we wish the to finish its work ehectually,
so that when peace comes it may be perfect and
lasting.