Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1861-11-02
4 SPEECH FOR ALI, TIME

Our attention has been called says the Fayetteville
Obssrrer to speech de. vered by the Roman Consul
Pauus Emius, in the year A. NJ. 1886, a little
more than two thousand years ago, which the His
orian Rollin has preserved (vol T. page 2l7 of Lip
pincottS Library edition.) 1t is so admirably ap-
proprate to the present time, when we have so
many generals who stay at home and advise Lee,
and Beauregard, and Johnston, as TO the best mode
for conducting their campaigns, that are tempted
to copy the speech entire 1t is not equal in length
to a stump q congressional speech of the present
day, but is rather superior in quality to most of
them. The speaker had just been chosen Consul,
with special reference to his taking the command in
the existing war with the Macedonians, and the
following may be called his g Inaugural Speech" -
"You seem to me, Romans, to have expressed
more Joy when Macedonia fell to my lot, than when
| was elected consul, or entered upon that office
and to me your joy seemed to be occasIoned by the
hopes you conceived, that / should put end,
worthy of the grandeur and reputation Of the Roman
people, to war, which, in your opinion, has already
been of too long continuance. | have reason to be-
eve that the same gods, who have occasioned Mace
dOnia to fall to my lot will also assist me with their
protection in conducting and terminating this war
successfully; but of this l may venture to assure
you that shall do my utmost not to fall short of
your expectations. The senate has wisely regulated
every thing necessary in the expedition am charg
ed WITH and as am ordered to set out Immediately,
que c. Licnus out of his great zeal for the public
service will raise and march off the troops appoint
ed for me- with as much ardour and expedition as
if they were for himself / shall take care to remit
to you as well as to the senate exact account of
all that passes; and you may rely upon the certain
ty and truth of my letters but beg of you, as
great favour that you will not give credit to- lay
any weight out of crcdulity, upon the light reports
which frequently spread abroad without any
foundation. perceive we'll that in this war, more
than any other, whatever resolution people may
form to obviate these rumors they will not fail to
make impression, and inspire | know not what dis
couragement. There are those who, in company,
and even at table, command armies, make diSposr
tons, and prescribe all the operations of the cam
paign. They know better than we where we should
encamp, and what posts it is necessary for US to
seize; at what time and by what defle, We ought
to enter Macedonia; where it is proper to have mag
azlnes; from whence either BY sea or land, we are
TO bring provisions, when are to fight the enemy
and when lie still. They not only prescribe what
best to do but for deviating ever so little from
their plans they make it crime in their consul,
and cite him before their tribunal But know, Ro-
mans the effect of this is very preudicial to your
generals All have not the resolution and constancy
tFabius, to despise impertinent reports He could
cnoose rather to suffer the people, upon such un-
happy rumors, to invade his authority, than to ruin
affairs, in order to preserve their opinion, and an
empty name l am far from believing that generals
stand in need of advice think, on the contrary
that whoever would conduct every thing alone up
on his own opinion, and without counsel, shows
more presumption than prudence. But some may
ask, how then shall we act reasonably? In not suf
1erng any person to obtrude their advice upon your
generals, but such are, in the first place, versed
IN the art of war; and have learned from experience
what 1t is to command and in the second, who are
upon the spot, who know the enemy, are witnesses
IN person to all that passes and share with us in all
tne dangers. If there be any one who conceives
himself capable of assisting with his counsels in
the war you have charged me with, let him not re-
luse to do the republic that service but let him go
with me into Macedonia; ships, horses tents, pro-
n visions shall all be supplied him at any charge
But If he will not take so much trouble, and prefers
I9e tranquility Of the city to the danger and fatgues
Of the field let him not take upon him to hold the
helm and continue idle in the port The city of it.
sell supplies sufficient matter of discourse other
subjects; but as for these, let him be silent upon
tnem; and know, that we shall pay nc regard to
any counsels, but such as shall be given Us in the
camp itself"