Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1862-01-23

GIFTS TO THE SOLDIEkS.-IhOse who pre-
pare gifts for the soldiers, such as hospital
stores, articles of clothing, and the like, should
be very careful to send them with such explain
atoms and to such persons as will make their
purpose successful. The Boston Commercial
Bulletin tells the tollowing:-
"When our state authorities issued request
to benevolent individuals to contribute blan-
kets tor the soldiers, very hearty response
was made. Ii was supposed at the time that
these blankets were to be forwarded as a free
will offering. Among the most Jealous who
undertook the benevolent task, was a most es-
timable lady, whose husband is one OF our
most respected citizens. She went through
the street in which she lived and Obtained
about forty blankets; the people took them off
their BEDS and they were sent TO the proper
officer OF the government TO be forwarded to
Washington, as also were thousands OF others
obtained in the same way. The soldiers were
somewhat astonished on the arrival of the
blankets, to find themselves charged at the rate
Of tooo or three dollars for chat they supposed 'oere
sent to them as gifts.
AS singular coincidence, it so happened
that some of the blankets which this lady and
Others collected had the names of the owners
upon them; and what was more singular still,
in the process of distribution these blankets
fell 10 the lot of regiment whose officers were
acquainted with the donors. They at once
wrote to the parties inquiring whether the
blankets were bought by the state or given.
This led to an investigation, and the lady at
once went II the state house to make inquir.
les. Size was met in a very cavalier manner
by the officer, who replied-"That If the gov
eminent saw fit to sell the blankets he supposed
it had right"
Was tho sspffipial' lara rafarra1 tba r,noD
who was so suddenly dismissed a while since
We know not. Perhaps the Bulletin is a
little strong in the account of his bearing but
in his reported language there is suggestion
that should be noted. Is it our purpose to
give tn the government, or to the soldiers
themselves, when we send to the regiments
boxes and packages Ii is very desirable that
those who send such things should answer
this question beforehand and make their
answer properly understood in the right
quarter. II you send clothing to men in one
of our regiments, do you intend to have it go
10 them as part of the government allowance,
or as a gift to the men themselves, so that, to
that extent, they may get money instead of
clothing from the government? 1t is necessa
ry that you should make your intention clear
ly understood by yourself and others, else
there may be disappointment II you send
supplies to the commissary or medical depart
ment OF regiment or brigade, without suffi-
cient explanation, you should not be surprised
to learn that they have been accepted as gifts
to the government, and used accordingly.
The government has need enough Of help
but when it is your actual intention to give
something to your friends and acquaintance
in the army, be careful to have your intention
carried out.
There may be dishonest officials at the head
quarters OF some regiments, who will not hes
ilate to misapply or steal your gifts, if they
can get a chance. We know nothing Of the
circumstances of the case related by the Bul
letin. They should be explained fully, so as
to leave no room for misapprehenson. Who
sold those blankets Were they actually sold
as "extras" on government account! The
whole case should be stated /; and il they were
stolen by some theving official, say so plainly
and give his name, with all the particulars.
The man capable OF stealing the gifts sent to
our soldiers, by affection, beneyolence, or pat
riotic enthusiasm, is unfit to live and, when
he dies, he should be buried in some loath-
some hole. Treasury robbers and thieving
contractors deserve inexpressible execration,
but this creature shows depth OF bassness
which it is well nigh impossible to match.