The Smoky Hill and Republican union. [volume] (Junction City, Kan.) 1861-1864, 1862-09-13
THE {" SITUATION.o

The recent disastrous and disheartening re-
| verses which have befallen the Federal arms are
fearfully ominous of something wrong in the
policy governing the war, or in the comma nders
engaged in carrying out that policy. With a
solLiery unequalled for bravery, endurance, and
patriotism, in the annals of war, and cause the
| righteousness of which common sense will not
dispute, with people to back them up at every
sacrifice, the country will not be long in ascer
tanning that which impedes the progress Of their
armies. 1t is useless for the papers to further
affairs. Our safety depends upon the exertions
of the people, and hence, as the true picture Of
disaster is hidden from them, the less will be
their exertions, and consequently disaster will
follow disaster. 1t is criminal for the press to
distort facts to make victory. The war must
be held up before the people in its true light,
that they may act understandingly.
We know not whether the +" strategy" style of
doing business is entirely played-out or not
we hear but little of it. In the news, which We
publish to-day, the reader will be enabled to
learn that jealousy between our Generals is that
which is offsetting the fighting qualities of our
soldiers. Here we might resume the sermon we
gave last week selfshness, but it is too palpa-
ble Men with souls so small are not fit to hold
in their hands the destinies of people.
But the policy of the war, We opine, would
not stand thorough scrutiny. The idea of
treating men as loyal, whom Federal bayonets
have made apparently so, we have from the be-
ginning considered as fraught with great danger
The weakness of the Administration (for we can
call it nothing else) in consulting the Border
States in every particular. is now reverting to US
with all the treachery characteristic of Southern
chivalry. The entrance of rebel army into any
of the Border States gathers to It's standard thou
sands of men, who have heretofore dictated to
our Government policy, which in fasFeught
to e9ualize loyalists and rebels. This polio has
been acted upon by the Government, and backed
up by the rebel symrathizers in the loyal States
It's consequences are now upon us. Washington
or Baltimore is in greater danger from rebel arms
than Richmond has ever been from Federal
After years pampering to the" loyal" Border
State men of Kentucky, Cincinnati is now in
danger that never encompassed Richmond
rebel force of Fifty Thousand men have crossed
the Potomac into Maryland. and hosts of our
Union" brethren throw off the veil. and show
their treason by acts of kindness and shouts of
Joy. And thus it goes along the entire line Of
operations. For our Difference to their opinions.
We are stabbed in the back when opportunity |
offers When will common sense characterize |
,ur governmental actions If success be our
aim, we r:ust treat foes as foes. With such q
policy we would now be free from the great and
danger Of foreign recognition Of the
rebels. Such policy must be adopted to retain
he confidence Of the people.
In our disgust for the pre-slavery sentiment
hat seems to rule, We do not wish to be under
stood as desponding. The darkest hour always
,rccedes day. The late raids in Virginia are
he dying throes Of the conseript ievies of des-
'erate rebellion. They are now making the
ast and mightiest effort to annihilate the Re-
'ublic. With the valor Of the North, q righteous
ause, and . Just God to give victory where it
elongs, We need have no fears for the future.
.ver Keep in mind the truth that God helps
hose whc help themselves"