Delaware State journal and statesman., 1862-01-14
LETTER FROM WILLIAM PENN.
NUMBER TEN.
wAsmNoroN, January l3, 1862.

----sss%----
WASHINGTON, January 10, 1862.
Every loyal citizen is in favor of pushing
on the war to a speedy conclusion II is
the topic and staple of conversation every
where. Mechanics desire its termination
business men and merchants long for an
honorable cessation of hostilities industry,
in all its varied phases aud diversified in
terests sighs for peace and union again.
The country - north and south-pleads
hororand amazement at the unnatural strife
and cries PEACE, PEACE On this point
there is but one opinion, one feeling and
that is for restoration ofpeaue, and quiet
return to the business pursuits of life again.
Bat 1t is easier to say peace than to estab-
lish it. ltis not 50 difficult to urge q forward
movement" as it is to make it hence the
clamor for advance movements, and hollow
much, unless they are accompanied by some-
thing more substantial than words. II re-
quires money to re-estabish the authority of
the government in these whole United States.
The people must be taxed; and the taxes must
be promptly paid, 10 enable the Administra'
ton to prosecute the war 10 a successful ter
mination. little public heart is suiiused with
sufficient lberality to open its purse-strings
freely, and hold them open with somethin E
akin TO cheerful patience the war will soon
close, But already the mutterings Of heavy
taxation are beginning to be heard. The
groans of misers and money-lovers are be-
coming audible, and unless there is "let up
for them, their patriotism will dwindle down
to the small compass Of q three cent piece
But it may be said that this is not the class
of people TO depend upon for action, OF even
for which money is required. Grant ii but
then, these grumblers infuse into the masses
their niggardly spirit on the plea oi
economy until at length the honest
people become infected, in measure, with
the feeling, and echo hack the cry of econ
omy. Then il becomes potent 1t exercise;
an influence, and that influence acts will
restraining force upon those in whose hands
are entrusted the public interests -pecuninry
as well as political and here it is that mis-
chief, Matched in the hotbcd Of meanncs'
and sell-ntcrest, derives lis power
When therefore. we hear "a man talking
about the heavy taxes, and the immense
public debt this war for the Constitution i,
going to entail upon us, instead of yielding
Il ready acquiesence TO his fears ol nationa
bankruptcy we should ask him 10 estimat,
if he can, the value Of this Union, in dollar,
and cents to him, his posterity christianity
civilization, and the world, and strike the
balance between it and the amount Of taxes
he pays 10 sustain that Union. We will
then see how much of his argument is in
tended for the benefit of the country, arc
how much for himself No American citilcr
can pay too much-eyeu it he were to civ,
! the last dollar of his possessous-to secure
the perpetuity Of this Union. ltis his hope
his prosperity his happiness, his freedom
his life without it he would become ver,
slave, although surrounded by wealth. Iii
children would be deprived Of all that humal
nature considers best adapted in cover
mental point Of view, TO the happiness u
mankind and the "hlackness Of darkness
would enshroud their homes and obscure thei
highest hopes of usefulness in this world
This Union cannot cost more than it /
: worth. Built up on this hemisphere by tn
hand OF God, through the instrumentality d
the Pilgrim fathers who brought hither tn
good seed of civil and religious liberty, it
priceless Its destiny istoo high, too noble
too holy TO be measured by money; and th
millions whose being as people is stake
upon the issue are too keenly alive I
the value of the heavenly boon the
) have enjoyed under the egis of the Cor
! stitution, 10 suffer it to be buried i
/, the ghasily sepulchrc Of slavery, fc
the want of pecuuiary means To rescn
$ it. Thus far their ready responses to III
demands of the government have prove
;, their attachment and fidelity 10 tho prime
pies Of free government aud the America
: character must undergo change so radicl
), as 10 make it appear lVsus nature lift wi
il stop to count the cost until this foul treaso
I is hunted from the land, and the black fla
: of human bondage is lowered and trample
Ii in the dust forever. WILLIAM PENH.