Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1862-01-28
The Pest and the Future.

Amidst all the hardshipS OF Ine wSr iot inuo
pendence in which the Southern people are en-
gagged, says tie augusta (Ga) constatut'on0t- |
ist," there is an ever present, al-pervading con-
seriousness of ultimate triumph, which lIghtens
the burthens, and soothes the distfesses OF the
passing hour. In the substantial successes and
brilliant achievements of the past, there Is sol
much to be proud of-so much to be grateful
for. In the prospects of the future, there is SO
much to cheer the heart-so much to nerve the
will to new efforts and new triumphs. The ro-
seate hue of hope spreads over the glowing land
soape, and lights up the pathway to i1depen-
dence. Rugged and difficult, and blood stained
it looks, as has been the pathway already trod-
den; but it is surely destined to be illumined by
new victories, and to lead to an honorable close,
and peaceful prosperity, a material wealth-a
moral greatness, unknown as yeS in the history
Of the South. What the South has achieved in
the opinion of mankind, and in her own self
respect, has been through much tribulation and
suffering and the pouring out of precious blood
Bright prospects have been clouded, business
interests have been Frustrated, fields have been
laid waste, ZONES have been desolated, tender
hearts have been riven; DEATH has come in ev-
cry form Of terror and agony, on the battle-fied
in the bivouae, and in the hospital, cutting
down in the flower of life the bravest and no.
blest of her sons. Yet all this has not been in
vain. 1t has been the means of teaching the
South her own capacities for chivalrous daring
for Eoble fortitude-for patient endurance
for patriotic sacrifice. It has taught the world
that in her people survive all the hardy virtues
which made the first American re7olution illus
trious. 1t has compelled an investigation before
the grest tribunal of the world 'sopinion into tie
real character of Southern people and Southern
Institutions, and has exploded many hoary er-
rors as to the practical workings of her social
system. It has induced other nations to reject
the calumnious impcstures by which Yankee
books and papers have covered the South with
odium. The South is now in q fair way to get
an impartial hearing, and 70 be judged upon her
intrinsic merits. Already she has achieved q
national reputatioa, in fattering contrast to that
! which is ineztrcably fastened upon the Bull
/ Run brsggarts and mendacious tricksters OF the
i North ,-s<'
i The Southern people stand before the world,
q brave, truthful, proud, liberty loving people,
fully ccmprehending the value of constitutional
rights, fully capable of self government, and
ready to virdicate the privilege at all hazards,
and against whatever odds. The invaders
stand before the same tribunal nation of perfd-
ions slandcrere, utterly reckless alike of their
own ibelties and of the rights of others, led oD
by passion, fanaticism and avarice, to wage a
malignant war upon people they can no logger
/ plumber under the forms of law, yet shrinking
from fair combat with them in tie open feld-a
nation that plays the bully one day, and the
craven the next-that swaggers, when no dan
ger threatens, and licks the dust in ignominious
terror, when challenged 10 make good its boasts.
Men and women of the Soath, be of good
| cheer; you have proved yourselves unconquer-
able. The day of deliverance cannot be very
distant. Your enemies sre rapidly extausting
themselves, and are giving evident signs of des-
pondency. Financial embarrassments begin to
thicken aroun1 them. BotE their money and
credit have o limit. The world, looking on
pronounces their scheme of conquest and recon.
structon impossible. Their own capitalists see
it, and will soon act on the knowledge. Their
intelligent leaders cannot be bind to it, and
cannot much longer keep the masses in ignorance
of the fact. When the conviction becomes gen.
eral that the further prosecution of the war is a
profiga wsste Of money, burthening the indus
try of the nation for generationsby an enormous
debt, and benefistirg no one but Government
contractors, voice for peace will rise up from
the multitude like s'the voice of many waters -
II the demagogues of their Congress and the
frantcally enraged Executive and Cabinet do
not heed the warning the capitalists will pro,
duce financial Bu.l Run, by refusing to loan
tho sinking concern afy more money.