Gallipolis journal. [volume] (Gallipolis, Ohio) 1837-1919, 1862-01-09


FrEAEcEs.-Under this head the Gin
cinnati Gazette of the 4th inst. has a
leader, in which some wholesome truths
are set forth in style as forcible as
truthful, and in which we most heartily
concur. The article is too long for our
columns to day. but we publish few
paragraphs upon one point, which is
and has been for some time agitating
the public mind. Intending to aid this
agitation until productive of change
for the better, is our reason for fur
nishing the following extracts in which
our readers will fnd more truth than
poetry:
The pay Of a private is S13 month,
and if we include his rations-which
are only sufficient for his subsistence
at the Communication price, thirty cents
each, his pay and subsistence amount
to S23 month; while the pay, rations
and servants allowance of. a Second
Lieutenant and Brevet Second-Lieuten :
ant of Infantry amount to Sl05 so a
month, of a First-Lieutenant to S110
so, and of a Captain to $3.50 so.
There is no justice in this wide dis
parity in the pay of men and officers.
Out of companies and regiments of in
experienced men, officers from Lieuten-
ant to Colonel of no more than the
average capacity--perhaps less-are
chosen, who Immediately are put on pay
from FIVE to ten times higher then the
rest. No one will pretend that there is
any reason for this disproportion. Its
effects upon the morals of the army is
bad. Its injustice is apparent and de-
pressing to the patriotism Of the men,
while it demoralizes the officers into
mercenaries who naturally come to have
more regard for the continuance Of their
salaries and rank than for the vigorous
prosecution and end of the war.
The pay of our commissioned officers
is such that to enlist as an officer is no
evidence Of patriotism. To enlist as
private soldier is evidence of patriotism.
Consequently the patriotism Of the
ranks is much higher than that of the
officers. This fact every one knows
who has observed our volunteer army.
As to the regular army, although there
are honorable exceptions, yet patriotic
sentiments are not regarded as in the
question at all. 1t is plain talking, and
it is unfortunate for the few honorable
exceptions in the regular army, and it
is not a pleasing reflection for the coun-
try, but the fact is patent that regular
army as purely mercenary in its nature
and feelings as any Swiss corps Of
palace guards, has resulted from our
military institutions and the political
Decentralization which has SO long con-
trolled them.
II there were no economical neces-
sites in the question, the reduction Of
the pay OF commissioned officers one
third or one-half would be necessary to
raise the morale Of the army, and any
apprehensions of evil consequences will
seem absurd on reflection. Will the
volunteer Colonel or Captain be likely
to resign because his inordinate pay is
reduced one-half, when his peer in every
respect is in the ranks, receiving only
Sl3 month? And if it should drive
out those who have entered the army for
the pay, and gil their places by promo
tious from the ranks. what an improve
ment will be made by this economical
measured The same will apply to the
regular officers. The country need
not desire any who are disposed to go
to stand on the order of their going.