Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1862-05-24
emo WAY but to fisht II nnt.O

So says the Richmond Dispateh, and it is true.
All cool, discerning men saw this before the war
was brought on,-they have seen nothing else from
the time that Lincoln determined to coerce the
South. None but the cotton barons and the fire.
eaters dreamed of pedceable secession, of a
short war, or of aid from Europe Hard fighting
vigorous, terrible fighting by the South has been
the only means of conquering peace, in the judg-
ment of sensible men, Why is it not done?
The Richmond Enquirer says:
ave hold the enemy at bay everywhere; now
let US drire him Let General Johnston swiftly
strike the blow that is to make him name and give
him his rank among the Generals Of this war. Let
Beauregard drive home upon Haleck, aud strive for
another victory. Let our commanders everywhere
show all their enterprise all their skill and all their
activity. They must not be afraid to trust their
soldiers for no generals ever had better. The only
question is whether the officers worthy Of such
men-and that is what wish them everywhere
to prove"
That is sensible talk. Our men will fight, and
many of our officers will. They did not enter the
war for the mere fancy the ambition to gain rep
utation. The rank and file, and we have no doubt
many of the officers have no other ambition but to
whip the enemy. The army is sick of failing
back" In another article the Enquirer says:
"To show the spirit Of our soldiers, and their
reluctance in retreat and aacrity in fight We repeat
the statement of an officer in Johnston's army
Ills regiment was slowly making its unwilling way
in the retrogade march from Yorktown, when orders
came that fight in progress Williamsburg,
and their aid was required. Immediately the regi
ment was on fire with enthusiasm and responding
with shout it wheeled and retraced its steps, pass
ing in onehalf an hour ground that just before
had formed fire hours march. And not a man
Ont Of no SIN ic no difference
between forward !" and d" retreat I" in the estima
ton OF the noble fellows who compose Richmond
army"
What is true of the Richmond Army" is true
of all forces In proof that they will fight,
witness their courage and uniform success in Skin
mishes, when off in detachments with fighting sub
ordinates, OF with such men as Price and "Stone-
wal" jackson.
But the Enquirer must needs make a dash at
croakers and compainers. OF what do they croak
or complain? Is it not for the lack of the very
thing which the Enquirer says ought to be done
and must be done? We have heard no croaking or
complaining from any one against the principles Of
the government or of the Constitution-none that
we hear utter complaint, decry, or mutter against
the Confederacy. 1t is wholly against the manage
nnent Of the government and the war. No govern
ment ever had more hearty support of the people
than ours No administration has ever been so OBJ
scquiously sustained and supported Men, money,
talent, time-every thing the people had-has been
at its bidding and yet their beautiful country is
more and more overrun by the spoiler, and want,
| poverty, and subugation stare them in the face.
Our armies made to brstle up and confront the
enemy for while, and then ingloriously to back
down, with heavy loss of munitions, provisions,
clothing, &c. The large forces of Johnston and
Beauregard said to be enduring great prvations
and suffering and yet they areready to fight. Why
not put them in motion? We have no fears Of
Southern courage Let them drive the enemy back
or die in the attempt Better, far better fall into
the hands of the enemy, fighting desperately, than
to sink away before him. until he wastes our means
and resources, without striking a blow, rendering
US powerlesS Inundated and poverty stricken.