The Grand Haven news. [volume] (Grand Haven, Mich.) 1858-18??, 1862-08-13
JUST, AT LAST.

our county justice, rs witnesseth the fol-
lowing extract from its issue of the 9Th
inst;
awe did, and still do, 'ridicule the
idea of raising one company; but we said,
and still DO say, that old Ottawa will be-
yond doubt, entirely and periodically
meet all demands upon her. She has er-
ceeded Kent county in the amount of
money raised for bountics-Kent county
being one of the richest counties of the
State-and old Ottawa may well be proud
of this. She has been liberal Of men;
but unfortunately for Ottawa county, its
center of influence, Grand Haven, did not
possess enterprise and patriotic ardor
enough TO start companies of its own,
thus compelling the patriotic volunteers
of the county to enlist in companies form
inp in other counties, and adding to the
reputation of Grand Rapids and Kent
county. Now neither the Eagle, or any
body in this county is TO blame that old
Ottawa gets a small share of the honors.
She deserves large share; but Grand
Haven has, by its apathy in the matter OF
organizing companies, robbed the county
of its rightful honors, and given them to
us. This is the plain, selfevident truth,
for which no one in Kent county is re-
sponsible Ottawa has furnished, we es-
innate, nearly four hundred men. This
ought to give her four Captains, four
Lieutenants, Major, Adjutant and Col
onel or Lieut.. Colonel. The only reason
why she has not obtained these officers is
because her leading men did not ask for
them or appear disposed to serve. Will
the NewS tell us who is to blame for
this!
GAS to her present policy, we think
chat it is highly commendable in Ottawa
county to confine her recruits, so far as is
consistent with courtesy and policy, TO
her own company; but she should start
enough companies to keep them ALL
Two more companies ought, for her own
good, TO be started at once. If they are
not started, we shall hear complaints
again, before long, that the brave boys Of
Ottawa had 10 go abroad TO find leaders.
"This is no reproach to Ottawa; but it
is a reproach TO those "prominent cti-
zens" who, the Ne,Os says, are just now
indulging in "great and just indigna-
ton toward the Eagle" Ottawa coun-
ty, in our opinion, is one of the most pa
triotic in the valley. The masses OF o.
tawa are full of patriotic enthusiasm; but
those prominent citizens" with whom
the NeUS editor appear to sympathize so
thoroughly, should take the field and lead
the gallant men of her borders. There
are two captaincies, at least, waiting for
them, and,the men, We will warrant, can
easily be raised. If need be, this county
may help fill the ranks. Only let the
prominent citizens" wake up. and start
the organization, and we assure our sen
sitive little contemporary that no petty and
despicable jealouies will be exhibited il
this county, but Kent will furnish all tho
aid, in men, money, orators, and efforI
she can spare 70 assist her neghbor.
"Ottawa ought TO be represented il
the fed officers of the 2lst regiment
If she officers her own companies, rs sht
should, she ought to have at least one o
the field officers of the regiment. Viii
Grand Haven select her candidates, Sc
set them at work TO earn the positions
Ottawa desiresg"
No finer truism could be uttered thar
is contained in the first paragraph =
"Old Ottawa will beyond doubt, entirel,
and periodically meet all demands upol
her." Yes, she will do that every time
In respect to our prominent citizens
seeking place, their patriotism does no
seem TO run in that direction. They are
not seekers of positions, but war out o
pure motives Of patriotism. Some o
our first citizens have enlisted an tn
ranks, and their valor is known to the
country, and we have scores of Others
ready 10 take similar position and bat
tie valiantly for the good old flag and on
glorious Constitution, from the prompt
ings of pure and unselfish patriotism
just such men as our country needs anC
must have, if she is ever saved.