Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1862-11-04
For the Standard.

E1 For the Standard.
Mr.. ED1roR ~ wish to call the attention of our
legislators and of the people generally to the con-
sderation of subject in which we all concerned.
1t is well known that Congress passed an exemption
act exempting certain persons therein named from
military service;" and, among the rest owners of
twenty negroes. The question arises, why were the
owners Of twenty negroes exempted from military
service The object in view was undoubtedly of
twofold nature First, as expressed in the act ITO
secure the proper police of the country" and sec
ondy, by securing said proper police" to enable
the owners of slaves 10 raise food for the sustenance
of those who shielding their necks from the iron
hoof of Yankee despotism. .
Notwithstanding the laudable designs of Congress
in exempting certain owners of slaves from nj tary
service, some planters will be found nconsI erate
enough lured by the high prices of tobacco to bend
their energies to its culture Such ought not to be
the case. The Confederacy needs the aid and syn
pa,hy OF all her sons in the support of her armie.
What want Mr.. Editor, IS for the State of North
Carolina to cooperate with the Confederate Con-
gresS in its laudabe designs, by the passage Of an
act prohibiting the culture of tobacco within her
limits during the continuance of the war. Such an
act some may say, would interfere with the rights
of freemen. But, ought not the rights of freeme.
to be exercised nationally and consistently not sub,
versive OF the right of others If conscrpts
CURED by law, with no one to help them on theis
farms, to leave their homes their wives and little
ones, and enter the service, is it requiring too
much at the hands Of exempts to do something for
their support and comfort while defending our in
situations?
1t is clearly the duty of legislators to legslate for
the good of the people. And if set of unfeeng
MdmmOnIteS, too sordid ever to be prompted by
feelings of patriotism should be found persistenty
acting in a manner subversve of the best interests
OF society, and of our countrys welfare act Of
legislative prohibition ought to knock the scales of
1,nra Al \ l-A.l A
grOoetting httleness and meanness of their souls
No set OF GRIPPING vampires ought to be allowed the
privilege, while we are engaged in contest for civil
and religious liberty, of which they and their de-
scendants are to be participants to feed and faten
eruHingty, like buzzards on the ruin and downfall
oil those around them.
1t does seem to me that planters who are exempt
ed from military service-staying at home enjoying
the company of their wives and "prattling inno-
cents" might afford to raise food, at renunsratirs
prices for the sustenance of those who have left
their once cheerful fresdes and periled life, prop
erty, and everything in defence Of their country
With what degree of spirit can one in the service
nerve his arm for the conflict, when be knows and
feels that his neighbor, who is exempt because he
owns twenty slaves is raising tobacco at high prices
leaving his wife and children naked and hungry
around him? But let him feel that his wife and
little ones have "bread enough and to spare,1 he
can meet the foe with unhinching firmness and I'M
waverlng attachment to his country and feels like
if ne falls in her defence that he will fall in defense
OF those who will mourn his loss and appreciate his
services by providing for the loved ones at home"
In conclusion, / must say this is no time to be
bending all of ones energies to the culture of the
filthy weed" leaving the wants of he country IN
supplied. The eXIgencies of the times demand
something at the hands of all who are able to con-
tribute to the glorious cause in which we are en-
gagged. And lam clearly of opinion that it is wrong
to exempt unscrapUlOus curmudgeons from military
service, and turn them loose unchecked upon the
country, to go to and fro, like prowng wolves in
Sleeps clothing" with their Golfers filled with the
proceeds of their high priced tobacco cheating the
wives and widows of those who have entered the
service OF their country, out of everything they can
to speculate upon at exorbitant prices.
An honest patriotic citizen instead of endeavorins
to defrauG the widows and orphans around him,
protects them by telling them what the true value
OF what they have for sale is.
But what ought to be said of insidious vampires
the descendants Of a race of whom it was once
said, Eye are of your father the devil!" Yea, of
such as it was once said Of, Eye devour widows
houses, and for pretence, make long prayers!"
TYRO.
Granville Co. Oct % 1852