The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1862-09-10
COMMUNICATIONS.
IFoR THE LANCASTER LEDGER.

Mr.. EDITOR. The Press has been apt
ly compared to a leaver power which
moves the world. The,power Of the press
is wonderful, when exerted in the proper
direction. There is nothing better calcu-
lated to inspire confidence in any grea:
enterprise, than a well directed effort on
the part Of the press, in its favor, while
ON the other hand, the power Of the press
is equally potent, to deter governments,
rs we'll as individuals. from doing wrong.
when that power is promptly applied in
condemnation of the course OF the policy,
whether it be in the government or in
individuals. The great aim Of the press
of the South should be TO correct abuses,
whether they be found in the governmen,
or in individuals, and 10 this end an un.
faultering voice should be heard from ev
cry Editorial Sanctum in the Confedera-
.cy. No man deserves the name Of an
independent Journalist, who hesitaies TO
speak out, for fear Of offending party
c'iques. This is time when, couatry
should be above every olher consiJera-
tion. 1t seems difficult 10 get the people
who are permitted, by lheg overnmen,, to
remain at home and make money, to re
:alize tho Tact that we are in the midst OF
war, such war as the world never saw
before, and for The successful termination
OF which any and every sacrifice should
be made. Is it true Of nations as with
individuals, that whom the Gods intend
to destroy they first make madl This
'Coniedsracy has been blessed with most
abundant grain crop: bu, little cotton WAS
planted this year in the South, and in
consequence Of this patriotic and praise
worthy trbearance On the part Of the
planters, we have and will have an abun
dant provision crop. But the great ard
all absorbing question which begins to
loom up before us, will the great masses
OF the poorer classes, who are mainly
fighting our battles, be benefited by this
large surplus which is and will be chief.
ly in the hands Of the larger planters who
have been permitted to remain at home
with their overseers, with IN ayowed in.
.tenlon 10 make provisions for the fami.
lies Of those who are in the service but
with secret determination, I fear, OF
.critbing up the large surpluses and plan
ting full crops OF cotton next year. The
writer learns that there are those among
rs. who scruple not TO say that If the great
abundance Of corn made this year redu
ces the price below a $l00 or $l.25 per
bushel, that they will crib up their corn
and plan. full crop Of cotton. Now
suppose that this course should generally
be determined upon by the larger plan
tiers, who have been favored, by the au.
.thorities, 10 retain their overseers, who
were liable to conscriplion. What, ask,
in all candor, will become Of the poor sol.
,diers families who have been called off
into the service, either as volunteers or as
conscrip,s, many Of whom il is well
known have left their little farms without
ihe hope Of make bushel Of corn upon
them.
Now, gentlemen, you who can speak
to individuaIs in every nuke and corner
of the Confederacy from you, Editorial
Ssnctums. Let your voices be heard from
North CsroIipa to Texas, and let your
great effort be to correct abuses, whether
found 10 the government or in individuals.
Let the pres, be free and independent u