Marshall County Republican. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1856-1878, 1862-11-20
To the People lfths State of Indiana

~
Indiana has al this time nearly one hnn-
dred thousand o her ,ions in the field en-.
during hardshipssnd prvations incident to
the life Of soldies. They have gone forth
at the call Of thir country to defend with
their lives the Constitution and Govern
ment under which we live. Thousands of
these brave and ntriotic men have lett be-
hind them families, with temporary pro-
vision only for heir support. In many
cases these familis, during the approach of
winter, will be il need Of ordinary COM
folts and necessities of life, and destitute
of the means Of procuring. hem. Many of
them ale too spirtel to 80 for assistance
Others. unless some syetem is adopted
for their relief, will not XIV where to ap.
ply. The soldN's pay is of,en long de-
layed, his own necessities require a portion
Of it, and the remainder is frequently great
ly delayed in Icing transmitted to his
family. 1t requires no argument to prove
that. even If he sends all his money home.
one hundred and fifty six dollars year is
very scanty support for family, espe-
cially at this season of high prices. In
many places buiiness Of all kinds is so
much Frustrated that those who can and
are willing to labor are unable to find en-
ployment. Everything bears high price
and everything IS cash.
The truth of what has been stated must
be apparent tc every one. and it remains
to the patriotic and liberal citizens of the
State to apply the proper remedy. 1t is
their solemn duty to see that the needy
are cared for; that. while the soldier is
Drawing the dangers of the battle field, his
wife AMI children and all who are depend
ent on him are made comfortable at home:
and especially that his children are provi-
ded with books and afforded opportunity
to attend school. This is not charity--but
sacred obligation, which should be met
promptly. and willingly. and the recipients
should be made TO feel that they are not
objects OF charity. and that what they re-
ceive is but the partial discharge of debt
of the most binding character.
1t may be urged by many that they have
already given largely and sacrificed heavi
lY for these benevolent objects, and hence
that they ought to be excused from further
drafts. 1t may be asked, in reply, what
are these sacrifices compared with the sac
ri6ccs of families who have given their
natural supporters and protectors to the
cause of their country? Whst is the
sacrifice of the man living comfortably at
home, even though he give half his income.
to that of the man who has left his family
and home and gone to the field?
The land is full. If wealth, the harvest
has been bountiful. and there can be no
reasonable excuse for allowing the needy
to suffer.
i would therefofe respectfully and ear
nestly request. that in every township. in
every town, and in every ward in the sew
eral cities Of this State, some systematic
plan, by means Of regularlys organized
committees or auNiliary Aid Societies, be
at once adopted f5f relief.
TO Ministers of thaG hpel I would say.
mo nobler work thu ean engage the
time you may have Al m DISPOSAL
Much can be done by appeals from the
pulpit and by personal efforts with the peo-
pie; by visiting the families Of soldiers. as
certaining their wants, and seeing that they
are regularly supplied.
The Township Trustees IN the several
counties. on account of their familiarity
with local affairs, will be able to render
great assistance in the humane work, by
giving a portion of their time and efforts to
the relief of the needy and destitute.
In all measures OF relief which may be
adopted | most respectfully ana confident
ly bespeak the hearty AID and cooperation
of the noble women of Indiana. Aetna
ted by the purest patriotism. and always
foremost in deeds of love and mercy. they
may here find an extensive field for the ex-
ercise Of many kindly offices to the advan-
tage and comfort of the distressed; their
words of encouragement will cheer the
hearts of the dropping and disconsolate.
and their example will lead lead others to
undertake the same COOL work.
Gov. o. P. NORTON.