Weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1858-1865, 1862-11-19
PREPARE FOR THE FINAL STRUGGLE.

The immense preparations which the North is
making for the next campaign should admonish the
Confederate Government to make ready for what
we are inclined to believe will be the death srug-
gle of the monster despotism. The forces author
lied to be raised under the last Conscrpt should
be organized without delay, and prepared to tukc
the field at the instant their services required
Happily it does not require any previous training
to teach Southern soldiers the of the gun. But
organization and discipline are essential as we'll rs
courage and familiarity with weapons, and these
the new evies shoud'be put in a position to- ac-
qure even If they are not at once called to the field
desperate effort may be made this fall 70 assail
the Capital it certainly will be in the spring. We
have the most unbounded confidence in the valor of
our people, but without prompt and thorough
ganization, courage and patriotism will be but the
strength of the blind Samson.
The government has great and solemn duty tn
perform in developing the military power of the
country for the tremendous emergency that is at
hand. Blu. this duty is not confined alone to rais-
ing new troops; 1T is also and most einphatically
in providing for their health and comSrt when they
are raised. Five times many men de from dis.
ease in camp as from the slaughter OF the battle
field. The enemy outnumbers us in men four TO
one, and has the world to draw upon we'll as his
own teeming population, for the supply of his
ranks. lie can better afford to lose four thousand
than We one thousand We ought to make up
the deficiency, not alone by our superior military
aptitudes, but by taking the most systematic and
intelligent measures for the preservation Of the
health Of the troops already raise and those about
to be brought into the field This subject should
form the study of or authorities day and night.
A single instance of the neglect of officials or Of
mismanagemcnt, endangering the life Of one sol-
tary private ought to be visited with al the penal
ties of treason. No punishment is too severe for
conduct which weakeus in the slightest degree the
military strength of the country. We need tho
services of every man, of every one; and those
officers whose duty it is to provide for the protec.
ton of the soldiers from unnecessary exposure,
should be held to the most rigid accountability
We must exercise the very strictest economy in
resources of men as well as means, or the most dis
astrous results may be apprehended.
Another measure of preparation for the spring
campaign is the immediate construction abroad Of
Navy, no matter at what expense. which will
break the present blockade of our ports, and open
them one and all to the commerce of the world.
This can be done by spring. if we at set about
the work. With a powerful aect OF iron. .clads
manned by brave and experienced sealnen, we can
annhlate the Yankee fleets in our waters and give
egress to the rich products of our soil. The sea-
men can be had from our own country and Europe
and we have officers who have already given proof
that they have no superiors in their profession in
the world. Let the South have Navy by the
spring. and not only will the Southern ports he
opened, but laurels will be gained upon the sea rs
brilliant as those which have been gathered upon
the land.