, 1862-01-03
The Old Year.

The Old Year,
It is well at times to take a glance at the
past, to sum up its history briefly, and see
--Lae = lee ~..t~;lel -o.Pon us. The treUros-
pect at this time, is painful one, and fur
nishes more cause for sorrow than for Joy.
The year that has just closed, has been one
of intense interest to the American people,
and fraught with consequences of more than
ordinary occurrence. During the year, the
hopes and prospects of great people,
which at its commencement were bright and
glittering, have been trembling in most
fearful balance. At times, we have seen
the good old Ship of State struggling
against fearful chances, and through the eye
of faith and hope alone, outriding the an
CRY waves that have dashed against her.
The crucible by which the perpetuity of our
institutions and the maintenance of our
once happy prospects and hopes, have been
tried, is a most severe one. A resort TO
arms against a foreign foe, is always dread
fui necessity; but when the opposing ar
snies are inheritors and brothers of one
common country, and in many instances
connected by ties of consanguinity-th ho-
liest and most sacred known to the human
family-then indeed the conflict assumes a
most terrible aspect. In the tented field,
the father has striven against the son, and
the son against the father. Friends, con-
nections and acquaintances, have opposed
each other in deadly conflict, and have fall
en-. Hence, we allege that the old year
has witnessed the most intense and deplora-
bic struggle between man and man, ipvolv-
ing the most direful consequences and the
most unnatural opposition, Of any stretch
irg far back in the line of its predecessors
Bat whatever unfortunate causes contribu-
ted to incite such a struggle, and however
lamentable and humiliating to the nation
on the part of the Federal government it
has been noble struggle. The first gun
fred upon the defenseless walls of Sumter,
inaugurated the drama of blood, and put to
flight the last vestige of hope before that
entertained by good men and true in all
parts of the country, that actual war might
be avoided and the differences settled by
peaceful means. That action demonstrated
momentous crisis in the old years histo-
ry; and its scenes, together with the heroic
defense of the fort by the gallant Anderson
and his brave command, will in all future
ages commemorate a most thrilling era in
American history. 1t was the forerunner
of decisive events Immediately to follow.
1t sent thrill of enthusiasm and decision
through the great popular heart, and nerved
it to deeds of daring heroism in behalf of
the old flag, as with one accord and loud
acclaim, the masses signifed their undying
devotion to the Union, and their readiness
to do battle in its defense. And when the
tocsin of war was sounded, forgetting and
casting aside party differences and opinions,
remembering only that their country called
them to action, they nobly and unhesita-
tingly came forward and placed their offer
ings and services upon its altar. We doubt
if the chronicles of military valors of success
and promptness in raising an almost num-
berless army, of readiness in furnishing the
sinews of battle-will show another instance
like that of our own during the past twelve
month, however far back in the pages of
ancient history the search may extend. 1t
is true, there are instances of triumphal
marches, of grand and signal victories, of
stately renown. We cannot boast of these.
They are generally results from experienced
and sagacious leadership, rather than the
effectiveness of an army otherwise. 1t is
true that our army mas met with defeat here
and there,- and the causes which led to it
have been generally we'll defined. They
certainly were not induced through the
cowardice or ineficiency of soldiers in the
ranks, nor from want of an adequate num-
Der of men to meet the foe, had they been
wisely distributed. The discriminating
judgment of the people has attributed these
causes to their proper sources-here let
them rest.
Although the battles for the supremacy
Of the Constitution and the Union have been
6ercely waged--oftentimes against great