Indiana State sentinel. (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1861-1865, 1862-11-17


Indiana has at this time nearly one hundred
thousand of her sons in the field enduring the
hardships and privations incident 10 the life Of
soldiers. They have gone forth at the call of
their country to defend with their lives the Con-
stitution and Government under which We live.
Thousands Of these brave and patriotic men
have left behind them families with temporary
provision only for their support. In many cases
these families, during the approaching winter, will
be in need of the ordinary comforts and necessa-
ries of life and destitute of the means of pro-
curing them. Many Of them are too spirited 10
ask for assistance; Others, unless some system is
adopted for their relief, will not know where TO
apply.
The soldiers pay is often long delayed; his
own necessities require portion of il. and the
remainder is frequently greatly delayed ID being
transmitted to his family 1t requires no argu-
ment to prove that, even if he sends all bis
money home, one hundred and ffty-sx dollars a
year is very scanty support for family, es-
pecially at this season of high prices. In many
places business of all kinds is so much Frustrated
that those who can and are willing 10 labor are
unable to find employment. Everything bears a
high price, and everything is CASH.
The truth Of what has been stated must be APP
parent to every one, and il remains with 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 perils Of the battle field,
his wife and children, and all who are dependent
on him, are made comfortable at home; and es-
pecially that bis children provided with books
and affor led opportunity TO attend school. This
is not charity but a sacred obligation which
should be met promptly and willingly, and the re-
cipients should be made to feel that they are not
objects of charity, and that what they receive is
but the partial discharge of debt of the most
binding character
1t may be urged by many that they have al
ready given largely and sacrificed heavily for these
benevolent objects, and hence they ought to be
excused from further drafts. Ii may be asked,
in reply, what are these sacrifices compared with
the sacrifices of families who have given their
natural supporters and protectors to the cause of
their countryf What is the sacrifice of the man
living comfortably at home, even though be give
half his income, TO that of the man who has left
his family and home and gone to the fedl
The land is full of wealth, the harvest has
been bountful, and there can be no reasonable
excuse for allowing the needy to suffer in a coun-
try like this
| would therefore, respectfully and earnestly
request, that in every township, in every town,
and in every ward Of the several cities in the
State, some systematic plan, by means of regu-
larry organized committees or Auxiliary Aid So
cieties. be at once adopted for relief
To Ministers Of the Gospel / would saw, no
nobler work that this cali engage the time you
may have at your disposal. Much can be done
by appeals from the pulpit and by personal eff
forts with the people; by visiting the families Of
soldiers ascertaining their wants and seeing that
they are regularly supplied.
The Township Trustees in the several coun-
ties, on account of their familiarity with local az
fairs will be able to render great assistance in the
humane work by giving portion of their time
and efforts to the relief of the needy and dis
| tressed
In all measures Of relief which may be adopted
] must respectfully and confidently bespeak the
hearty aid and cooperation of the noble women
OF Indiana. Actuated by the purest patriotism
and always foremost in deeds of love and mercy 1,
they may here End an extensive field for the ex-
ercise of many kindly Offices to the advantage and
comfort Of the distressed: their words Of encour-
agement will cheer the hearts of the dropping
and dlsconsolate, and their example will lead
Others TO undertake the same good work
o. p. MoRroN.
Governor of Indiana.
Executive Department, indianapolis Ia. 1862.
Papers throughout the State are requested TO