Weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1858-1865, 1862-04-16
WATCH, AS WELL AS FIGHT.

For the Standard.
WATCH, AS WELL AS FIGHT.
Ma. EDITOR: The skilful mariner when at sea be-
set by storms and driven by fierce winds, not only
avais himself of all his skill and tact to guide his
vessel safely through the pillows that threaten her.
ard bring her safely to port, but he carefully
watches the effect of the measures taken to secure
the desired end, in order to discover whether he
has acted amiss, or left anything undone. 1t is
thus that experienced statesmen in times of danger
watch the effect Of enacted for the benefit
Of the State, in order to discover whether the meas.
ures taken the best tina: could haze been devils
ed-whether something has not been done which
ought to Eave been left undone or something omit
ted which essential to the safe guidance of the
ship Of State through the tempestuous sea that
rounds her.
With view to suggest this spirit of enquiry and
watchfulness allow me to ask what is the present
tendency of some of the measures of our Confed
crate Government and, under the guidance of the
pilots at the helm, how are we drifting? Is our
helm aport or We tossed in the rough troughs
far gu, at sea? Are VIC laboring with skill and EN-
ergy to the vessel and her cargo or are we al
ready casting overheard oil the valuable lives and
treasures We have aboard. with the vain hope of
bringing only the empty hull into haven of safety?
very much fear that, to steer clear Of the rock in
the distance, we in danger of running upon the
quicksands, Just at our prov. While We are Strain
ing every t. meet aud avert the dangers of q
foreign invasion, should we not guard against unne
ccssary and dangerous usurpation at home? While
it is our imperative duty to use all our best
ges to overcome our outward foe, let us not be sub
dued by an inward foe. If We are to give up the
substance Of liberty at home in order to secure her
semblance abroad, We had better never have ensas
cd in this great struggle.
But what measures Of government are referred
to? In this article shall take the liberty of call
ing attention to but three. alude to the frequent
and extensive procllma,iuns OF martial law and
consequent suspension Of all civil authority, 10 the
proposed CONSUMPTION and to the orders for impress
ing private arms
That the existence Of martial law in time of war
PAL ticular districts may sometimes be necessa
~ to the public god is admitted, but that it ought
never to be resorcd to, unless the evS'to be RENE
died are greater than the evils entaled by its intro
due is equally clear. The existence OF martial law
not only suspends the writ of HtLeas Corpus which
Mr. Jetfersoo thought ought never to be suspended
for any cause and ight to which is justly esteem
I'd the greatest safeguard against tyranny aud op-
preston. but it SuspendS all civil wrts, and the
thority Of all civil magistrates whatever Under
martial law any citizen of the Confederacy where it
exists may he arrested and indefinitely imprisoned
upon any cause or no cause. without bail or main
PRISE, and may be tried and punished either capt.
tally or otherwise without law and with no author
ity but court martial aud no rule but the con-
science OF its members. 1t is manifest that such
great evils ought not to be introduced into coun
try unless under circumstances of the most urgent
necessity.
will not say that the necessity has existed no
where IN the Confederacy for the establishment of
martial law but has the necessity been as extensive
as the establishment? Were the evils to be rene
died greater than those introduced and liable to be
introduced by til. renedy3 If cities and towns
chiefly occupied by the military, .yd which it was
necessary to put in state If military defence,
ouired the introduction Of this arbitrary species of
government did the same reasons exist for extend
ing it over whole districts and sections of the State
Because it is found necessary to enforce such rigid
discipline upon the army and those connected with
it Or in its immediate vicinity, does it follow that
peaceful and quiet citizens engaged in farming and
other useful occupations should be subjected to the
same rigid disciplined Made continually liable to
arrests without warrant, and only at the dictaton
of irresponsible, and often incompetent and rash
military leaders? Is not such course calculated
to cripple the energies and industry of the very
people upon whom depends, in a great degree, the
maintenance of the army? do not say that under
the sembance of military necessity very great
abuses have been inaugurated, but 1 ask is there
not danger that there will be? If the course Of
events remains unchecked by wholesome legislation,
is it not probable that Sy gradual and imperceptble
degrees the whole civil authority will become DOW.
erless and the people Of this Conederacy will know
no rule of conduct or safety but the temporary and
uncertain edcts which enanate from military lead
ers and drum.head courtsmartial?
Now, as to the proposed CONSUMPTION. it is per-
haps sufficient to say that it at utter variance
with the genius Of our government and the spirit of
our people 1t contains the germ of European des-
potism. Itproposes to coerce the people to- do that
which they arc ready to do willingly. 1t is an un.
warranted resort to tho arbitrary power Of the gov
I ernment-not from necessity, but from choice. l
!. know Mr. Wigfal says the system Of volunteering
is failure, but this is not the only instance where
in Mr. Wighll Is not sustained in his premises by
the proof Wherein is volunteering failure, and
when did it fail? Is not voluntary service better
than involuntary service? Is not free will offer
ing upon the altar of ones country preferable to
forced sacrifices? What State has refused its quota
! of Confederate troops? know of none; but if
there be any, no argument is afforded thereby for
general system Of CONSUMPTION in those States which
!. DO no: refuse,
1 If general system Of CONSUMPTION by the Con.
edsrste Government is to prevail then what is to
becorae Of the boosted doctrine of States Rights
P" 1t the General Government is to reach its gsxptie