Weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1858-1865, 1862-11-05
For the Standard.

Mr. EDITOR Il wish to call the attention OF our
legislators and of the people generally, to the
sideration of subject in which we are all concerned.
1t is well known that Congress passed exemption
oct exempting certain persons therein named from
''nltary service;" and, among the rest, owners of
twenty negroes The question arises, why were the
owners of twenty negroes exempted from military
servicep' The object in view was undoubtedly Of a
twofold nature First as expressed in the act, to
secure the proper police of the country" and Sec
ondy, by securing said proper police" to enable
the owners of slaves to raise food for the sustenance
of those who are shielding their necks from the iron
hoof of Yankee despotism.
Notwithstanding the laudable designs of Congress
in exempting certain owners Of slaves from military
service, some planters will be found inconsiderate
enough lured by the high prices of tobacco to bend
their energies to its culture! Such ought not to be
the case. The Confederacy needs the aid and SYM
pathy of all her sons in the support of her armies
What want Mr.. Editor, IS for the State of North
Carolina to cooperate with the Confederate Con-
gress in its laudabe designs, by the passage of an
act prohibiting the culture of tobacco within her
limits during the continuance of the war. Such an
act, some may say would interfere with the rights
Of freemen. But, ought not the rights Of freemen
to be exercised nationally and consistently, not SUBJ
versve of the right of others If conscrpts are re-
quired by law, with no one to help them on their
farms, to leave their homes, their wives and little
ones, and enter the service, is it requiring too
much at the hands of exempts to do something for
their support and comfort while defending our in
situations?
1t is clearly the duty of legislators to egslate for
the good of the people. And if a set Of unfeeling
Mammonates, too sordid ever to be prompted by
feelings of patriotism, should be found persistenty
acting in manner subversive of the best interests
Of society," and of our countrys welfare some act of
legislative prohibition ought to knock the scales Of
filthy lucre" from their eyes and let them see the
grovelling lIttleness and meanness of their snus-
No set of GRIPPING vampires ought to be allowed the
privilege while we engaged in contest for civil
and religious liberty, of which they and their de-
scendants to be participants to feed and fatten,
erultingly, like buzzards, on the ruin and downfall
of those around them.
1t does seem to me that planters who are exempt
ed from military service-staying at home enjoying
the company of their wives and "prattling inno-
CENTS" might afford to raise food, at remnneratire
prices, for the sustenance of those who have left
their once cheerful firesides and pered llfe prop
erty, and everything in defence of their country
With what degree of spiri: can one in the service
nerve his arm fcr the conflict, when he knows and
feels that his neighbor, who is exempt because he
owns twenty slaves is raising tobacco at high prices
leaving his wife ard children naked and hungry
around him? But let him feel that his wife and
little ones have bread enough and to spare" he
can meet the foe with unfinching irmness, and un-
wagering attachment to his country, and feels like
if he falls in her defence that he will fall in defense
Of those who will mourn his loss and appreciate his
services by providing for the loved ones at home
In conclusion, must say this is no time to be
bending all Of ones energies to the culture Of the
filthy weed" leaving the wants of the country I'M
supplied The exigences Of the times demand
something at the hands of all who able to con-
tribute to the glorious cause in which we are en-
gagged And am clearly of opinion that it is wrong
to exempt unscrupulous curmudgeons from military
service, and turn them loose, unchecked, upon the
country, to 60 to and fro, like providing Evolves in
Sleeps clothing" with their Golfers filled with the
proceeds Of their high priced tobacco cheating the
wives and widows of those who have entered the
service of their country, out Of everything they can
to speculate upon at exorbitant prices.
An honest patriotic CITIZEN instead of endeavoring
to defraud the widows and orphans around him,
protects them by telling them what the true value
Of what they have for sale is.
But what ought to be said Of insidious vampires
| the descendants of race of whom it was once
said, rye are Of your father, the dcvil' Yea, Of
such as it was once said Of rye devour widows
! houses, and for pretence, make long prayers!'
TYRO.
Granville Co., Oct % 1862,