The independent. [volume] (Oskaloosa, Kan.) 1860-1874, 1862-09-13
For the Independent.
Volunteering"

independent We noticeo an artcle eX-
pressing the views and feelings Of "a
Lady," on the above subject.
As ladies as well as gentlemen occa-
sionally differ in opinion. we humbly
ask your permission to express our SEN
timents in the same manner. We honor
the lady's patriotism and zeal, but think
that she has not chosen the plan by
which she can serve her country to the
greatest advantage.
We. as class, are as deeply interest
ed in the present struggle between ligh,
aud darkness as our fathers and broth
ers; and it is as much our duty to rorI
with such means as are within our
reach. for the triumph Of truth. as il is
theirs TO fight for it. In this re>pect
the ladies Of Kansas l grieve to say ~
have not discharged their duty. Wnie
the men of Kansas have responded
more nobly to their country's call, than
those Of any other state. the ladies Of
Kansas are out done BY those of erery
other state. Not that they are unwiIl
ing to send their husbands and sons to
suffer and die at the hands of traitors,
for We hear them urging them away /;
but they do seem unwilling to make
personal efforts even for the relief of
those already in the field. Why is it
that We have not Soldiers Aid Society
in every village and settlement? These
societies in other states are doing much
10 alleviate the sufferings Of our army
and we have none. Yet we hear a lady
ridiculing the few who remain al home.
preierring to serve their country by
carrying on the business necessary 70
support the government. than BY guard
ing secession corn6elds, and branding
them with the epithets Of cowards.-
Why does she not direct her artillery
Of words at the ladies, and accuse them
of selfshness 1t is necessary that
some one should remain at home to
labor for the means to support he
army already in the field.
But. she says. "that the ladies can do
most Of the business Mat must be done, u
tie men scM go to the ,car." Very well;
but where are the proofs =? What
guarantee can we afford them that they
will not be left to starve and our cause
fail for lack of means :? At present.
none. Let us first demonstrate our
! willingness and ability to work for the
union. and then, they having confidence
in the same. will gladly take up arms
against the foe. and fight with greater
zeal and increased courage. that those
whose lives and happiness they fight
for are nnsel6shly striving for the ac-
complishment Of the same end. We
think there are few towards in Kansas.
If there are any. for the sake Of the
nation don't send them into the army.
They will harm our cause more there
than they can here. We want none IN
our state troops but brave men and
true ones. Kansas does not want 20
be disgraced by an army Of towards.
However. should all persons Of that
denomination be mustered into the Ser
vice, we incline to the opinion that there
would be brigade or taco Of ladies'
How many of US could watch the s'l'"
messengers of death as they transform
the animate bodies of our friends and
companions into CHASTITY heaps Of imam
innate clay. and not faims How man.
of us could aim the weapon Of desiruc-
lion. even at our bit,erest enemy. and
not quake? But, some one says. "this
is not our duty" True enough; bu,
how many OF US dare lay aside our en-
bro:dery and 80 to weaving-doff our
comfortable apparrell-the fruit OF rebel
soil-and don a homely, comiortless
suit Of our own manufacture or even
.yeed tile pigs and cut store-'oood." thus
earning and saving the money which
our army already needs and '0h'eA Il
ouohf to hares How many Of us dsie
wear our last years bonne's without
redressing. lest some one should pro-
nc unce it "shabby" Or Gin bad t"sse'
thus throwing in our mite to the general
fund. which is to be paid back TO us in
the preservation of our homes and the