Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1863-04-17

distances are so great the condition OF the roads has
been SO bad during the Ave months Of winter
weather through which we have just passed, and
the attempts Of grovelng spectators to forestall
the market and make money out OF the lfe-olood
OF our defenders have so much influenced the with
rawal from sale of the surplus in the hands of the
producers that the government has been unable to
gather full supplies. The Secretary of War has
prepared plan, which is appended to this address,
by the aid OF which, or similar means to be
adopted by yourselves, you assist the officers OF
the government IN the purchase OF the bacon, the
pork and the beef knoYn to exist in large guam
titles in different parts OF the country Even if the
surplus be less than is believed, is It not bitter
and huniiiating reflection that those who remain at
home, secure from the hardship and protected IRON
danger, should be in the enjoyment OF abundance,
and that their slaves also should have iul! supply
of food while their sons, brothers, husbands and
fathers are stinted in the rations on which their
health and efficiency depend?
Enter tanning no fear that you will either mscon-
srue the motives of this address, fail to respond
to the call of patriotism, have placed the facts
fully and frankly before you. Let US all unite IN
the performance Of our duty each in his sphere;
and with concerted, persistent and we'll directed
effort there seems little reason to doubt that under
the blesSings'Cf Him to whom We look for guidance,
and who has been to shield and strength, we
shall maintain the sovereignty and independence oil
these Confederate States and transmit to our pos
tsrty the heritage bequeathed to us 6y our iatners
(Sgned) JEFFERSON DAVIS.
EIecuttce Office, Richmond, April 10, '6S.
PLAN SUGGESTED BY THE SECRETARY OF WAR.
|. Let tue people in each county, parish or ward,
select at public meeting as early as convenient
Committee Of three discreet citizens, charged
with TIE duties hereinafter mentioned.
H. Let it he the duty Of this committee to ascer-
tain from each citizen in the county or parish what
amount Of surplus meat whether bacon, pork or
beef he spare for the Of the army, after re-
serving supply for his family and those dependent
on him for food.
Let this committee Ak price which is deemed
by them a just compensation for the articles fur
nished and inform the citizens what this price is
SO that each may know, before delivery, what price
Is to be paid for the articles furnished.
Let this committee make arrangements for the
transportation OF the supplies to some convenient
depot after consultation with the officer who is to
receive them.
Let the committee make delivery of the supplies
on receiving payment Of the price, and assume the
duty of paying it over to the citizens who have fur
n.shcd the supplies.
Ill Where the duty of the committee is per-
formed in any town or city at which there may be
a qnartermas,er or commiSSary, no further duty
need b: required Of them than to deliver TO the
officer list Of names OF the citizens and of the sup
Plies which each is ready to furnish and the price
fixed; whcreupon the officer will himself gather
;he supplies and make payment
II. Where the supplies are furnished in the
country the cost Of transportation to the depot will
DC pad by the government in addition TO the price
fixed by the committee.
Y. As this appeal is made to the people for the
benefit oil brave defenders now in the army, the
Department relies with confidence on the patriotism
OF the people, that more than just compensation
would be fixed by the committees, nor accepted by
those whose chief motive will be aid their coun-
try, ard not TO make undue gains out Of the needs
Of our nUb!c soldiers.
JAMES 4. SELDOM,
Secretary of War.