Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1863-02-13
WEDNESDAY,, Feb. 4.

The Sabbath ~ the Army and Navy.
At "a meeting, on Sunday evening last, com
posed Of christians Of all denominations,
members Of Congress, and officers Of the
army and navy, the observance Of the Sab
bath was the special subject Of consideration.
The most remarkable speech was by Gen.
Casey, who is in command Of the forces re-
served for the defense Of Washington. The
IdeUigencer says;
"The brief and soldier-like speech ofGen CAssY-he
fret perhaps be ever madevl never be forgotten by
those who heard IT, lie alluded to his experience u
thiTtysx years of military service and testified that the
result OF that long period Of observation and service was
in favor Of thorough observance Of the sab6ah IN the
army, sanitary aud dicipnary power. His appeal
for the preservation Of the American Sabbath most
touching "Our wealth may be swept away in this ter
rble war, said the veteran. but can be recovered
Our young men may be cut down IN battle but ohers VIII
grow ups but we lose American Sab ath, II can
never be restored, and all lost
Thus is the order Of the President on this
subject seconded by prominent men here.
Have not christians every where duty to
perform; Nay, more than one duty Let
the claims of the Sabbath be remembered IN
every letter from home to soldier. Why
should they not, tor their own good, be re-
minded constantly Of the privileges afforded
by the Sabbath, even in camp, for the servi-
ces Of the chaplain-ior studying the Bible
and reading good books-for meditation up
on the sublimesi themes that can occupy the
mind-and for prayer. Would that every
soldier was man of prayer, accustomed to
daily reverence Of God, and reliance upon His
infinite mercy and almighty power. What
bravery, what confidence, what cheerfulness
under every trial, would an army Of such
solliers have ! believe they would be in
vincible. Aud how much stronger would be
our confidence, how cheering our hopes for
the salvation Of our country, If both soldiers
and people were in the constant habit OF
seeking and believing in the Divine protec-
tion why should it not be sos Why
should not recognize the power of God
in all the past history of our country, and
thus gather confidence for His favor in the fu-
ture Why should any man, unless he be-
lieves there is no God, hesitate or delay for a
single moment in invoking His aid in this
time OF national calamity, We feel that
statesmen and generals are unequal to the
tasks imposed upon them-that their grasp
is not large enough, their strength inadequate,
their wisdom insufficient. Let us look to Him
who is sufficient for these things, and for all
things; and let us do it with firm belief
that He is in fact but executing His own
righteous and mercful purposes and will not
withhold His blessing from those who are
submissive to His will. We may not see
hotD we are to be rescued from these calami-
ties-hoi0 they arc TO be converted into bes-
sings but, believing in the Divine power and
goodness, we may beth pray and believe that
He will do it. Christianity and patriotism
should draw us to the feet of God-in sor-
row, in humility. in submission, but also in
abiding faith that the event shall be good.
Conyressional- Menieo--Baukruptcy
The Senate yesterday passed the Post or
fee appropriation bill. and also the bill for a
Solicitor in the War Department and an As
sistant Register in the Treasury Department
The latter is for the relief of Register Chitten-
den. An interesting debate occurred on
the resolution of Mr.. McDougall, calling
for CORES pondence on Mexican affairs. Mr..
Sumner moved to table lost, 30 to l6-a
defeat to the committee on foreign affairs,
and probably to Secretary Seward. The Sem
ate wants the facts and it is high time, since
the Emperor of France has avowed that his
policy in Mexico is anti Uaited States. Nc
/ Dougall denounced the course of France in
Mexico as violative of International law /;
said she wanted Mexico, Texas and Central
America as a cotton country, and then could
take California--all to be under an Austrian
prince on a Mexican throne. He was for the
Monroe policy, excluding Europe from Amer
ica-would issue letters of marque and repr-
sal-and believed we can whip France and
stop the rebellion easier than we can do the
latter without war with France. In short, he
thought foreign war would bring the North
and South together again
Mr.. Sumner dissented entirely. War with
France will give the South a powerful ally
and ensure foreign Intervention. He would
not question the friendship of France and
as to arr, sting European interference in A
merica, the surest and quickest way is to stop
the rebellion. With peace and Union here,
the entire American continent will peacefully
fall under American institutions. He re-
newed the motion to table the resolution
that is the pending question.
The House tabled the Bankrupt bill, go to
SO and then tabled a motion to reconsider
that yute, 6s to 81. This kills the House
bill. The Senate has bill before it. Tho
canal bill was recommtted to the committee
on military affairs, Ga to 65.
Collectors and assessors Of Internal Idres.
The Senate has confirmed these officers fol
all of the loyal states The officers for Yer
mont are
Coilectors-lst Dist. Joseph Polar d, Montpelier,
ID Geo A. Merrill, ST. Johnsbury
30 Carlos Baxter, Burlington.
; Assessors list Dist VIM. c. Kuredge, FarhAyen.
I'd Thos H. Powers. Woodstock,
, "a Henry Adams Abursh srr