Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1863-12-08
A JUDGE On PUBLIC AFFAIRS.

Judge Cochran, of Alabama, who lately re-
ceived several votes for Confederate States Sen
ator in the Legislature of that State, made the
delivering the usual charge to the Grand Jury al
a recent term of the court in his circuit:
He insisted that it the duty Of all at home
toprovids for the wants the soldiers in the field
Aad his family left behind. Compared the lnan
at home who wilfui;y or through neglect did
aot produce the greatest amount possible Of nee
essary Supplies for tae army TO the deserter OF
his coGntry's flag ln order that battles may
DC fought successfully, IL is necessary for every
solder 10 be found at his post; cut not more
necessary than that every one at home be found
n the discharge OF his dnty i'll providing Tor The
subsistence OF those WHO igtt our pattlas The
hope of oar enemies North and in foreign coun-
rles -, that they may finally starve US into sub
lection bnt this can never be done unless we
prove recreate to the trust committed to Us.
tie spoke OF those who SO despondIng at
times that they almost desire an end OF these
troubles oy reconstruction. He referred to the
revolt Of the Jews Ia the land of Egypt, WHO,
when Pharoah came upon them, reproacted Mo-
ses, their leader, and asked, s.were there gray
N EgyPt that thou hast brought as out to per-
ish In the wilderness ~ Ana again, when Moses
assembled Mt. Sinai, and was hid from them in
the cloud, because they could not see him and
understand what he was doing, they despaired
and turned aside to idolatry.
Thas nave some OF our people. when things
seemed adverse, or when they could not under
stand the movements of our government and
our generals, said, why have you brought US out
OF the Union TO perish z But the Red Sea was
opened for the passage for the sws and at length
Moses descended from tie clouds with the law.
DIS an assurance of the favor OF their God, aud
the clouds AMI darF ness whore our Moses lands
al 10 hf,f q f,.f Stl, he Ita
presence of the God who gave this loved land
10 our fathers, and will give ii to their children
IT they lrove worthy OF such goodsy heritage.
What is reconstruction Is,t 10 return to the
Union on terms OF equality Our enmles have
this question in the negative 1t Is to
become subject to Yankee despotism! To
be stripped Of every arm thtt might be used IN
self-defence! 1t is worse than death.
Suhjugation is far preferable for TO be sno-
Jugated IS to sieep side by side with the honored
who have freely poured out tnelr blood
IN defence of our civil and religious liberty, whllo
reconstruction is TO turn our backs upon them
and give our sons to fight the battles ct our en-
emles. III sabjugated, RISING generations viii
point to this Southern land and say, there once
lived race that became extinct IN defence OF
heir liberties, and their oble acts OF daring and
their powers OF endurance in that sacred Cause
reflects all honor upon ii EN-, and MAKES tnem
worthy OF the imitation OF all who boast OF viF'ue
and manhood. II peace come rs reconstrnc. ION,
our pos'eiity will be pointed az as the cniidren
IF towards and slaves, who sold their birthr shs
for few years OF quiet, which they were not per-
ntted to enjoy.
But there's 10 ground for dependency ! no
reason to fear snbjugation. If We ell do our duty
ike men, the G. d Of nations viii make bare lis
arm in the presence OF our enemies, and give us
peace coupled with Liberty, gained under His
blessing by our own strong arms aud brave