The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1863-12-12

lively tDlnK OF nun VINO TuleS tile ele-
ments. But when the pledge of promise
sparkle through the turbulent clouds.
we bow in thankful acknowledg cement of
the welcome token.
This day crowds the mind with pain
full "reminiscences of the pas, pleasant
reflection Of the present, and exhilaratiug
hopes of the future. That the cause OF
the present national crisis should have
existed, is humiliating fact, and one
anticipae ed by the prophetic mind of
some of the best sta esmen of the country
from the time of its organization. They
saw in the organism of society, an ele-
ment, which if NOS judiciously controlled,
would some day attempt to bring the fair
temple Of Liberty beneath monstrous
structure, fraught with iuIquity and OPP
preston.
And as the preparation for this work
was gradually progressing, the disaster
Gus influence was stretching like death
pail over the country. The commercial
department, the press, secular and re-
ligious, the Legislative Halls, and nearly
every circle Of society, felt the IRON
tread of the dynasty, which for seventy
two years records only six non slave
holding Presidents of the United States.
Nor were any of these reelected, while
five of the Southern men were promoted
to a second term. Thus we see that,
calculating TO the close of Buchanan
term, Southern men and shareholders
have controlled the country a little over
torty-eight years. Added to this is the
consideration that the judicial districts
are SO organized, as to give five Judges
to the Supreme Court of the United
States, from the Slave States, and only
four from the Free States, although the
larger white population is in the latter.
1t was under these circumstances, and
scattered Navy, depleted Arsenas, and
exhausted Treasury ; and against the
influence of the Southern press, pul pits
and politicians, The present Adminislra-
ton commenced ITS career. 1t has had
to contend with the dupllcity, treacbery
and treason of purjured officials and the
influence of party jealousy. AT the
time of its Inauguration the country
was becoming sadly enervated. Our
Atlantic coast was almost entirely I'M
protected, and our squadron consisted
Of but ninety vessels, carrying only
seven thousand six hundred men, exclu-
sve of officers aud marines. Twenty
eight dismantled ships lay in our ports
awaiting repairs, but not dollar
had been expended upon them. The
c;hargy and want of enterprise which
have cursed the Gulf States for nearly
half century, were permeating the
springs of nationality, and Gripping the
energy of American vigor. Wealth,
not moral character, and honest industry,
was becoming the standard of respecta-
bility. The Nor hern laborers were
" mud stills, peddi,ng w'etches, small
change knapes," &C., while the planter,
though his esta'e were covered with
mortgages, was by virtue of his posi-
tion to command, Il gentleman. Of the
virtuous INDECENT whose consistency
compelled respect, the remark was made
-" lie is poor but honest" A remark
not very easily made of large portion
of Southern gentry. Howell Cobb,
Jacob Thompson, John B. Floyd, and
an host of others aiken as an example -
unless we admit that perjury, practical
amal gamatlOn and treason are standards
Of honesty.
A change of Administration was the
! only hope Of the country. 1t was ne
cessary to repenish the Treasury, to
improve the Navy, to inspire spirit of
enterprise. and to roll back the sea of
iniquity which was surgng over the land.
In it the voice of a loyal populace has
Constructed a rampant, against which
the pillows dash only to rebound ; and
we will not be surprised if ere long,
ike Pharaoh, the antocra 5 of Rebellion
perish in waters of their own seeking
They supposed the channel was open and
the waters in heaps on either side,
and lhat they could easily pursue ard
vanquish a nation whose Treasury was
robbed, whose ArsenaIs were stripped,
and whose Navy was scattered But
having entered they find the torrent
rushing down upon them, and the circle
ing eddes tell where the monsters are
struggling in death. Already the rod
is outstrc ched, and the voice of Pro"i-
dcnce descended upon the pillar Of cloud
and of fire, bidding us go torWard."
The work is not comp etc. America has
yet 10 learn vital lesson, and having
refused to learn it from The moral and
religious influences of The pas, she mus.
be educated to it by the force of circum
stances. The war therefore viii not,
cannot op, uutil the country to its u
most extremites learn the will Of Prov
dence, and Earmonize in the purpose of
the Supreme Ruler of nations. Ele-
ments already visible IN Southern socie y,
as we'll as he recent elections in the 10y.
al States, indieae that this lesson is
being rapidly learned. Let us then wait
patiently for the end Of our troubles and
thankfully hail the dawn of day.
Much might be said of the success of
our arms. Even while mourning the loss
Of many nobe men, We may rejoice that
more than half of the original territory
aimed by The trai ors has been recov-
cred that the igyasions of the loyal
Sta'es by a menacing foe has been again
and again repealed that the authority
of the Government has been maintained
in the enforcement of the draf =, and its