The south-western. [volume] (Shreveport, La.) 1852-1870, 1863-09-02
Then and Now.

Scarcely two years have elapsed since the IN
clpiency of the war in which we are engaged
and, yet, what a change! All was then but one
continued huzza for the men who were daily
leaving their homes to fight their country's bat
ties; the most sacred promises that care should
be taken of the helpless who remained behind
were made. Then, articles Of necessity were
purchased for a mere figure, and were accessible
to the poor and rich alike then, we had no de-
preciated currency, no ukewarm patriots, whose
hopes or fears rose or fell with the tide of victory
or defeat as the case might be-no disgusting
croakers ready at all times to make the worst of
our country's misfortunes. All were alike ami
mated by the same spirit, and that was resistance
to the death, at whatever sacrifice, should be
made to the despotS of the north.
| What a spectacle is presented to-day! The
patriot has forsaken his divinity and kneelS at
the unholy shrine of Mammon-the philanthropist
of 1861 has become the speculator Of 1868!
The mania for getting rich has infested every
household, and it seems to be the thought of
one, on retiring at night, how much he can make
oft his neighbor in the morning. In the all
sorbing discussion on the probable rise in prices
consequent upon the monopoly of certain ar
ticle by Mr.. I. or Mr.. s., there is no room for
thought of the poor soldier; and war-worn vet
eran on his return home after heightened
campaign meets with a faint welcome: the gaping
crowd for moment gather round, ''learn the
news, 60 off and forget that such being exists
or that they have been exalted by shaking hands
with one of Lee or Pemberton's heroes.
Every body is getting rich. The pauper of
Yesterday becomes the millionaire of to-day, no
matter how or in what manner-let it be the
wOrSt-the turpitude of the means may be for |
gotten in the magnihcence of the ends 1t /
matters not whether be is rearing his monument
of wealth upon the ruins of his country's liberty, |
as charity is said to cover multitude of sins, so
money is known to hide allimperfections of per-
son or character Had the elder Scipio lived in |
the nineteenth century, he never would have
said that mature knew no love superior to the
love of country" In our own day, with ma
jority Of people, the love of country, has been
by the love of shinplasters.
Is there no remedy for the terrible evil? No
panccea to relieve the country from this terrible
malady? No means by which the fabulous prices
now asked for articles of consumption may be
reduced? 1t is impossible for matters to proceed
thus much longer. While the Spectator and
is amassing millions, the wives and
children of those Who amid the rigor of camp
life and the carnage OF the battlefield, are
achieving for their country imperishable renown,
IRE ekeing out miserable existence on the pitt
sul sum of ten dollors which State legislature
las decreed should be doled out to the head of
each family, monthly 1t is sad to contemplate
he condition of those whose protectors are in
he army. Few, and very few, there are who
i've upon half the subsistence. necessary to the
proper sustenance of life. Something must be
lone al once, if not by the State authorities, by
private contributions. Humanity demands it
Natchtoches Union.