The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1863-03-18
importance of Planting Provisions
The Opinion of Congress.

In the Confederate Congrss. on Monday
Dir. Maxwell, of Fla, Introduced tho fol
loving preamble and resolutions:
whereas a strong impression prevail,
throughout the country that the war, now
oelng waged againstthe people of the Con
'eo'fate States, may terminate during the
present year and whereas this impression
Is leading many patriotic citizens TO sppape
largely in the production Of cotton and to
oa'co' which they would not otherwise do
aud whereas, in the opinion Of Congress. il
IL OF the utmost Importance, not only with
view to the proper subsistence Of our mr..
mics, but for tho interest and welnr. ot
MI The people, that the agricultural labor OF
The country should be employed chiefly in
''e production ofs supply OF food to meet
every contingency therefore,
Resoired by The Congress efMe Copfeder
d'e States @ America, That it is the d.Iib
crate Judgment Of Congress, that the pso
pie OF these States, ~hile-hoping for peace
'houid look to prolonged war, as the only
condition protisred by the enemy, Short of
subJugaiion that every preparation nec.s.
Sary TO encC unter such a wor. sbouId be
persisted in and tina, the, nmpl.s,, supply
o' provisions for armies aud people, should
oe The hrst obj'ct of all agriculturi,,s
wherefore, 1t is earnestly recommended
'hat The people, instead of plautipg r.,,op
ana tobacco, shall direct their agricultural
'aoor mainly 10 tho production of such
crops " viii ensure auIhciency Of food
Tor ali classes, and for every ,merp.pc,
'h'rooy with true patriotism, subordinsling
The hope of gain to the certain good Of tn.
country.
Reso!rsd, That the President is hereby
requested TO issue proclamation to The
people OF these States, urging upon them
The necessity of guarding against tn, grsa,
psflls OF short crop of provisions, and
setting forth such reasons therefor IA m,
Judgment may dictate.
Hr. Maxwell expressed the opinion that
those persons who expected the olive branch
OF peace would be offered to us by our en-.
eplss, were very much mistaken. FOREIGN
intervention may or may not come, but he
did not look for it. The Emperor of tb.
French may choose to stop where h. has
recently placed the question. In England
Earl Derby, who had been regarded as
inendIy to the South, had recently pre,eu.
ted some very lame reasons for a yerv de.
eided oPposItion'to the recognition Of the
Confederacy Look where we will and we ,ee
nothing to Justify our people in directing
their iabo.s to The production of any crops
except those required for condition of war
cruel, ruthless war. II wn. with IL view
oi 'mPre's'ng this fact upon the people that
he mad submitted these resolutions
MIR. l"ncy, OF Ala expressed his concur
renee in the remarks OF Mr.. Maxwell lie
hoped that the resolutions would b. pas.sJ
BY Nm undivided vote, and that the roll
would be called ia order tia, each may r.
cora MS vote. The enemy, this day. are
more hopeful Of success than thew were six
months ago and one Of the chief causes of
this re'i'ing hope is the condition of IN.
country, as they deem it, with reference to
provisions, and they are carrying on tho war
with that idea. IA they advance, they mr..
destroying agricultural impIe dents, burning
fences, barns, gin houses, crops, etc. Thi.
TACT Is significant as to one Of the means
they have for prosecuting the war.
In regard To our iorciru relations. Mr.
i"hcsY remarked that never ut any time
has there been as laue prospect of Great
b''ta'h e""iHg an, action towards recouni.
ton. Both the Opposition and Ministerial
parry entertain similar views upon tins qucs.
lion We ca" without recognition, and
we can prosecute Tho war ioa successful
termination without it. Mr.. Y. closed by
declaring that, IN his opinion, every acre Of
land should BIZ Gu .lvuted Tor provisions for
man and beast Thsre should b, no cot.
ton.
In Missouri, no one 10 now allowed to
plant unless he gives bond aud security TO
be legal 10 Lincoln, and those who do not
comply are banished. This war is now in
It's iu!l blaze, and Ne must rally all our en-.
erglss, display the utmost confidence in our
fuiers, and not stop to inquire whether this
is right or wrong in immeteisl matters
tie had full hope if the agriculturi.ts will
raise an ample supply Of provisions, that
before next autumn no foot print of Yam
kss Vandsl will be found in The land.
The question was then put on the adop
ton Of the preamble and resolutions, and
was decided in the sfiirmative-every Sen
stor voting ave, except Messrs Johnson, oil
Ga, and Peyion, Of No, who were absent.