Civilian & telegraph. [volume] (Cumberland, Md.) 1859-1875, 1864-11-24
THE DUTY OF RULERS AND PEOPLE IN
THE FUTURE CONDUCT OF THE WAR.

THE DUTY OF RULERS AND PEOPLE IN
THE FUTURE CONDUCT OF THE WAR.
For some time past the presidential election
election has been the all-absorbing question
with the people of the United States Recog-
nizing its overshadowing Importance every
thing else has to certain extent, been neg
lected, or, if not neglected, held in abey ance
awaiting the result. This is now o1er. The
great question has been settled, and It is ex-
peeted that earnest action will nov take place
The people nave pronounced in an unequivo-
cal manner for vigorous prosecution Of the
war to the FINAL suppression Of the rebellion
and the punishment Of the men who, from
motives Oh personal ambition. brought it on
This idea was the most prominent feature of
the canvass, and the decision having been
made in so .forciIlc manner it becomes the
fist dirty Of both rulers and people to bend
every energy to its speedy and eifectual ac-
complishm0t.
In order to do this it is necessary that those
wic have been chosen to administer the affairs
Of the government should be fully alive to the
responsibility Of their position, and be not only
SO themselves, but see we'll to it that all in
subordinate positions under them, from the
senior Major General commanding his corps,
to the humblest corporal in charge off guard,
are equally imbued with the same spirit.
That the rebellion has not long since been
suppressed and the supremacy Of the govern
ment established we believe may be attributed
to the fact that so many men have sought po-
stion, high military position, from almost any
other than patriotic motives. All these mat
tiers are under the control of the Executive
power Of the Government. and the people ex-
pect to have the right kind of men, Union-
loving, patriotic men, placed in every position
Again an extreme leniency on our part has
heretofore been one of the characteristics Of
the war. This may be all well enough when
the same feeling is manifested by our enemy.
but in view of the manner in which the rebels
have deliberately chosen to Acknowledging
and numbering, and, more horrible still.
starving. our brothers and neighbors and
friends who may be SO unfortunate as to fall
in their hands-it is certainly very ques-
tionable policy. 1t looks very much like
" casting pearls before swine" The people
expect different policy to be pursued here
after. To the merciful give mercy without
stint, to the cruel be as cruel as the grave.
There are various other matters to which
we might refer in this connection but We must
forbear at this time. All however may be
said in very few words. The rebellion is
to be crushed and the power Of the govern
ment re-cstablished in the rcbellous States.
Men have been chosen to administer the affairs
Of the government with this chief object in
view, and all the resources of the country in
men and money have been placed at their dis
posal that they may effect this result. The
people expect it to be done SPEEDILY, EcoNoM-
ycALLy and EfFgcTpALLY,
To accomplish all this there are also some
equally important duties devolving upon the
people. They should do every thing in their
power to strengthen the hands Of their rulers
by encouraging and faithfully carrying out
all measures that may be deemed necessary to
the purpose named, and not endearor to
weaken and break the force Of what may be
determined upon by factous opposition that
can do no good and may do much harm. Let
us conquer our enemies first and afterwards
settle any little disputes that may exist among
ourselves.
1t is necessary now. and may be again, to
reinforce and fill up our armies. If menc can
be had for this purpose by volunteering SO
much the better and every assistance should
be given in the way Of getting them in this
manner. They make better soldiers. Ifthis
fails however and draft becomes necessary
every one should periodically submit to his
fortune. If he is drawn he should 60. or
promptly obtain some one more suitable than
himself to 60 in his place, and not fritter away
the time of Provost Marshals and Boards Of
Enrolment with applications for exemption
on the most frivolous pretcnccs thut human
ingenuity can devise, or worse still, :" skedad-
de to parts unknown.
Again, money is said to constitute the
" sinews of war;" and this the government
must have in no Insignificant amount. The
expense now being incurred daily in main
tanning the authority of this government is
almost beyond the comprehension of ordinary
men. The object to be attained is we'll worthy
the cost and in the final result will prove not
to have been spent in vain. Every one then
should assist the government in this way by
promptly paying all taxes that may necessarily
be imposed and investing any funds they may
have oxer aud abeye what may be necessary
10 their support and business requirements in
National. interest-paying Securities. This,
besides being an evidence Of patriotism, will
Iikssiss be pecuuiary benefit to the person
- doing
There are many other matters OF duty that
- u,;aht refer to and which suggest them