Weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1858-1865, 1864-10-05
VAR

The humane, rejecting reader Of mans history
is sickensd by the constantly recurring details of
battles and butchery-by accounts Of the happi-
ness sacrificed, the privarions endured, by thou
sands sitter thousands, in gathering from remote
corners Of the earth to main and slaughter each
other.
Mere depravty, however great, is not enough to
account for this. No devils could be found silly
enough thus to torment themselves first, then one
another. Sheer madness is the very least explains
ton that is adequate.
Looking closely and steadily at the matter, we
detect the cause Of this horrible jauglo, at least
sure clue to it. War ravages nations, aficts and
ats rulers, and enables those to enrich their favor
ties with the spoils Of plundered millions.
The lodging Of the commissary or contractor il
rapidly transformed into baronisl castle his sud
denly acquired estate is lattened with the gore of
countless soldiers, the tears of innumsrable widows
and orphans; and while thousands are shivering
and freezing for want of the humble dwellings
which war has destroyed his family rest secure in
lordly halls and revel in luxury.
Burke, believe said of this class that by means
of war I" their equipsges shine like meteors their
palaces rise like exhalations" Well can they At.
ford to pirate of patriotism, "rght or wrong" and
bride venal orators With some share of their plum
der to iname tho passions of the duped multitudes
and fool them into existing to be shot at for some
beggarly shilling or SO day, and that often un-
paid.
Will the mass never become wise enough to de-
feet and scout this swindling game of murder!
Suppose Government to be weak or pro6igate
"a case by no means unsupposable-and, therefore
in danger of mourning popular odum or contempt
1t desires to be strong in the public confidence, but
without the virtue Of capacity to deserve that con-
fdence. 1t has ono uniailing resort-to pick
quarrel with some other Government That at
once withdraws public attention from its own
crimes or vices gives it hold on the popular feel
ngs enables its satellites to call upon the people to
support the cosntry"-th.t is to rally around and
uphold tho Executive In whstever no may pro.
pose.
All inquiry is stopped-sll wstchfulness set
sside-appropration are made by millions, and tho
purse and sword put unreservedly into tho hands Of
the Chief Magistrate to b welded ut his pleasure
tho latter against his enemies, the former in be-
half of his frends.
All who question the policy or the justice Of his
course are 1t once denounced ~ traitors and enc.
mics Of the country.
Thus thousands are bribsd by Office and gold to
able and when at last disaster and utter exhaus.
ton of resources compel return to peace, count
less host of pensioners, cripples, place men and
fund.holders are provided 10 eat up the avails Of
honest labor for fifty or hundred years to come.
The poor mans children must 90 to rest hungry
and grow up in ignorance in order that the favor
ties Of rulers msy glitter in "orders' and stars,
and riot on the spoils Of = people Such il war.
Such is the small portion Of the cost of the in.
famous cheat styled slory.-Esehange Paper.