The Hillsdale standard. [volume] (Hillsdale, Mich.) 1851-1909, 1865-04-25
WAR AND ITS INFLUENCE.
By MARY CLIFFORD HAGAR.

fIt.I|lt
AT the present time, we do not con.
slider in:the all absorbing passion OF
war and contention, the influence OF
its sad murderings. Ambition and
stubborness have carried the majority,
and woman is made to feel It's mad
career with untold suffering. Ambition
has overreached the common feelings
of humanity, and stubborDess is deaf
to the laws of kindnes, Much has been
written Of the poor soldier, of mangleJ
limbs, shattered bodies, of pain and
suffering, and who that hath heart,
but can feel with instructive horror the
vivid imaginations of such scene,
We will not stop to think of those who
are left. The wife is protected by
"kind hearted men," who are most ur-
gent in this "glorious war;" as they
choose to term it; they afe, without a
doubt, ready to relieve the crowding
wants of families who are left! How
generously they provide the "bourty"
for the soldier without murmur; the
cherished dollars are given freely, and
if we listen closely, we may hear a
sigh for the soldier of course, who is
obliged to 60. While we regret and
feel for him, we must be thankful for
the generous relief for their families.
Reader! are you soldiers wife, and
seek sympathyp If so come with me.
Your husband has enlisted, and is now
perhaps in the field of strife but do
you not see that prominent building in
the heart of our great city. There is
still left for you a weekly amount; do
not despair. Have you your papers? :?
You are all right. Let us advance, for
we have no time to lose, as crowds
are now gathering on the same errand.
Let US enter the basement; it is rather
dark, | cannot invite you to be seated
as we are late. Let us amuse ourselves
by glancing around US. Doubtless,
you do not like the pictures? you may
be tired, but let us wait patiently, our
turn will come. 1t is now ten o'clock,
and l should judge by four, we might
hold conversation with our most wor-
thy gentlemen, who sits dealing out
the greenbacks so generously! Per-
haps the noise and confusion of baby's
crying, and women GfI oan call them
such quarreling) makes your head ache.
BE careful before you leave the room,
if you are lady. of refinement, that
your heart does not ache also.
You think you will go home yet
fretting, and then again, when you
think of those little ones looking to
you fer protection you still linger, lean
ing against the cold damp wall. Hark,
voice! "Now is your time woman.
where are your papers?" You nervous
ly draw from youa bosom the death
'eni possibly Of your dear husband
They are examined: numerous qucs-
tions are asked; you have not in your
possession your marriage certificate.
How stupid to forget you offer to go
home and get it, yet the gentleman are
tired-and have no time to wait for
cdreiessness How can you expect it
when they have been so diligently wri-
ting, giving themselves short intervals
to relieve their parched throats by an
occasional glass of Soda Do not be
discouraged, however, for two weeks
will soon pass Be quiet the faesh air
docs not revive you; your mind is wan
dering to the home you left many hours
ago with promise soon to be home
with-must / say bread yes, bread
for the babies-who for the first time
know and feel the miseries of this
glorious war Yet, do not despair, you
have many friends who have so often
assured you what their friendship re-
quired.
Please draw near home, now greet
ell by loving kisses and n heartfelt
welcome by little ones who have watch
ed so long your return and promises.
A thousand thoughts crowd your
brain; you do not yield your wretch
ed feelings, but for the sake Of your
darlings, you again make an effort to
release their present wants, Fortune
has always smiled upon you, uniting
you for the frowns of adversely, yet
still your friends who have so long re-
ceived your hospitality, will now
syn npathise With you in this hour of
trial! Again, although much fatigued
you seek your confidential friend who
in return feels so sorry for your troub-
les but finds it improper to lend, as she
has been buying a new carpet, and has
no money to spare, regretting so much
her friends troubles. She follows you
to the door, wishing "good night"
and inviting you to "call again."
This is but an introduction to our
present society and principles, yet you
must have money, you cannot 60 with
out it. A pleasant thought comes to
your relief: your mind wanders to
your husban9's intimate friends. who
when parting from him, assured the
protection of his wife and children /;
and you now proceed to his place of
business. 1t is rather delicate for a
woman to ask favor in this case, for
she forgets all but home. She is met
by the friend who so kindly offered
his friendship, yet having bill to pay,
cannot make it convenient. Will call
in few days, and as night is casting
her shadows upon the earth the mother
must return home. Thus far, this is
a family picture as it occurred to us
personally. May God help the poor;
is our prayer sai w 'au yos