American citizen. [volume] (Butler, Butler County, Pa.) 1863-1872, 1865-08-02
Disbanding our Armies.

In very short time all that yet re-
mains of our volunteer armies will be
disbanded. The work is being con-
Quoted as rapidly as the government
can pay off the troops and transport
them to their homes. We are not so
much surprised that the reduction is
being made as we are that it is being
made in so quiet and o. derly man
ner. The word comes to us from ev-
cry section of the country that the
soldier return is marked by nothing
but joyful welcome, and that they
settle down to the ways of ordinary
life as though they had never known
any other. There were many among
us who feared that an army of half
million men could not be disband-
ed without endangering our whole
social system-that the soldiers be-
ing habituated to the demOralizing
influence of the camp would return
home untitled for the more refined
duties of civilized life--that being
unused to industry for several years,
they would have no inclination to Ia
Dor as before the war, and would ulti-
mately become vagrants and charge
upon, and a terror to the community.
Those who entertained such notions
knew but little of the character Of
the American volunteer. Warts not
yet, and we trust may never become
the business of the American peope.
Military glory has charms for but
very few of us, and never was the in
centive to enlistment during the late
war. Our people smarted under the
insult of the rebellion, apprecia-
ted its terrible iniquity, realized that
if it succeeded il would destroy the
fair fabric Of our government and
make of our freedom holl3w mock
cry. Guided only by a patriotic
sense of duty to country, and not
fired by military ambition, our pco-
pie filed the Union ranks but when
the work was ended, the rebellion
finally subdued, and the Union saved,
thoy desired to become citizens again
was as strong as that which for four
long years Of war supported them in
their military duties. 1t is an easy
matter, therefore, for them toreturn
to their former avocations.
When We remember that four
months ago the power of the rebel
lion was still maintained, and there
was scarcely thought of immediate
peace, are almost lost in maze of
wonder events developed themselves
rapidly. Not only has the rebellion
become extinct, but the mighty hosts
which we then marshalled are almost
entirely dispersed. We cannot for
get that the man under whose super
vision our armies are being disband-
ed was almost daily charged during
tho war with a purpose to employ
the military power to revolutionize
the Government and establish tv-
ranny over the people. How events
have vinAicated the Secretary of Var.
No man in this or any other land cy-
scr toiled as he did during the war to
recruit, equip and organize troops.
for the field. Within a month after
the surrender Of the second of the
rebel armies he had. arranged and
published a system for the reduction
Of the army. AS soon as the neces-
tlty which gave rise to the army ceas-
ed, it was ordered that the army it.
self should cetse. This fact pro-
claims the unselfish patriotism of Mr..
Stanton.
We regard il as one Of the grand
est events Of the war, and one of
which every American should feel
proud, that half million of soldiers
have been disbanded in our midst
without any tumult or disorder. We
believe that no other nation upon
earth W uld dare to ottempt such
thing. 1t teaches us that our gov
-ernment is firmly estab ablishedin hearts
of the people and that nothing could
prevail against it. There are some
who fear the discussion of the recon-
struction question-that it may occa-
sion another outbreak. For this
fear there is no reasonable cause. We
do not think there will be any dispo-
sition in this generation, at least to
renew the attempt which but lately
cost the country-so much life and
treasure We have an abiding con-
fidence in the stability of the Gov
ernment. Our volunteer armies have
saved it once, and if ever the neces-
sity arises will assuredly save it again.
Pitts. Commercial.