Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1865-02-16
FOR THE SOLDIERS.

Something was brought to our attention yesterday,
which If done at a-and we think it ought be done
must be done at once. Ii is proposed toraise fund
to purchase provisions to be applied in improving the
quantity and quality of the rations furnished to the
troops in this district.
It 10 obvious that this matter to effect anything must
done Immediately. There is not an hour to lose
We think much can be done.
Between us and the enemy are troops OF our own
State and other States. These gallant hold The
trenches in bleak and exposed positions in this most in
clement winter. They have claims upon If any men
have If it is in our power to lessen their priyations
and increase their comforts il seems to us that it is our
interest as well as our duty to do so.
We do not repeat all the complaints of the querul-
QUE for doubt there would be grumbling under
any and all circumstances, but all know that there
is too much truth in the reports about the quantity and
character Of the rations given to the troops Soldiers
pan neither be contented, nor well prepared to
fight when they i'll fed when they well fed.
We trust that some active gentlemen will take this
thing in hand and push it through We have dig
charged part, at least of duty by bringing the mat
Ter before the public. We would suggest that the
quickest and most promising plan. would be for some
gentlemen acting ss committee to start the thing and
keeping it going by personal application to such Of
citizens as are able and willing to give
To show that some, at least, OF the gentlemen who
suggested the movement yesterday ia earnest about
ii, we may say that THREE of them subscribed the
sums appended their names respectively, follows
g. B. Co., Columbia 500
A. Cameron Charleston, 100
So the.i is started Who will take it and carry it
aroundr
WE are sorry to that the question Of resulting
Lo soldiers for the army appears to be assuming the
character OF party question. We cannot now afford
TO treat anything in that way This thing, and indeed
all other things must stand upsn their merits there
being two lights in which they TO be consdered-
hrst the light Of principle, and second, ia the light
OF policy In regard to the policy Of the measure there
may be doubts. We have stated ours, bat no oppo-
stion founded policy need be either violent or
Incorporating. The leading military minds of the
country decided in their approval of the measure
They think it will work we'll, aad they warn that 1t
is necessary General Lee is known 10 favor it, and we
know that in all military matters Gen Lees voice is
potentie and Congress will hardly turn deaf ear to
his recommendations: La form bill for the
employment of negro soldiers in the Confederate
army is almost Certain to pass. This being the case
we can see in throwing impedlmeuts ii its way
which can only have the effect Of embarrassing its
esuton, and not of preventing its enactmeat. If the
law is to be passed. and if its successful execution be
Of the importance to that is alleged by some
il certainly deserves to have fair chance, without being
prejudiced in advance by vruent tactious oppo8i
ton.
One thing is certain and has 50 appeared to from
the Hrst moment when this question mooted -
What s done ought to be done quickly. 1t is ques
ton that demands prompt decision, and energetic
ton.