Dallas herald. [volume] (Dallas, Tex.) 1849-1873, 1865-03-30

Hyp.ras H. Scott, writing from Waverly,
Texas, to the Texas Christian Advocate,
undcr the head of "OfIicial Delinquency,
makes the following well timed remarks;
And why is it that Gen Walker has such
n IIerculcan labor before him? 1t is be-
cause too many positions are filled with
men who onght never to have had the con-
facnce of the appointing power. The high
toned. chivalrnus and patriotic went to the
front. while those deficient in those ele-
nents of character remained to receive po-
stions Of ease and emolument; but above
all nlaces of personal sgtety. So true is
this. lt.at the opinion is generally prevalent,
tina, it is prima fdrie evidence, that those
Young men having physical ability, VINO
have remained al home and sought anu
who now fill these appointments, dehcIent
in patriotism, manliness and courage.
Aud it is equally believed that those who
are thus deficient are unfit 10 he entrusted
in anv position, because when thus deh-
cient, the probabilities are that the charac-
ter is faulty in other if not in all respec's.
What but official delinquency could be eX'
pected from those who have sought posi-
lion from such mercenary motives? 1t is
a bad mark to see the young and able bod
led seeking such appointments. Such an
one must be deficient in sef-respcct, and
therefore unworthy of that of other men.
Bur how is it that such men got into Of
fiee? They know the ropes Their dread
of the front sharpens their wits. They un-
derstand "bending the supple hinges of the
knee, that thrift may. follow fawning.'
They so besiege the appointing power with
persistent tact, that it imperceptibly i'm
presses its good nature.
This is an evil that should be abated. and
il is wonderful with what deathless tenac-
itv they hold positions, and that, too, against
public opinion and law of Congress re-
auiring them to be put out and disabled
soldiers put in The men in our army de-
mnnd that these men who have so long
avoided he front, should be made TO do
their share of service to the country. Moth
ing is better calculated te excite dissatis-
faction with soldiers than this injustice,
which leads to exemption on one side and
undue share of hardships and sacrifices on
the other. Take case; soldier has borne
the heat and burden oftne day for two TO
three years, not having received suit OF
cloths during his service; he approaches
one of these favored officers; has perhaps
an order for grey cloth for suit of clothes
is refused-treated with Indifference
when upon looking round he sees here and
there negro maids wearing cloaks of Con-
fedcrate grey.
Soldiers, teo, are wounded while passing
through the country, where they behold
every where men out of the ranks having
/ nj stifiabe details. Who would expect
this TO be otherwise under the administra-
ton of men who have sought office to screen
themselves from the army? They natur-
ally have a fellow feeling with all skulkers.
But what is to he the effect of this official
delnauency upon those who are guilty !?
They are securing to themselves a present
and future infamy. They do not see It,.
They do not believe it. They have never
dreamed that they are already objects OF
contempt. Because he meets the obse.
quious smile of those who seek the favors
or patronage his position enabels him to
bestow; because he receives cOuntenance
from those in like circumstances with him
self; because his gold lace wins the admi-
ration of misses in their teens, he hatters
himselfthat he is passing gloriously through
the war, when in fact he is regarded by all
thinking men as deficie in true manhood
and courage. and is in danger of a coming
time, when the righteous execration of all
honest men, together with the disbanded
soldiery, will drive him, il not out Of the
land, into an infamy as burning as that
affixed upon the brow of Cain. And not
only SO, but If he leave q posterity he will
fasfen upon them n stigma that will adhere
10 them like the poisoned shirt Of Nessus.