Baltimore daily commercial. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1865-1867, 1865-12-12

during the continuance OF the war, all were
lond in their Communications Of those who
went forth to do battle in our behalf, there
has been-it is useless to deny ia falling off
in grateful recognition of the service thus
rendered, sad to acknowledge. Then, how
frequent were alag presentations" patriotic
borangues to the assembled champions of the
GOOD cause; how cheer on cheer greeted the
differing columns as they wendell their way
TO the front; and whilst the gallant deeds of
these heroes were yet fresh in the thoughts of
all, how ready were we to bind up their
wounds and receive them with words of cheer,
on their way back from the ensanguined field
All this seems long ways off now, i'll the
hurry of great public events; and in the gen
eral absorption of the brave defenders of their
country flag into the ranks Of civil life, we
might scarcely think Of the war as having been
a terrible reality, only that here and there
some crippled survivor of the terrible conflict
Gmps sadly along the crowded thoroughtare
thc blue uniform once fresh and neat, now
faded and tattered, the fire of enthusiasm and
ofbattle gone ont of the pale face, driven out
by want, by disease, and perhaps-worst Of
abby neglect.
And if any one is sceptical as to The extent
to which an enlightened and Christian and
patriotic community can neglect the men who
have borne its banners and been its preservers
in the day Of battle, if any desire occular
proof of the poor quarters and the miserable
chances for the future to which they may be
subjected. let such visit the soldier Home,
a poor and diminutye barrack in the western
portion of the city, the shrunkcn space 10
which the brave survivors Of the State have
been consigned by the meagre charity Of the
community. Built by the private cOntribu-
lions of few who appreciated the deeds of
valor which had helped to save the city and
State, and supported by the ingenious devices
and womanly labors of small band amongst
us who could not see them suffer unaided or
allow them to be consigned to the Aims House
as the dernier resort, even this has at last been
sold under the hammer of the auctioneer, leav-
ing the little squad Of mutilated heroes once
more without even this mockery OF a Home,
and to take their chances once more as out
casts upon the cold charity Of the world, unless
some power, potent enough, comes to the
rescue.
Nor are these all. Scattered through the
lanes and alleys of the city are numerous
others-as has been shown by contributors to
our columns,-the sick and the crippled with
families dependent upon them, standing re-
proach to the city and State unless something
is speedily done to relieve them; and furnish
ing cases to inspire the noblcst cndcayOrs Of
all who can do the slightest thing for their
relief
And now since private charity has been tried
and found only partially effective, it has be-
come the purpose Of the friends of these noble
fellows 10 go Systematically to work. to see if
the Government, Of which they were amongst
its true defenders, cannot aid them, and
etfectuaIly too. Bcnetactors of not only the
General Government, but of the city and State
as well, there is no reason why each and oil
should not at once recognize their seryices.
and by providing for them permanentiy, not
only do an act of simple justice. but remove
that reproach which now rests upon all to
some extent; and more, teach Il lesson to our
children that those who step forth as the
country defenders are not forgotten. Neglect
ing so obvious an act of Justice, what warrant
have we in any future contingency that the
State can get defenders at all? who that re
fleets ut all. will consent that the State sha
any longer rest under an imputaton so iniur;-
Gus to its future security, so fatal to It's true
honor?
We have said that it is the purpose OF the
friends of the soldier here to attempt some
thing for his permanent relief; and we there
fore learn with much satisfaction-that the
General Government is to be forthwith appealed
to, to turn over to the State, the clicks Hos
pital, which, in little time, in any event,
would most likely be left with only nominal
occupancy, for q permanent asylum Of the
destitute and deserving heroes belonging to this
commonwealth We are glad TO learn that
some Of the most influential citizens and most
prominent officials of the State are warmly in
favor of the movement, and are pledged to do
all that they can to aid it. and we are glad to
believe, additional, that the Secretary of War
and the Surgeon General of the army only
need to have the case laid before them proper
ly, to have the concession made. and our
brave and suffering soldiers thus provided for
in a way to gladden. every heart.
And if this great thing can indeed be ac-
complished, it is a satisfaction to know that
with only small annual appropriation from
the State Treasury, a more complete establish
ment of the kind could not be found within
the bounds of the Union. Built in the most
excellent manner, the site eligible in every
way, and the ground belonging to the city, it
would naturally be the pride of the latter 70 do
ITS share in forwarding the matter, since if
any city of all endangered by the war owes
an infinite debt of gratitude to the soldiers,
and which it should be pleasure to acknowl-
edge, that city is our own.
With the institution fitted up-a Home
Indeed-such an establishment need be no
mere guard house. as it were, for few
poor mutilated soldiers; but so arranged as
that these deserving men might have their
families with them-the space being ample
the place might be enlivened by the presence
OF all that makes such a Home cheerful; they
might have gardens, the shouts of children at
their play, and all else that might make them
remember that their country was not migrate
full.
We hope then, that forthwith-in the pres
ence of the Indictment season which is upon
us, that something will be done in the direc-
ton referred to. And for what has been done
and Is still doing by the noble hearted ladies
who have hitherto devoted themselves to so
good cause, too much cannot be said in the
way of thanks. They have by their charitable
efforts, by their fairs and other means of
relief, shown that the community was not
wholly forgetful of its brave defenders and
benefactors; and We hope and trust that at an
early day they will see their highest wishes
crowned with success, that they will yet see the
brave fellows they have sought to aid, placed
beyond the reach of want. Let all join in the
effort to vindicate the State from the aspersions
which so far measurably rest upon it; let every
one consider that only some such consumma-
ton can do justice to the good name of great
and proud commonwealth.