Richmond Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1862-1865, 1865-03-22
OUR ARMY.
From the South cArolinian, 18th inst.I

From the South Car0lnian, 18th inst
The army should be propitiated. Ii is that pow
er by which, a nation, we live and move and have
our beng-tLe concentration OF our patriotism and
the defender Of our faith. For four years it has
folded its giant arms around us, ana We have felt
safely in its embrace.
Strong as a unit, it has net been less so in each
of it's component parts. Its individuals are men
OF character, education and retnement-men OF
wealth and family, and identified by every tie with
the cause in which they are enlisted Its ergani-
cations represent Cities districts and neghborhoods
ut home, and to do honor Ia these is among the OBJ
iects of their proud endeayor. While, for the
caSiOn the private in the army clad in his rags and
standing in his bare feet is-''only q private he
new the less looks forward to that hour when,
| Stunning the rights of citizenship, he may also re-
ms social equality with those who, by virtue
l OF advantages, now, for time, rule him supe-
! riors.
| Thus composed, it is but Just that snch body
OF patriots should be treated with degree of con
sideration which, at least, bears testimony to their
power and influence. They are not machines but
men. They are not mercenaries, fighting fur pay,
but citizens lighting for life Hence, they demand
| and should receive concessions. When portion
of Il cir paltry pay is requited, give it to them,
though il strains every muscle in the land to do it.
| IfprOmises are made, let them he fulfilled. fthe
officer but three steps above him enjoys the privI-
lege of furloughs whenever they asked give the
private, at least, single chance to renew the
sOcations of home and family. Let his rations be
equal TO the best, and his clothing comfortable
i and abundant as the land can afford. Above
ALL place officers above him who will not
treat him like dog. One creature, with gold lace
his sleeves, and apple brandy soaked through his
| carcass not long since killed poor fellow in a
drunk whim The dead mans comrades have
no influence, or, having, may fear TO employ it,
and Justice will appeal foP redress In vain. The
same may he said Of thousand similar gases more
or less aggravated. We repeat, therefore, il is tho
Il first duty of the Government to put the soldiers
l under command Of men whom they will respect for
personal as we'll as military merit, and to whom
| they may look as to gentlemen and friends. Its
| second duty should be- to reward both officer and
private for good conduct in field and camp, in q
| manner commensurate with their services. When
i Napoleon rode through the smoke of battle and
hung his decoration on the breast Of gallant fell
i low here and there, he made every man in his army
i an aspirant for the price and our Generals might
proftably initiate the example. Theoretically, I'VE
have system OF rewards and promotions, but
such Is the delay usually following the deed done,
/ that most men forget when or how they have de-
| served reward. And thus the gracious influences
have been lost. Let every man, however,
know that the eye of his Generals is upon
| him in camp and field, and that when that
| officer exclaims-"Sir, tor this days work you
| are Lieutenant, or Captain, or Major" the
President will promptly verify and publish this YER
bal commission, and sue occurrence would make
the umblest private in the army an eager aspirant
i for its highest honors. There is probably much
mind and experience, and general capacity for com.
mand among the ragged regiments OF Gen. Lee, a:
there is among the fortunate individuals who, from
the beginning, have worn the insignia of rank, and
when this pride and intellect is encouraged and de.
veopsd by strife for promotion, then, and not pu
til then, shall expect assertions, dissatisfaction
| and complaint 20 cease.
We say therefore, again, recognise and officially
manifest an appreciation Of the army. 1t holds the
reins of power. 1t Keeps alive the hopes of the
people. 1t encourages by its Voice and example
those who despond. 1t STARTS the gracious Influences
which, radiating through oRr land teach how t.
bear misfortune. 1t endows us with oral strength
shanes our fears, fosters confidence, leads clr
enthusiasm, and is itself the substructure, upon
which, with Gods blessing, We build our faith
The spirit Of the army is, in short the Alpha and
0mega-the beginning and end OF our struggle.