The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1865-01-24


peot for the early of struggle for indie
pendence is not so cheering as it has been Fol
one, we have always believed in final success. pro
vided our own people would stand firm and do their
duty; but it isnot worth while to disguise the fac,
that serious reverses have overtaken and events
happened not expected But our situation is not yet
desperate that victory may not crown efforts
with success, if there is the proper management on
the part of our authorities. But there must be a
change in the management of some of our officials as
we'll as in the conduct of the people generally, be-
fore we can hope to meet with success. The Presi-
dent, Secretary of War and our commanders in the
field not blame for these reverses-they have,
in most instances. done the best they could with the
force and means at their disposal.
We have pretended to see farther into q
mill stone than the man who picks it. but we have
said repeatedly, audit hos been visible every man,
that unless there a change in the conduct of
our own people, ruin would certainly befal u.s. The
effect of certain is now being felt by us
ration. and unless the cause is removed the effects
will prove destructive.
There are causes for the reverses that have be-
fallen US, and the main one is the want of sufficient
number of men in armies. Can that be RENE
| died! VIZ do not know that it can, unless the
groes of the South armed and placed in the army
! and are not entirely satisfied that that would
| be good policy. There are white men enough in
the country it from ruin and secure peace and
Independence, but it does seem that the white men,
generally, out of the army have lost all spirit and
disposition to help in the struggle in the way that
| help is much needed. Men appear to study more
about advancing selfish interests than of aiding their
suffering country 1t is uncommon thing to see
| and hear of influential citizens (mer who have a
vast amount Of property dependent the issue)
pursuing course which they think will benefit
themselves. but which is VIGOROUSLY Injurious to the
Confederate and to the country at large. The
effect Of this has been and is being felt, and
reverses are overaking Besides this. people
running wild after the almighty dolar-they
seem bent making much money as possible
off of each other and the necessities of the Govern
ment More is thought about trading and specula
ting and getting gain than about how to help achieve
independence. As long this course is continued
may expect to meet with reyerses; and, unless
there is speedy reform. ruin and failure will be the
| final result. The Confederate Government cannot
be maintained unless the people uphold it ard aid it
| by every means within their power. If they have
determined not to do this, the struggle must be
! abandoned. ---
Another cause which tends TO 1;;ss: = the lasge
and unnecessary number of officers and agents of
| tho Government scattered about throughout the
Confederacy. Many of these officers are incompe
tent, inprovident and negligent, doing the cause
more injury than good-consuming the substance
| of the people and lowering the character of the
Government But who issto blame for this who
is to blame for appointing many officers and
agents Neither President Davis nor the heads of
Departments at Richmond solely to blame
They act representations made by inferior Off
GERS and petitions signed by the people. AS soon
| is appointed to discharge certain duties,
he recommends that others be appointed as assis-
tants in the shape of agents clerks and frequently
these recommendations accompanied by petitions
from ctizens-and these petitions signed without
the least regard to the qualifications of the applicant
Thus Offices and oficeholders are multiplied ad
infnitun. And neither the private citizen
ofhceholder seem to much for the welfare of
the Government country. SeLfis uppermost in
the thoughts of all.
And another cause tending to ruin. is the practice
of assigning farmers to what is called light duty
that is waiting officer or acting as provost
guard or guard on the railroad trains. If a farmer
within the military age, is unfit for service in the
ied, would it not be far better let him remain
his farm and try and make provisions for his family
and the soldiers in the field, than to take him away
| and assign him to duty in town village? AT
every post throughout the country, farmers may be
found assigned to "light duty which duty very
often consists in nothing but waiting Colonel
Major or Captain. For this runous course the
Secretary of War and Congress are to blame. Re-
form is badly needed in this respect.
The yankees can never subjugate u.s. but we be-
gin fear that the people of the South will subju-
gate themselves, unless there is great change in
their conduct. The whole population of the country
Except the soldiers who fighting battles)
are to blame less. for the present condition
of affairs. All classes have been looking out for
their indiridual interests, and the interest of the
Government is not in all their thoughts. If this
continues how can expect to succeed
ton The time may come when some people will
discover that in cheating and defraudng the Gov
ernment. they have cheated and ruined themselves.
1t is not yet late to the country, but the
reform must be speedy.
We are not discouraged on account of recent de-
feats but the way people, both in and ont
of Office acting is enough to discourage any one.
1t is we'll to talk plain about this matter, though we
expect no thanks for it. g.
From the Raleigh Confederate
| Extract of letter from Richmond to a gentle
man Of this city: 'F P. Blair left for home to-
! dav He had confidential interview with the