The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1898-02-06
A CONFEDERATE.s PROTEST.

a Confederate soldier writes for the
Rockbridge County News a communics-
ton which bears the impress OF sim
cority and which is worthy Of attention.
We quote the following extract:
Measures have been introduced in the
Legislature to levy an additional tax on
the people for the benefit OF "ex-Con-
feds" This looks very commendable
and praiseworthy on the part of these
honorable friends of the Confederate
soldier. But the State is now paying
to our manned and crippled veterans. and
TO some who perhaps are not crippled,
thousands Of dollars annually. There is
sentiment about much of this giving
that many do not understand. The State
could expend her entire revenues IN this
direction and more would be demanded
by some but the great mass Of the 'old
boys" who followed Lee and Jackson. and
who jeopardized life and limb for our
common cause do not expect. yea more,
they would scorn 20 be put on the de-
pendent list. so long as they can main
tain even a scant living. They made
sacrifices during the war. they are now
willing in their declining years to make
other sacrifices for the honor of their
state. Leave to loving hands ana friends
and neishbors the privilege to help those
who may really need. rather than turn
the entire crew over to the State as de-
pendents. Some . the Soldiers Home
told the writer that If they could only
get one-half from the State and be per-
mitted &c so To their friends at their
homes they would be more than pleased.
Look across the Potomac river and see
the untold mischief and misery that this
kind Of dependence has wrought for the
association known as the G. a. r. More
Yankees on the pension roll than the gov
eminent han at any one time in service
during the war and nearly 100000 more
waiting for ratiOns. great conscience
how they increased Thirty-three years
after the close Of hostilities and still they
come. Look out old Confeds. a,'d stand
to Your colors- Don't be tempted. 1t Is
only n little cxuberance of congested
patriotism suddenly LET loose.
No one can have a. higher regard for
nv brethren of the Confederate army
than I entertain. | shared with them
in their pleasures and discomborts. Let
us not at this late day, after all the
elorics of the past. bring discredit upon
the cause by yielding TO the tempting
gifts of our law-makers but cling TO the
motto Of old Virginia-"l am poor but
proud"
Look out old Confeds. and stand 10
your colors This is the sentiment, we
believe. OF every true Confederate. The
boys I'm gray did not fight for pensions.
They fought for principle and the hope
of reward never entered into their plans.
They did not count the cost nor the con-
sequences. They were brave men, hon
orable and proud, and they are the same
to-day. They are in turn honored by
their countrymen and when they are
helpless. will lovingly be cared for. But
! the peo,le will take care OF him in their
own way. II. however politicians for the
sake of popularity. shall fasten upon the
tay-riddan ncople of Virginia pension
system that shall be oppressive. the peo-
ple will become resentful and the Conted-
erato soldier will not he the object Of adj
miration ne now is. II were a mistaken
kindness. truly, to lessen the splendor OF
our grand atiny Of proud and honorable
heroes. II were shame. as the Rock
bridge ran says 10 bring down the ma
tional pension scandal upon the devoted
heads Of the Confederate braves.
one Of the grandest Christian men that
one ever knew was modest country
preacher. lie was n circuit rider and
his buggy had seen smashed in a iunH
way accident A subscription was start
ed to repair the damage, but the preacher
went quietly among those who had the
subscriptions in hand and requested
them TO abandon II. When asked for a
reason. he said: MY mission is TO do
good and my Influence depends upon my
standing with the people. Once let the
people get the idea that am dependent
and burden and my power to do 90
J good is clean gone"
The Confederate soldier will never con-
| sent to be a burden on the people. and
he will never be one so long as the people
are left free TO care for him In their own
way. The danger is that his overzealous
friends and the misguided politicians will
hurt the cause with their 'exuberance of
, congested patriotism"