Year: 1865

The Dessnders OF the Union-Aew Shall


They be EmployedS


As natural consequence Of the collapse Of
the rebellion and the breaking up of our large
armies many thousands of brave and patriotic
men, who have served the country with firm
ness and fidelity since the beginning Of the war,
will be thrown out of employment, and yet be
compelled to find the means of support for
themselves and their families. Every State,
city and town throughout the land will shortly
TEEN with these returning heroes, who, through
seas of fire, blood and iron hail, have never fall
tered in bearing our banners onward to GER
tain and decisive victory. Their services are
still at the countrys disposal; but as the grave
necessity that called them to the field has passed
away, there is nothing left for them but to re-
turn to the quiet pursuits Of peaceable life.
What will the people do for these defenders Of
their homes, their lives and their fortunesi The
answer is easy. Let all Of these faithful SOL
dien and sailors be provided with employment
suitable to their several necessities First in
order, all married or disabled men should be
provided with places, and then all those who
have faithfully served in either branch of the
service, whether receiving wounds or not. In
all public institutions we are confident that this
will be the rule adopted, and gradually the
principle will work itself into private establish
ments in which a large number of hands are
employed.


This subject is one that recommends itself to
the public and we are glad to see that, in con-
nection with the United States Sanitary Com
mission, bureau of employment for disabled
and discharged soldiers and sailors has been
established in this city. The success which has
already attended the efforts of this benevolent
society is the very best proof of its hold upon
the hearts of the people. The secretary of the
committee reports that o few weeks since, when
seven hundred and twenty-nine applications
were made, one hundred and thirtyseven were
supplied with various occupations; and out Of
thirteen hundred subsequent applicants for
work over five hundred found suitable situa-
tions.


But, although this is very encouraging, there
is still much to be done; and all good citizens
should unite to forward the great idea of en-
ploying returned soldiers in preference to all
other persons. There are none having higher
or better claims than these brave fellows, who
carry their characters in their wounds and dis
abled bodies, and not on bits of paper from
their last employers. Let all these servants of
the republic be employed in public as well as
in private establishments, and, where necessary,
let those drones who have shirked the RESPONSE
bility Of defending the country when It needed
defenders, preferring to enjoy ease and safety
at home, at the expense of our valiant soldiers
in the field, be now turned out Of their places
to make room for men who have perilled their
lives for the Union, and borne the heat and
burden Of the day. That this idea will be gene
rally adopted is scarcely to be doubted, and
thus we will do justice to our faithful defenders
and at the same time allow each man to live on
the bread earned by his own honest endeavors.