Year: 1866

j


Among the numberless evils, deemed by
many as the inevitable consequence of long


and protracted war, none created greater ap-
prehensions and caused deeper anxiety in
every heart, whose bestings were in unison


with lofty patriotism and noble philanthropy,
than the effect Of four years' life in the
army upon the younger portion Of our
population.


Called from their homes at the early age
of eighteen, and introduced into world of
existence, entirely different to that in which
they had been accustomed TO moye-without
that solidity and energy of character, which
age and experience can give-removed from
those happy and beneficial influences. which
a mothers tenderness and a fathers exam
pie always exert over their children, the
morals of our young men were indeed sub
jected to severe trial. When considering
the hcentiousness Of camp-life, even under
the strictest discipline, the many opportuni-
lies, that are there daily presented, the
young and thoughtless to depart from the
path of rectitude and honor-the promptines
of sheer necessity to oftentimes adopt means.
the use Of which, under any circumstances
whatever in civillife, would subject them to
forfeiture of their standing in society
the danger was apprehended that they could
not, on their return to the peaceful walks Of
civil life, lay aside that reckl klessness ofdisposi-
ton and disregard for quiet pursuits, which
most generally characterize the soldier. The
result, howeyef, has been no less surprising
than agreeable and satisfactory, and bears
eloquent and irrefutable testimony of the in
nate nobility and integrity of the Southern
character, which no circumstances Of mis-
fortunes can ever destroy. Returning from
the army penniiess, war-worn, depressed by
the disastrous termination Of the great strug-
gle in which they had taken 20 active and
prominent part, instead of yielding to an
unmanly dependency, or abandoning their
country and friends rather than submit to
events, which mortal power could not avert,
they have borne their personal misfortunes
in manner as praiseworthy and commeda-
BILE as was their bearing and behavior dur
ing the war. They have falsifed, by their
conduct, the slanderous assertions, so often
coming from the lips of our New England
friends, the Southern people were an effete
race, and that what little vigor and activity
we possessed was attributable to the infu-
ence of Northern energy and enterprise.
If the South had Just cause to be proud
of the conduct of her sons during the late
war, most certainly should she now rejoice
that their achievements in the pursuit of
honest industry are rivalling the Immortality
they have won upon fields Of bloody strife.


Everywhere around us, we observe them
engaging in all kinds of business that will
yield them support. None of that false
pride, which too often attaches itself to
wealth and makes its possessors appear con-
temptible and ridiculous, is observable.
Agriculture, the various mechanic arts, the
several professions are being pursued with
an avidity and energy equal to the necessi-
ties Of the occasion. On many plantations
the sons of our formerly wealthiest families
may be seen following the pillow or su-
perintending, in person, the cultivation
OF the soil. In our workshops and our
houses of commerce and merchandise, we
observe the same energy and ability, while
the study of the professions is being perse-
veringly pursued under circumstances of
great disadvantage. Dissipation and idle
ness are confined to few, and the vast
majority are pressing eagerly on in the dis
charge of their varied duties. This augurs
well for the future prosperity Of the country.
With such agencies at work, the immense
resources Of the South will receive an early
development, and Notwithstanding the Gala
mites of the present hour, the Southern
people will soon regain the commanding in
fuence and prominent position, which they
formerly welded and held in the Federal
Union. The obstacles, that now impede our
advancement, will soon be removed from
our pathway, and our happiness and pros
perity will be in our hands. In the mean
time we should not be idle, nor indulge in
vain repinings but rather prepare ourselves
to take advantage of every favorable change
in our political status. The Southern peo-
pie have too much energy andresolution, too
many glorious recollections Of the past, too
many natural resources, TO be content with
their present condition-and upon the young
men of the present generation, will the duty
devolve to inaugurate this great movement
Let them be sober, Industrious, and aspiring
and We do not fear but that they will prove
themselves in every way equal to the require
ments Of the hour. Posterity will accord to
them for their glorious success in this grand
enterprize--the grandest and most sublime
that people could be called upon to engage
in-the highest praise and most exalted re-
uOWD