The Western Democrat

Provisions.—Provisions in our town have been steadily advancing in price for several weeks past, partly owing to the large quantity required for the garrison, but mostly, we believe, to the unnecessary panic gotten up by speculators and extortioners. These men are a curse to any community or country, and greater enemies to the South than the unprincipled Yankees. Such a state of things cannot last long without producing distress unparalleled, not only here but throughout the whole South. The disreputable business should be stopped in every community, and those who persist in aiding the Yankees in this species of cowardly warfare, should be marked, and made to understand that they are regarded by all liberal and patriotic men with doubt and suspicion. There is no use in mincing matters any longer. The people have a right to protect themselves not only against the ruthless Yankee invader, but also those insidious enemies ensconced in our midst exerting all their energies to starve out the true and loyal citizens of the Confederacy, so they may fill their coffers with filthy lucre.—Salisbury Watchman.