Watertown Republican

An Eventful Year.

It is now a little more than a year since the first levy of troops was made upon the people of the United States. It is a little over a year since the walls of Sumter were showered with iron hail from Moultrie.— Nations as well as individuals often make a record in a short time, but never before, bright and glorious as has been the past, has our nation done more to produce a record for all time to come, than has been placed on the page of history in the last twelve months. By the imbecility, if not direct connivance of the leaders of the Buchanan Administration, our Country was nearly wrecked. Treason was rampant for months, and no effort made for its suppression. And on the 4th of March when Mr. Lincoln was inaugurated, the rebellion had assumed such proportions that well caused the stoutest to fear for the future. But thanks to the patriotism, the firmness, and the sound judgement of our present rulers, the bright sun of promise again shines brilliantly, and a few months more will suffice to end the wicked rebellion. And while the rebellion has for a time crippled and paralyzed the people and the Government, the storm will be safely weathered, and we shall pass into the smoother sea of peace and unity, only stronger for the severe trials we have passed through. To fully work out the destiny of the country this rebellion appears to have been almost necessary. Our forefathers did the best they could. The theory and working of a free government was little understood, and evils were tolerated in the formation, that sooner or later it were necessary to remove or the country would be demoralized, if not destroyed—

The past year has somewhat developed the energy and the resources of the country, and while the present generation have lived in times of peace, it has been demonstrated that a few months drill is sufficient to make the American citizen equal to any soldier in the world. And while all must feel to a greater or lesser extent the fearful struggle through which we are passing, the true American will not complain at the sacrifices he may be called on to make.— The fearful ordeal through which we are passing will fit the people of the Nation for additional greatness and prosperity.