The Western Democrat

We sometimes hear men say that they would give one-half of what they are worth in property to have peace and the independence of the Confederate States established. Peace and independence can be attained at a great deal less cost than that if all will work together in sustaining the struggle.

If each man in the Confederate States who has not had his property destroyed by the enemy, will give one-eighth or one-tenth of his means to the Government for the purpose of maintaining the armies or distribute it to the needy families of those who have gone or will go into the field; if all will strive to produce concord and good feeling amongst our own people, and show the enemy that we are in earnest and determined to be free, we shall soon be blessed with peace, because our armies would be able to force the enemy to terms and our Government unembarrassed by the conduct of people at home.

But how can we expect to see an early termination of the war while one portion of our people are complaining and cursing the Government because they have to pay the pittance of one-tenth of one year's crop to support it; while another portion are striving to get rich off of the necessities of the country and hoarding money and the necessaries of life, and while another portion are trying to obtain office and power by appealing to prejudices, arousing jealousy, and denouncing our authorities and the measures for upholding the Government and prosecuting the war?

Does history inform us that any people ever secured an "honorable peace" or independence whilst indulging in such conduct? If there is not a reformation no one of the present generation will live to see an "honorable peace" or a termination of the war. There may be a change of conduct when too late to do good.

If Gen. Lee's army is ever obliged to fall back from Virginia into North Carolina, some people will see cause to regret their factiousness and miserly conduct.