March 3, 1863, The Charleston Mercury
We publish elsewhere a bill, which we understand was prepared at the suggestion of General JACKSON (Stonewall), with the earnest and urgent endorsement of Gen. ROBT. E. LEE, which was brought before Congress by the Chairman from the Military Committee of the House, and which, after four days’ debate full of twaddle and demagoguism, was lain on the table. Such conduct, in such an hour as this, must excite feelings of mingled disgust and indignation in the breast of every earnest lover of his country. We speak moderately when we say that arguments and votes such as have been given on this bill, indicate a disposition in Congress to trifle with the cause – to jeopardize the destinies of these Confederate States, from motives having a shallow or selfish view, to the pleasure of stragglers and absentees without leave from the army. Congress has been in session near two months, and no measure has been adopted to meet the evil complained of by our Generals. Demagoguism in the army itself has done much harm, but we trust the worst of that is past and over under the better influences of danger present. We have had too much demagoguism in the legislation for organizing the army, and much disorganization and confusion have resulted; but it was intended to conform to the supposed opinion of the patriotic and devoted volunteers. This failure to legislate for the restoration of laggards to their posts of duty, is a sacrifice of the strength and efficiency of our forces in the field to a mawkish and contemptible deference to the convenience of those who are violating military law and endangering the very existence of their country. We trust that public opinion in the army and throughout the Confederate States will stamp with reprobation this squeamish temporising of Congress in a vital matter, at the crisis of our fate. We do not despair that, on a reconsideration, the measure will yet be adopted. Our sole danger is a deficiency of troops. It is time to stop buncombe and to recruit our armies, before disasters overtake us, as last Spring. We have spoken often on this most momentous of subjects. We invoke the voice of the Southern press on the questions of conscription and the return of absentees to their corps. The public cannot adopt or execute measures, but it may stimulate those who have the power to enact laws and those who have the authority and responsibility for executing them. Delay and a want of preparation – not of fighting population – have lost us States and cities enough. Will the past teach us nothing? Peace parties at the North and foreign intervention, all turn upon the military results of the Spring campaign.