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A. LincolnWhat he saw and heard |
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From the Natchez Daily Courier,, published on March 14, 1863
Note: Under the head of Spirit of the German Press, the St. Louis Republican translates and publishes the following article from the Neue Zeit, a leading German paper of that city. It is of the date of the 6th ult. The Neue Zeit is one of the radical abolition presses. A trip to Washington compensates. One learns much, and gets rid of manifold illusions. The latter may not always be connected with the most pleasant sensations, but such a riddance produces certainly a deeper view into the true situation of the country, which for many years may be of practical value. I have never been very sanguine with relation to the prerequisites sure progress of our cause in the East; I have never estimated the patriotism and energy of our representatives in Congress, the penetration of our leading statesmen, the bravery and love of our country of our army very highly; but to return so bare of hope I had not expected. In the annexed communication I will endeavor to place before your readers the result of my observations. The people of the East are completely weary of the war, and desire peace, though this peace be connected with conditions so shameful. The conviction is deeply rooted that we cannot beat the Southern army, that on the contrary, our troops cannot make a stand against those of the Confederates; that it is useless to continue still further the waste of blood; that the Republican party, after a prolongation of probation, has proven itself incapable to administer the affairs of the country, and that the Democratic party understands how to hold the reins; that Lincoln is a weak old woman, and renders our Government ridiculous; that we can end the war only by compromise, and that hence salvation and redemption are only to be hoped for from the Democratic party. The hatred against the negro is greater than ever before; the black race grows day by day; the message of the President excites general disapprobation. The country is exhausted in men and money; the woeful condition of our finances is a more heavy affliction than all others because it is felt every hour of the day; and but one wish hovers on all lips: Peace! Peace! The army of the East is still more corrupt than the people. The army is rotten and treasonable from head to toe. The Western troops, as soon as arrived at the East become equally corrupted. Upon the whole trip I have not met a single soldier who did not curse the Abolitionists, damn the niggers to hell, and declare that he would rather fight for the South than to make a stand for the liberation of the slaves. Of battle courage and victory assurance, there is none to be found in the Eastern army. The soldiers do not believe they can defeat the enemy, and therefore consider an advance impossible. They seem to be so spiritless that it is doubtful whether they are capable of hoping for victory. Of Hooker hardly anything more is expected than of Burnside. The desertions increase with every day. The President's proclamation is publicly cursed, and the conduct of soldiers in the cars and in the cities is vulgar and brutal beyond description. Of patriotism, you find as little in the Eastern army as among the people of the Eastern Staes. This people seem to have no longer an idea of patriotism; not a man speaks of sacrifices; from love of the cause, hardly ten men would remain in the regiment. It is a real treat, after having conversed with the soldiers of the Rappahannock, to converse with soldiers from Rosencranz and Grant's armies. The statesmen in Washington, in their turn, are again more corrupt than army and people. For them there is but one watch word: "Let us steal while it is time." Every one prefers to snatch a portion of booty out of the strong box of the Secretary of the Treasury, though as if the sin-flood was already rolling against the gates of Washington. Does anyone actually think of the dreary situation of the country, he has to go drown his sorrow in a brandy shop. There is not one of our celebrated men, who ventures soberly and coolly to reflect on the lay of the land, to look into the future, and to take in time the measures of precaution. One only hears words like these: "We do not know what will come out of it." "We will see." "What can be done?" In Congress time and energy are frittered away wtih puny measures: and for the main question no one cares. The Cabinet members place their crown upon the whole swindle. Seward has long since gone over to the Copperheads; so Blair; Stanton always was a Democrat; so the always drunken Halleck; Chase plays a high game for the Presidential candidacy, and Abe Lincoln is the rueful counterfeit of a man whom one need only to look at in order to beat his hands over his head. Fremont's name is no more heard in Washington. It is totally blown away. He, too, has suffered the favorable opportunity to pass by, and it would be useless now to try to seize it again. The people of the East have become so faithless that it is no more to be saved. Once the radical party had the power within its grasp; then they did not venture openly to oppose the President, but they even labored for the administration, although it was inimical to them. It broke with the best portion of the Democracy, which likewise, by the obtuseness of Lincoln's Administration, was driven into the opposition. Now it is too late. Possible it is, nevertheless, that the last days of Congress may yet bring important and decisive things. Still possible is a change of a Cabinet, although every member grasps with cramped hands to be a money-paying officer. The possibility is, however, very distant, and becomes daily more improbable. The radicals are now in a great minority--the Democracy has the power. He who knows the tough and regardless character of the Democratic leaders, knows what that means. In Washington they talk only of peace. Then a separation into four empires would become probable. In Virginia, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Indiana, everywhere, even of loyal people, one hears the same wish. Peace. And the boldest among the Copperheads speak already of the annexation to the Southern Confederacy under the regime of Jefferson Davis. In conclusion, I would venture the question whether an organization of the radical party would not now be in time? The Democracy in every State of the Union is firmly and closely organized. Circumstances may render for it measures necessary, which we would have to war against at any price. Therefore, radicals, organize yourselves, else all is lost. A.E.K. |
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