NP, WJ 3/21/1863

From the Wilmington Journal
 
March 21, 1863
 
For the Journal
 
Messrs. Editors,
   Can't you induce the managers of the Wilmington & Weldon Railroad to keep their passenger cars in a more cleanly condition? Is there no soap, no brooms, no water, no men to be had, to keep them in a decent order? Seriously, if more attention is not given to this matter, the yellow fever, or some other malignant plague or pestilence, will be engendered on board said cars before the 1st of July next. Where is Captain Fremont?
   Also, can't some of the Conductors be induced to be civil and kind to sick and wounded men? It is a shameful truth, that our soldiers are sometimes treated by some consequential Conductors and other Railroad employees (who ought to be in the ranks of the soldiery,) more as intruders, as beasts or animals than as brave men, who are exposing their health and lives, and sacrificing their all for the sacred cause of independence. Where is President Wallace? Will he not induce a reform, or have such men conscripted? And will not he and the Superintendent see to it that water, fires, good seats, &c., are provided for these sick and wounded men who are daily being transported over their Road? The laws of Congress, patriotic humanity, common justice, all demand a change upon Railroad in this and other respects.
   And ho happens it that the produce and ill-gotten gains of speculators and extortioners are carried over our different Rail Roads, when at the same time transportation is denied to the subsistence of the wives and children of our soldiers: denied to Hospital Stores for sick and wounded men, and denied to those "good men and true" who in contact with the greedy shirks of the speculating tribe, are devoting themselves, mind, soul, body and purse to the good of the cause? I would not insinuate that the Presidents, Superintendents and Managers of the Roads allow this to be done. They are too just and patriotic to tolerate it, when such conduct comes to their knowledge. But in these days of increasing crime, licentiousness, and corruption, they will not take it amiss in me to remind them that subordinate officials are some times unable to resist the tempting bait of a little extra pay.
   The suggestions embodied in these remarks are made in a spirit of friendship to the Road, and of kindness to ins excellent President and Superintendent. But public opinion, sanctioned and sustained by the demands of patriotism, is not satisfied with the management of affairs, and the sooner the proper authorities realize this, the better it will be for the Road.
An Army Officer
March 19, 1863
 
   We dislike to publish anything against any of our Railroads, but the above communication comes from a gentleman occupying a high position in the Medical Department of our army, and we feel bound to publish it, so that if the grievances exist, as charged, they may be remedied -- if not they may be disproved.

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