The statement that Pennsylvania proposed to raise one hundred thousand troops and appropriate five or six millions of dollars, (for the subjugation of the South,) must, we suppose, be received with considerable qualification. It was only the other day that the Republican papers proved that it would cost South Carolina six millions a year to keep up a force of ten thousand volunteers, just the amount on which, according to this highly probable statement, Pennsylvania proposes to raise one hundred thousand! If the calculations of the Republican journals are true, then, instead of a loan of six millions, Pennsylvania will have to borrow sixty millions; a pretty round sum to begin with. She would do a good deal better to employ that amount, If she can raise it, in building works of public improvement, instead of preparing to attack other States.
It must never be forgotten that when we hear of one of those Northern States arming, it is not for purposes of self-defence, because, even in the event of civil war, the South has not the numbers or the means of assuming the aggressive. This the Republicans know very well, and this is what makes them so uncompromising and belligerent. The Union is valuable to them in dollars and cents, and they do not mean to let go the prey without a fierce struggle. This is the real meaning of that fidelity to the country which they tell us will not permit them to stand still and see the Union divided. If it were real patriotism, why have they nullified the laws in their own States, and never raised a finger to enforce them? They can boast of arming and equipping hundreds of thousands to chastise the South Carolinians into obedience. Why, then, could they never raise as many hundreds to compel their own communities to obey the laws? However, their great brags are all bosh. They will raise no hundreds of thousands, though they may, and probably will, raise men enough to require the united hearts and arms of the whole South, which ought by this time to be one vast camp, resounding with the notes of activity and preparation.
The Daily Dispatch, Richmond, VA