2260
Cleveland Morning Leader, 12 February 1864
(ed; 15 inches)
~ See original
p.2, col.2
~ View at ChronAm
2260 - L. Feb. 12; ed:2/2 - Legoyt, chief of the statistical bureau of
the French ministry of agriculture, commerce, and public works, reports
on the strength of the armies of Europe. The report says: "In a time
of profound peace this strength is 3,875,847 men, nearly equal to the
whole population of the state of New York." Legoyt indulges in reflec-
tion as to the "disarming of one-half" of each army. 1,907,924 men,
between the ages of 20 and 35, are restored to labors of peace, and at
once a saving of $32,000,000 is affected. This amount can be used to
extend railroads, establish more schools, or reduce taxes. This would
mean a great deal to the people of Europe. Two million men would be re-
stored to the arts of peace and rates of labor would be reduced. It
would preserve family bonds, broken because of absence.
"It is to prevent just such a condition as this, that the American
people have been plunged into this bloody war....
"The southern slave lords would like to imitate the 'baker's dozen'
plan by which Europe is governed. This vast system by which men are
dragooned into submission, will receive its death blow in the triumph of
our arms." (15)