Composition "War"

Scope and content:

Composition for an assignment at VMI that discusses thoughts on war.

Language:

English .

Other descriptive data:

War
Of all the punishments which Divine Providence sees fit to inflict upon a sinful nation, none so severe as that of war, which is now being so frightfully carried on throughout this once peaceful and prosperous republic. Although I am well aware, that this is a subject on which better pens than mine have exhausted their eloquence, yet I think, especially at a time like this, it is one, on which we may profitably reflect. From the Statesman to the school boy, Every one is occupied with this absorbing topic. The preacher from the pulpit thunders into our ears threats of the increased wrath of God, already visited upon us in this cruel war. The poor man shudders at the thought of the coming winter, and curses the hard times and high prices. All alike seem to think it an unmitigated evil. But it would be far better for us to trust in the old saying, "Look on the bright side," and I think that if we would allow the exercise of a little reason, we may bring ourselves to believe that there is a bright side to this picture. I do believe that it is a punishment, but that as a loving father corrects his erring son, so it is send for our own good. Let us but suppose there were no such punishments for mankind, and what would this world of ours be? We may but turn to the pages of history, and selecting a few from the many examples before us, find a sad response to this question. Look at Rome! For hundreds of years enemies without and fierce dissentions within, had humbled her proud eagles, and at length she stands without a rival, none dare call her enemy. But prosperity has accomplished that which her enemies have in vain assayed and the "City of Seven Hills" lies prostrate at the feet of her own vices. A handful of barbarians have devastated her fair provinces and beautiful cities, and Rome is no more. Look to England. Twice she has been intensely overrun and ground under the feet of Roman and Norman invaders. And behold the fruit of suffering. England the mistress of the seas! But a speck on the map of the world she has possessions on which the sun never sets. And lastly, we have a striking striking example in our own once peaceful land. After a comparatively short contest, she has enjoyed blessings totally unprecedented in the history of a nation of free government, the most beautiful country in the world, and a large territory, nothing seemed wanting to fill up the measures of her happiness. But what were its effects? A Government rotten to its very core, and an effeminate people, divided into little factions. The smiles of prosperous fortune has accomplished that which our enemies tried in vain and War, the only specific for a nations diseases, has come upon us. Let us bear it like men, and remember that terrible as it is there are evils far worse.
Respectfully submitted
By
Cadet Stanard

Subjects:

Virginia Military Institute—Cadet compositions—Prose
Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1867
Virginia Military Institute—Academics—History—19th century

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