The Richmond correspondent of the Times reveals a new view
of the currency question. While remarking that "the siege of Charleston is just commencing," he adds a doctrine that will puzzle our currency philosophers. " There is such disgust in this city at the depreciation of the currency, towards which the introduction of goods through Charleston has powerfully contributed, that I doubt whether the capture of that city by the Federals would not, on the whole, be accept- able to a majority." Does he mean that the people of the South wish to avoid a depreciated currency by the admirable device Of having nothing to buy ? No doubt, by resolutely abstaining from all demand and consumption we might always prevent a depreciation of paper currency ; but it would be an act of great heroism to keep one's currency at par by resolutely starving oneself. If transactions ceased there would certainly be no premium on gold, but life would, perhaps, be at a pre- mium instead. Is Charleston going to head a new order of martyrs—martyrs to currency ?
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