The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1846-06-11

pondence never was before published For some
days the most exaggerated and contradictory re-
ports have been in circulation, in relation to this
correspondence. II presents some of the most
extraordinary points of sense and absurdity, that
have ever been laid before the public
Gen. Scott, by his conduct in this affair, has,
we fear, sullied the reputation OF lifetime, by
maniiesting spirit Of disobedience to the CON-
mands Of his official superiors. The President
by profering him the command fthe army, paid
him high compliment; and his refusal of that
command is calculated to destroy his formerly de-
served popularity with the nation. No excuse can
palliate, in military man, disobedience TO the or
ders ola superior. The letters of Secretary Mar
cy annhiate all the excuses set up by Gen. Scott,
and leave him without the slightest pretext for his
disobedience
twas evidently the intention of the President
TO give him the command of the army on the Rio
Grande, and in this intention he was seconded by
the War Department, as we see by this cores
pondence; and certainly by the voice Of the entire
people, without distinction Of party. No man, up
to the publication of this correspondence, was
more popular, or more deservedly So than Cen
Scott; and the whole country looked to the Presi-
dent TO invest him with the command of the army
against Mexico. We find that the President per-
formed his duty by promptly rendering him that
command; and he, under the influence Of feelings
for which we cannot account raised trlfing oblec-
tons and excuses, urged delays, and at length
peremptory declined the appointment. Under
those circumstances, was manifestly the duty of
the President to retract his orders
We speak of this affair with feelings Of the
deepest regret. We esteem General Scott for his
high military talents and bravery. He has hith-
ero held high rank in the regard of his country
men; and we feel panied and mortified, that by
an ill-advised show of petulance, in crisis OF
such moment to the destnies of the country, he
should have jeopardized the popularity of a life
time. His patriotism and bravery are entirely
above suspicion, but through mistaken pique at
some imaginary hostility the part of the Presi-
dent, he has, we fear, blasted his future prospects
The President and the War Secretary have
come out of this affair with great credit to them
selves Their conduct has been dispassionate,
calm and patriotic; and the publication of this cor
respondence successfully vindicates them from
the charge Of partially and prejudice.
We regret to find that a spirit Of insubordina-
ton has lately manifested itself in the higher
ranks of the army. This insubordination is the
result; OF political ambition, and is calculated to
lead to the destruction of all military discipline
We find distinguished officers squaring their con-
duct, even at most important public junctures,
not according to the single-mnded dictates OF mi
litary duty, but with Interior views to political adj
vancement. Had General Scott assumed the
command of the army against Mexico, and acted,
as he doubtless would have done, with the same
bravery that distinguished him in the last war, on
the Niagara frontier, he need not have feared any
enemies Sin his rear y he would have made
friends all over the country and it would not have
been possible to injure him in the estimation OF
his fellow citizens.
This same spirit of military INSTRUMENTATION
was exemplified in the conduct OF Gen. w orth,
in resigning at a most important crisis, when the
enemy was actually coming to close quarters
Had General Worth not been known to be as
brave an officer as ever handled sword, and as
worthy in every respect as he is brave, his iepu-
tation would have been destroyed by this single
ill-advised act of resigning his command, at a
momentous crisis, on mere point of etiquette
General Scott has been suspended, and re-
moved from ahigh command, for his Hardness, and
ultimate refusal to obey orders, as well as for
other things. General Gaines has been suspen-
ded, and called TO Washington, for his zeal IN
going beyond his orders But we think that the
voice of the country will excuse and sustain Cen
eral Gaines, for his prompttude in mastering
troops for the rescue of General Taylor, at time
when the latter appeared to be in very critical
position. No one can doubt the purity of Gene
raj Gaines's motives; and even if he did tram
scend the orders Of the department, in mastering
ms N the service than
should be excused in general officer in
command of "a. dvision, at distance from Head
Quarters, and Jealous of the honor of our arms.
THE STATE CoNvENTIoN.-lt is proverbal that
the movements Of legislative bodies slow and
wearisome. From the progress that the delegates
TO the State convention have made in the bust
ness they were elected to perform, we are dis
posed to think that the convention for revising
the constitution, are determined not to be behind
any previous legislative assemblage that was ever
convened in this respect. We are not advocates
for hasty and excited legislaton-on the contra
ry, we would have no measure of innovation or
change passed, without the most ample discussion
and consideration. But this will not apply to the
State convention, for they have not as yet hardly
touched bottom on the business before them.
This body has now been in session upwards of u
week, and the preliminary business has not vel
been concluded; and from present appearances,
il is impossible to hazard even a guess as to the
time the members will enter on the task of pro-
vdng the reforms that the times call for. AL
ready the members seem to be afflicted with en-.
nui; and although their absence from home has
been little over a week, several of them solicit
ting leave of absence.
We would remind the delegates composing the
convention, that the people Of this State, and in
deed of most States in the Union, are watching
their proceedings with eagemess. They have
duties to perform of more than ordinary import
ance. The task that lies before them is of no or.
binary nature, but rather one that requires the
greatest zeal and attention that they exercise
and if they desire to acquire credit and honor in.
dvidually, and reflect lustre on the constituent.
IL al Al 4.