The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1861-06-24

THE SITUATION.

pect which may indicate some momentous cpl
sode in the history of the war. A full Cabinet
meeting is called for to-day, which partakes Of
The double character of Cabinet council and
council Of war. Gen Scott at whose instance
the meeting is to be assembled, will be present,
and, it is said, that Major Generals Banks, Dix,
Butler. sandford, and other general officers have
been summoned to attend. General Scott has
some new military project to lay before them, as
it has become evident that the programme of the
rebels has undergone an entire change, in conse-
auence of the active movements of the Union
troops. What the nature Of General SCOTS new
policy is remains yet a mystery, but we have Lit.
tie doubt that it is based upon reliable intelli-
gence as to the designs Of the rebel leaders, and is
founded on that wisdom and sagacity for which
the veteran hero is remarkable.
There is considerable activity among the troops
at Washington TWO or three regiments were
moved across the Long Bridge into Virginia yester-
day; but no important movements Of the troops
on that side of the river has taken place.
The Secretary of War has informed the Presi-
dent that there are now $4,000 men enrolled ia
The service Of the United States.
Commodore Vanderbilt has offered all the steam
ships Of the Atlantic and Pacific Steamship Com.
pany to the government, including the Vanderbilt,
Ocean Queen, Ariel, Champion and Daniel Web.
ster, to DO paid for at such rate as any two com.
modores of the United States Navy and ex-Com.
raodore Stockton may decide upon as proper
valuation. If the government is not willing to
purchase the Vanderbilt on these terms the Com
modore expresses his readiness to hand her over
as gift to the country.
From Harper's Ferry we learn that Colonel
Stones column had reached Point Of Rocks at
noon on Saturday and we're moving towards
the Ferry. One column of General Patterson's
command had passed through Grcencastle in
the same direction. Fifteen hundred Union
troops had arrived at Monocacy Bridge, eighteen
miles from the Ferry on the same day. and twelve
hundred more were at Sharpsburg advancing in
the same direction. 1t was thought that Harper's
Ferry would be occupied by the government
troops yesterday.
From the other points Of the seat of war we
have no intelligence indicating any material change
in the situation of affairs
The news which we have just received from
Europe by the steamship Bremen, with respect to
the intentions and attitude Of the governments of
France and England on the American war ques.
ten, as well as towards our administration and
tho rebel confederacy, arc very important
Paris letter in the Independence Beige asserts
that Mr.. Rost, the rebel Commissioner, whose
arrival In France from England we noticed in our
reports by the Africa, has had an audience Of Lord
Palmerston, and that he received the assurance Of
the Premier that England would recognise the
independence of the Southern States at a period of
time not far distant. Mr.. Rost has reported that
France and England had no diplomatic under.
standing to the same end, but that their action
would be uniform in the matter, but not sinful
famous.
The Paris Mo@iteur Of the 18th of June pub,
hahcs an omclai DECLARATION Oh neutrality from
the Emperor, in which he says that he has re-
solved to maintain strict neutrality in the con
ttict which is now going on between the govern
rneDt Of the Union and the States which claim to
form separate confederation" The Moniteus.
siso publishes several articles specifying the
measures Of neutrality which French subjects
are 10 observe, such as accepting no commits
sion from either side to arm vessels of
war ard not enrolling in the military service of
etther freedmen residing in France or abroad
are alike required to abstain from any act con.
tray TO aiflct neutrality, The proclamation con.
riudcs oe 'ollows:" Bis Majesty declares, more.
ovrr. '''s, 90 I'rr~ci.man who has not consormod
e. lie ire%r. hjnac'ions eau ley claim % sny