The Lambertville press. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1858-1???, 1861-08-07
Preparations for the Conflict.

nations to meet with very serious re-
yerSes at the commencement of their
wars, says the Philadelphia Press,
even when battling against inferior
powers. A few disasters, and even
humiliating defeats, often prove try
ing ordeals which are necessary pre-
liminaries of final triumph. The al
lied armies OF France, England, and
Sardinia, found it much more diHi-
cult task TO drive the Russians from
their stronghold at Sebsstepol than
they had anticipated, and they met
With many unexpected repnises before
the campaign was closed. Oar last
war with Great Britain commenced
With long series OF disasters which
almost disheartened the whole coun-
try, and it was the brilliant triumphs
won where they were least expected,
on sea, which first revived our droop-
ing spirits. The French Republic Of
the last century commenced, its long
war against the European monarch
lists by loosing some important battles
and 1t was not until the martial spirit
Of the country was fully aroused that
it was enabled to defy the whole con-
tinent. The lose Of single field at
the beginning of q campaign may
sometimes overthrow IL combatant
who is comparatively weak ard feeble.
but it only proves to spirited coun-
try. conscious Gifts superior strength
and the justice of its cause, an incen-
tive 30 redonbled exertions, This is
evidently the effect the disaster at
Manassas Junction is now having mp
on the faithful citizens of the United
States. We have learned at once the
strength of the enemy and the defects
ia our own military arrangements and
organization They are being COM
pietely remedisd IS rapidly as posi-
bic. While the strength of our army
is being increased, its dicipl.ne ia i'm
proved. the best military talent we
we can obtain is secured, and our
ablest officers entrusted with high
commands. Our supply of efficient
artillery is being increased to an extent
which will render the loss of the pie
ces that fell into the hands of the in.
surgents, at Manassas, of little impor-
tance. a new spirit pervades all our
military operations. Without suf-
fering reverse decided enough to
infict any vital injury upon MS, our
losses have been sufficiently serious to
awaken all minds to the stern realities
Of the war In which We are engaged,
TO teach statesmen, soldiers, and cit
Gens that nghtlDg, hard lighting, and
perhaps no little of it, must be expec-
ted, aud that if We desire to emerge
from the contest victorious, we must
pat forth all our energies, summon all
our resolution, evoke I'LL our patriot
ism and valor, and spare no pains to
overthrow the arrogant foes who
seek to rain the Republic forever.
1t is impossible for any one to con-
trast the resources Of the loyal and
disloyal portions OF cur country with.
CIT feeling that we can only be an.
successful in this contest through our
own neglect, supinenesS, or want of
fidelity to our own glorious Cause.
The men, the money, the physical re-
sources-everything that a great COM
mander could desire, exist among us
TO 8 sufficient extent 30 far outweigh
all the capacities of resistance which
the insurgents possess. We com
mand their whole seabord, and they
can occasionally gain, By stealth, an
outlet TO the ocean We have
greatly superior population. and, in
saSe OF necessity, can enlist, equip,
and maintain in the field from four
10 i've times as many soldiers as the
Secessionists. War is, to a great ex-
tent, an exact science. Many acct
dents, it is trne, influence important
results, bat given force, properly APP
piled, viii necessarily overcome spa
eiGc amount Of resistance. and if it is
not in the power of the loyal States of
this Union to overcome the disloyal
portions of 1t, all the rules which have
heretofore controlled the military op-
perations Of mankind have been re-
Eersed for their especial benefit.
1t is quite possible, however, for
the power to be greatly weakened and
nsu.ralized IN a military sense. If
the conspirators summon all the avail.
able resources Of the South to their
AID, take without substantial compen-
sation all the property they desire, and
make every man they need join their
ranks, whether he wishes to or not,
while we embark but small portion
Of our energies in the conflict, we can.
not expect to succeed. Our superior
strength will prove no practicle ad-
vantage, if it is not exerted. If they
eontended With four times as much