The hydraulic press., 1861-07-13
sTILL NO BATTLE.

STILL NO BAT TILE.
Another pony has arrived. without bringing
news of definite or satisfactory character. The
public have had unlimited confidence thus far in
the superior military ability and undoubted 10y
atty of Gen. Scott. He is supposed to have been
acting with caution and efficiency, so that when
his one blow did fall, like that of old Lambro, it
would leave "little work for two." And there
can be no question but his plans are we'll matur-
ed, and that victory will inure to them in the
end. However, "hope deferred maketh the heart
sick" His delay seems strangely protracted,
when it is taken into consideration how prompt
ly two hundred thousand troops. three months
ago, responded to the Presidents proclamation.
informed us that descent upon the rebels was
impending; that tomorrow and tomorrow the
serried columns would move. Those to-morrows
have come and gone; public expectation has
been on tiptoe; and when the hour arrives in
which it appears like an impossibility for the
conflict to be avoided, the telegraph coolly in
forms us that "there is no news of importance to
relate"
Gen. Mcdowell recently waited upon Gen.
Scott, exhibiting complete map of the land
now occupied by the Federal forces, and showing
how easy it would be to capture the enemy locat-
ed within short distance of the outside lines OF
Gen. McDowell's survey, which extends into the
interior ten miles from Arlington Hights, and
ten miles below Alexandria, and the same dis
tance above the Chain-Bridge. Gen. Scott lis
tened with all attention till Gen. Mcdowell had
concluded, and desired permission to advance
and make attack, in order to wipe out the dis
grace of the late blunders. Gen. Scott sat quiz
etly back and responded, NO, sir; no, sir; non'
Now, what does that mean? Does Gen. Scott
desire to monopolise the honors of the war, or,
being Virginian by BIRTH is he reluctant to
strike at an army comprising many of her recre-
ant sons-trusting rather to the work of famine,
sickness and generalization to thin the ranks of
the foe Delays are sometimes as dangerous as
too much haste; and while not at all disposed to
PREJUDICE Gen. Scott, we must say, that at this
remote distance from the scene of operations.
his conduct seems remarkably enigmatical. A
sentiment of distrust is rapidly gaining ground.
Something, it is thought, must be wrong. A tele-
gram from San Francisco, over date of the 9th,
SHOWS tnat we are not alone IN narOOTlnS tnlS
opinion. "Fears are entertained here" it says,
"among the oldest citizens and men of matured
Judgment in military matters, that the news by
next pony, will be of the partial defeat of our
loyal troops. Every one agrees that we should
have taken the offensive, instead of defensive,
weeks ago."
We are not anxious for fight because of the
carnage which must result; but the fact is ap-
parent to every sinsible mind, that there must
be battle-a great and decisive battle-before
there is the least probability of an adjustment.
Such battle is demanded by the SCOTS, the in
suits, and the contumely hurled at Northern men
by Southern upstarts and traitors. 1t is de-
manded by the loyalty exhibited by prominent
citizens who contributed promptly such vast
amounts of material aid to the Government
cause. 1t is demanded by our heroic soldiers,
who are anxious to vindicate their bravery in the
face of ar insolent foe. 1t is demanded by all
the circumstances surrounding the army and the
Government-and the sooner it takes place the
better. When it comes, and our forces have an
equal showing with their enemies in the encoun-
ter, we have no apprehensions as to what will be
its final issue.