The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1861-09-09
Forward to New Orleans, DoNvA' '"'
Mississippi.

A victory over the rebel host on the banks so'
the Potomac would be of the highest Importance
| to the Union cause. But it would not end the
war. The cotton States, the hotbed of scces
sion, would still be intact. The true direction,
| therefore, in which to strike, in order to make
short work, is down the Mississippi A suitable
expedition launched upon its waters can pcne-
trate at once into the very heart of the rebel
lion, provided it is set forward promptly and in
sufficient force before the Mississippi is fortified
by guns of large calibre and powerful earth
works.
AS q preliminary to this it will be necessary
to secure the States of Missouri and Kentucky,
so as to leave no fire in the rear. And how is
this to be done? We answer, General Fremont
must be supplied with men and money with
out stint, so that be can move forward with his
grand army as uninterrupted in his pro-
gress as the majestic flow Of the Father of
Waters. Whatever money he needs should
be placed Immediately in his hands, so AS to
| enable him to buy what he requires at once,
and at such prices as it can be obtained for,
without delay, red tape or circumlocution.
1t will never do to go through the routine of
advertising for sealed proposals to furnish
every button and shoe string that may be want
ed, under the pressing times and circumstances
| by which General Fremont is surrounded. Pro-
crastinaton is fatal. AS well might we adver-
| tise for sealed proposals for boat to rescue
drowning man as to delay till thing re-
quired for the expedition is obtained in this
way.
We have already paid dearly for the diatori-
ness of the government in reinforcing tho West
ern division of the army. Had the earnest APP
peals of General Lyon been promptly responded
to, our troops might have been in Arkansas to-
day. victorious, and with Lyon alive at their
head. He died of red tape. He would have
been reinforced, as it was, by General Fremont
| but for the lack of means of transportation.
| The government even now do not seem to rise
| to the height Of the occasion, or to comprehend
| the magnitude of the work that is to be done.
| In Missouri the rebels had already been whip
| ped and dispersed, and their Governor put
| to fight. Lyon was anxious to advance
South at once and conquer his way as
he proceeded; but the government turned a
deaf ear to his appeals for help, and thus en-
abled the dispersed insurgents to rally and
reinforcements to come to their aid from
Arkansas and Louisiana, by which large force
was concentrated near Springfield. The loss Of
Lyon and many of his brave men was the con-
sequence, and the still greater loss of oppor-
tunity and of prestige won by heroic blood.
Delay, necessary to the reconquest Of Missouri,
is the penalty of the feeble milk aud water
policy adopted at Washington.
The whole attention of the Cabinet and the
means ut their disposal appear to be ooncen-
trated at the national capital around them
selves, while the operations in the Northwest
and Southwest have been allowed to languish
for want OF adequate support, and nearly all
the advantages gained in Western Virginia and
Missouri are lost to the Union-a greater loss,
perhaps, in its ultimate effects, when viewed
with the comprehensive eye of q statesman and
general, than even the loss of the city of
Washington. All must not DO sacrificed to
single city, which, without success elsewhere,
would be of little use to tho federal govern
ment. 1t is right and necessary to defend
blish the authority of tho United States over
revolted Virginia; but while these things are
done other things equally essential ought not
to have been LETT undOne
The most eiiectual way, perhaps, of defending
Washington, capturing Richmond and subduing
Virginia, is by the way of the Mississippi The
Confederates have the great bulk of their army
Is. An.
are assaied by formidable column, led down
the Mississippi by Fremont, and at the same
time pressed along the Atlantic seaboard and
in the Gulf, besides assailed by column
landed in Mexico to cross the frontier of Texas
which our government, according to good Con
iederate authority, have permission from Next
CO to do-the rebels will then rapidly retreat
southwark to defend their homes, and will leave
Virginia to her fate. This is the way to con-
quer, and it is only by supplying the means
commensurate with this large scale of opera
tons that speedy and complete success can be
achieved
No member Of the Cabinet can make repn-
tation under the present administration, or gain
the popular favor in any way, except by facili-
Eating the operations Of our brave young gene
rails, on whom the safety Of the Union depends.
On them the country relies for the suppression
of the rebellion, and whatever money they
need the people are willing freely to give them
Let the government, therefore, at once act up to
the convictions and wishes of the people,
who have been hitherto entirely ahead of
! the administration in their ZEAL and in
a proper appreciation Of the terrible
| crisis through which the country is passing Let
Secretary Chase make the same broad dstinc-
ton which exists in the public mind between
a state of peace and a state Of war, and con-
slider that what would be commendable saving
in ordinary times may prove false economy
and q disastrous policy now. Every dollar
legitimately expended at the present will be q
saving Of five dollars hereafter. Every drop of
patriot blood shed now will save the eiusion
- Sc s,, c,t,