The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1861-04-30
THE SITUATIONS OF AFFAIRS.

The course Of the administration at the pres
emit time appears to be of vigorous and ener-
getic character. Troops are being rapidly con-
centrated in the vicinity Of Washington in such
force as may change the original designs of the
Southern leaders upon the federal capital There
can be no doubt, from the fact that all the
Southern troops actually in motion are
observed in every quarter to be advancing
towards the North, and from the fact that large
bodies of men are quartered in Richmond, Har-
per's Ferry and other points on the Southern
border that the intention of the secessionsts was
TO make an attempt upon Washington, and, as
preliminary measures, to seize the Navy Yard at
Norfolk, the arsenal at Harper's Ferry,
Fortress Monroe, which commands the en-
trance to the Chesapeake, and Portsmouth,
which faces the Norfolk (GosporD Navy Yard.
If they had accomplished all these maneuvres
and succeeded in making Baltimore the basis of
operations against the federal capital, Washington
would have been completely surrounded by hos
tile troops and cut of from all communication
with the North.
But the rebels were foiled in this attempt.
They were too slow for the prompt action of
General Scott, and the capital is now secure
with its garrison Of ls 900 and the hordes troops
which arc organized all over the North, ready to
pour into It at the word of command. There are
probably not less than quarter of million Of
mea in the different Northern States enrolled at
present of whom about $4,000 are qualified for
active service In the field. ii is not over est.
mating the number to say that 1000 troops,
from all points Of the North, arc at this moment
ready TO march for Washington, Independent Of
the men already there, and those guarding the
railroad from Annapolis. That the government
is resolved to carry on the war vigorously, and
TO the bitter end is evident from the fact that II
has Just decided TO receive out Of the 1000 volun
teers called for, 40 600 men to serve for three
wears rs 900 for five years, and 10 900 out of the
regular army to serve for Eve years, besides en-
rolling 5000 sailors for the navy. An addi-
tional call has been made upon Pennsylvania for
twenty regiments Of infantry and one of cavalry,
all Of which have already been rendered TO the
Governor for the service of the United States
government. Intelligence received from Harris
burg last night intimatcs that prompt movement
il about to be made from Pennsylvania at once
which may result in the occupation OF Baltimore
by federal troops within forty eight hours. II is
certain that troops are being hurriedly conccn'
trsted at Camp Scott, and Chambersburg; to the
latter point ten brass field pieces and large
quantity Of ammunition were forwarded within
few days.
The government has decided 10 establish an
arsenal at once at Rock Island City, Illinois, in
place Of the Harpers Ferry Arsenal just destroy.
ed. Rock Island City stands on the banks Of the
Mississippi, 1872 miles southwest Of Chicago. II
situated at the foot Of the Upper Rapids which
extend nearly fifteen miles, and In low stages o
water obstruct the passage Of vessels drawing a
heavy draft. In the channel is an island from
which the city derives its name, three miles in
length presenting perpendicular front Of lime
stone from twenty to thirty feet high; the channel
10 the cast Of the island has been damned, 30 as
to produce an immense water power above and
leaving fne navgable channel on the west side.
il Is very probable that the arsenal will be located
ON this STAND and its geographical position seems
very favorable sor this purpose
our dispatches from Harrisburg represent that
city r. beielI q loyal Msryanders and virginians,
VIM Asen Dad f~om TO r,'rr ~ terror IN those