The south-western. [volume] (Shreveport, La.) 1852-1870, 1861-05-29
A strategical View of the War.

If we are really to have the most horrible of all caam
tiles civil war-f chance for peace is left and We
must actually look hostilities in the facet may be
nroper to take strHtegica view of the field before
we have referred to the anticipated struggle in its polt
nal aspect but have not heretofore like our coem
nararies presented what seems to US will doubtless bC
the plan of the campaign upon both sides. Let now
endeavor to look at this calmly and where stand
First we should bear in mind that war knows no com
pEments: when the sword is really drawn in earnest
each combatant tries to infct upon the other all the
injury he can True, cvliSed nations have discarded
many Of the barbarou features Of war; but history
teaches us that civil often much more bloody
and reYengeful than those between different nations
Accordingly already find recommendations of EEK
termination of 'nO quarter of instant death to all
rebels" &c, &c, which presents sad and revolving
picture the contemplation of the much vauned chris
tianity of the nineteenth century.
So far the plans of our government published,
it would that three grand movements are intended
against the south. large force already occupies
ngton which, it is said, will be increased to So =
Another is concentrating at Cairo in southern Illinois,
and blockading squadron is being organised to close
all the ports from the capes Of Virginia to the mouth
of the Rio Grande. These doubtless the three prin-
cipal avenues by which the southern States are to be
attacked. The 10000 called for by the first pro-
camaton only be held for ninety days and many
of them only consented 90 the capital believed
to be in imminent danger it is not probable that many
of them will consent longer than the specified
doubtless intended to meet this emergency. 1t is for
II 034 volunteers to for period of three years.
unless sooner discharged. The regular army is also to
be increased by the enlistment Of % IA men, and s.
600 seamen be enlisted for not less than
more than three years The regular troops by law
amount to 1000. Our navy consists of about 5000.
The entire land and naval forces thus put in service
amount to one hundred and seventysix thousand
men, all told Such are the preparations upon ourside
for the civil encounter. 1t is singular fact, but
hear it repeated dozen times day, and lis generally
believed, we are informed by the soldiers who have
volunteered that the south will not think of resisting
this formidable army and that there will be nod Citing
This view is also is said shared by the administration,
and that the insurgents will dspeyse" peaeeaby the
few whisky insurrectioniss did Pennsylvania Wash
iugton's day.
But if they do not We are informed that the feet is
to blockade all the pOrsto out the cities of the
coast-the expedition on the Mississippi is to close that
great highway of commerce. and the main force, under
Gen Scott is invade Virginia, and after retakng all
the forts and federal property in that State on
southwark to North Carolina South Carolina and Geor
ga These are unqucstionably vigorous preparations
aud betoen work ahead One thing seems to be certain
either these warlike movements will be opposed with
great ygor not at all AS the latter not probable,
let US look at the other side.
Our information OF the military preparations in the /
south are very meagre The newspapers there do not
seem be anxious to lay before the public such full
and graphic accounts Of the movements of troops as
ours. There is general concentration of troops in
Virginia, and that is about all that sure of How
arge the force is do not know, but tits evident that
he main sraegica movement left to Davis to counter
let the formidable preparations OF Scott is attack
Washington
If our government commences an aggressive move
nent Virginia. it is probable that attempt will at
)nce be made to repe it. and attack Washington for
f we are to have war-if all hope of peace is gone-t
evident must prepare ourselves to hear of an attack
On the capital We do not that the south has any
Dther recourse left She has navy and hence cannot
epel the bockading squadron Her only chance is to
rike where the blow would fall heaviest We should
rot be surprised, therefore if the most terrible battle
hat ever occurred the continent would take place
the vicinity of Washington city Itwoud not neces-
ariIy follow, even il Washington should fall into the
lands of the southern army, that would be held by it.
ndeed we do not see how the cOnfcdcrtes could claim
t long Mary land adhered to the Union. The posi-
ion assumed by the seeded States is that they wishto
ouquer peace-to secure their independence and not
o wage a of aggression conquest. They are
filling allow all the States to adhere to the old Union
hat wish to- but they claim the right form new one
hen the old one, as they alcge becomes nimcal and
ostile to their interests Hence, there seems very
tile prospects of the secession OF Maryland, do not
how Washington is likely to fail into the hands of
he south She could lay claim it her capital
ven though successful in taking it, without violating
ne doctrine OF State rights upon which the whole
leut is based.
Washington, then, seems to be simply strategetic
ONT far the south is concerned 1t is impossible
this time to form any idea to what chance she has
n taking it. From point of view the odds all seem
be against her. Every means to defend it has been
sorted to- y large body of troops is already there
Tiers close at hand and it will be terrible strug
lie that will wrest from It's present occupants. But
lie south is thoroughly aroused, every paper political
I'd religious is nervng the people desperation The
vasion Of their soil is held up in its most startling
nm and every Indictment that patriotism or family
IN call forth is forcbly depicted. On the other hand
the prestige of the ancient flag and the love of the
Mon appealed to, and thus the sections are
lred against each other, raricidia strife where or
hen it will end, God only knows. \. Y. Day Book.
THE Position OF KENrUCKY.-Ilon James B. Clay,
N of Henry Clay, has issued card declining to be