New-York daily tribune., 1861-05-02
the WAR FOR the UNION.
THE TROOPS In WASHINGTON.
EXCITEMENT AT ANNAPOLIS
THE RIOT AT baltimore.
CHARGE TO THE GRAND JURY

WASHINGTON, Wednesday, May !, iooi.
MAY DAY WEATHER.
This being May day, tie weather, according to
immemorial custom, is intolcrable. Washington
never too clean-is as sandy as the Great
Desert, and if there were camels here they would
instinctiyely fling themselves down with their
noses to the ground, for fear of sufocaton. No
birds have sung, and flowers have remained un-
gathered
% sEHESaDE TO TIE PRESIDENT.
At ) O'Clock, however, the wind subsided, and
cav crowds focked to the grounds OF the White
House. where the band of the Seventh Regiment
played for two hours, to the delight OF all.
During the performance Of the band the Presl-
dent appeared on the portico and, in response to
the cheers of the people, said few words ad-
yertlDc in an encouraging manner to national
affairs.
THE ACTION OF THE WAR DEPARTMENT.
1t is now acknowledged here, even by those
who at first objected to that course, that the action
of the War Department in the eight days follow
ing the riot at Baltimore was judcious and ne
cessary to prepare the way for intelligent prose-
cution of policy now determined on. Taken by
surprise, not ready with the overwhelming force
properly equipped wherewith to cut direct
path, the question wns between circuitous
route with certainty of arriving at the destina-
ton. and an abortiye and murdcrOus attempt at
directness.
THE POWER or THE NORTH.
Now that the Government has strengthened its
hands, the glorious uprising of the people has
struck terror even into the mob. ard Mar! land
shakes herself free from the disgraceful bands of
rowdyism, and returns to loyalty. This affair at
Baltimore has borne good fruit, after all. The
sbarp. short fight of April 10 was needed. No
one here knew, no one here imagined, what was
in the hearts OF Northern people. The universal
roar, whose echoes swept even to beleagured
Washington, showed traitors what they must ex-
pect, showed the country ON what mighty fund
of patriotism il could draw, and warned the
rulers that the people had potent voice. And,
now, made more courageous than before 10y this
grea. expression of the North aud Northwest, the
Government is TO move forward, and to move
with dignity and power.
THE REINFORCEMENT OF PORT PICkENs
Official reports have been made to headquar-
ters that Fort Pckens has been placed, by re-
enforcen ents, beyond the possibility of capture
hy any force the Rebels can bring against It.
FORT MHENRy.
Also. that Fort McHeury is in condsion 70
bid defiance to any number of traitors, and TO
give an efficient check to their movements on
MARYLAND soil, if they are rash enough to oppose
themselves to the Government.
THE PATRIOTISM OF TIE NORTH.
Rv every avenue Of communication with this
Capital, the great spirit of the free North makes
itself felt. Mothers write to sons, who seek mil
itary employment, urging them forward cheering
their hearts with words Of noble affection. Reg
iments OF nurses, representing the cutTat on and
refinement Of New England, are arriving. or an-
nounce their readiness to come, meanwhile hitting
themselves by practice in hc'ptes ut home
Money, horses, and equipments are offered with
lavish hands by thrifty men of business. SIN
ole grand expression of patriotism reaches us,
and its effect here is hourly to be perceived.
TIE CONDITION OF THE TROOPS.
The condition of the troops is daily improving.
I am happy to say the defects in the Commssary
Department affecting the Massachusetts voun-
teers are now remedied, and that their comfort
il secure.
THE PRICE OF PROVISIONS.
As the panic Of ten days ago passes away,
the high price Of provisions declines Flour has
now reached almost tie proper limit, and other
supplies are found to be abundant.
The clerks in the Patent-O Office have purchased
a flag, which is to be raised Tomorrow al noon.
Several members Of the Cabinet will be present,
and Gov. Sprague is expected to speak.
WESTERN VIRGINIA.
Commissioners from Western Virginia were in
town to-day. They told the President, in sub.
stance, that if he would furnish the people they
represented with arms, they would take care OF
their section Of the country and guarantee lts
loyalty.
NOVEL OCCUPATION FOR A JUDGE.
Col. McCunn, your New-York City Judge,
is acting as master Of transportation at An
napolis. Owing to his energetic labor, the
road to the Junction is cutrcly in order
He superintends loading and unloading of cars,
starting trains, and detailing men, beside run
ming over the read four times daily as conductor.
At present. he can transport five thousand troops
daily.
THE COURSE AND MOTIVES OF THE ADMINS
TRATION.
Allnsion, in the hearing of the President, baving
been made by a gentleman to-day to attacks
upon the course and motive Of the Admnisfra'
..loIu n sotA G all Str
we can afford to pass them by with the dyins