The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1861-07-29

opportunity VI oxhNslDR tusI rare .iuauLy
of which they have boasted much, and
which is called "p,uck.' The sensations with
which they are about TO witness tie Confcds-
rate Gag floating from the heights opposite
Washington city, can be moro easily imagined
than described. They have long ago taken
the precaation to box up the archives Of the
Government, and to send them to some secure
spot nearer to the North Pole. 1t i. believed
by well-informed men that the public buildings
Of Washington city are all mined, ready to be
reduced to heap Of ruins on the approach of
the Confederate army. The fate of Balhec
has been prepared for the marble city of the
New World by the very men who have been
calling for months upon the Northern soldiery
to "l,rotecs the National Capital" as a sacred
duty. The fortunes Of war promise soon to
place that Capital in the hands If the South.
Its splendid mansions, it's marble temples and
gilied cdiices will then be safer from harm,
much safer from pollution, than they were
while Ia the hands Of the unkempt and I'M
washed brutes who have lately had their quar-
tiers in their halls and corridors but they are
to DO blown up at the approach of our soldiers,
by the very men who have been preaching the
duty of protecting them to their miniols.
The battle of Stone Bridge was great
event, as great as any tina. ever haple neI from
the collision Of armies. But it is to be sue
ceeded by political event even more impor-
tant. We are now to test the nerves of the
President Of the Scotch Cap and grey coat,
and Of the Cabinet wLo were 10 make d break
fast OF the South, and dinner of England
and France. We are 10 try the pluck Of Sem
ators who have heen using such great words
in debate, and placing such valiant Yctos up
on The records Of Congress for three weeks
past. HENRI WILSON, the cobbler of y atck
who was disappointed Of his champagne at
Centreyiile, is to show whether he will make a
stand at the capital for his budget OF war
bills, or continue his fight in the direction Of
his native village OF shoes. HICKMAN is TO
prove the metal Of which he is made, and to
show whether he is still CT opinion that eigh-
zen millions Of Yankees arc match for eight
millions Of Sout hern people.
test ever tried OF the pluck Of boastful
and GLORIOUS Government. The Senate of
Rome sat composed and unafrighted while the
northern baTbarians were rushing into the
city, and received their death with dignity
which was only equallcd by their fearless
heroism. VIII the Yankee Congress and Gov
eminent copy their example? With cannon
balls whizzipg over their city, and shells burst
ing under their feet,will they retain their posts.
sharing the fate of the Capital with the hero
iugloriously away to distant places of security?
The next few days are to bring out the most
interesting developments on this subject. II
is certain that a little personal heroism
on the part Of the men conducting the
Government would go far towards retrev-
ing the fortune that has befallen them
The capture or the martyrdom Of these men
would re-excite the war spirit Of their people,
and produce rally around the Star-Spangled
Banner which would save the honor of the
North, if It did not restore the entirety of the
Union. The best chance for glory ever pre-,
sentsd to men in conspicuous and responsible
position, is now offered the Government at
Washington. II they will stand their ground
and share the fate Of the Capital, they will
make fame which will tie honored in history,
ard excite temper at the North that may yet
save its honor and retrieve it, military for
tunes. But this role is attended with imminent
personal danger, and requires a personal
bravery in the execution Of it which he of the
Scotch cap and his ninions are believed to be
strangers to.
On the contrary, If the LINCOLN Govern
ment fec the Capital, exploding their mines
aud leaving it in ruins, they will bring upon
themselves an ignomiDy, and upon their GOV
eminent and it's cause reproach, which will
decide the opinions of the world upon this
contest, and terminate the strife Of the sec.
tons. The abandonment Of the Capital will
in fact be an abandonment of the war, and
confession of impotcncy and incompetencJ
which will discredit the Northern cause not
only through the world and through history
but among the Northern people themselves
The decision of the Washington Government
upon the question Of abandoning or remain
ing in the city, will be the most important po-
itical event in its consequences of moderl
times.