New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1861-12-06
FROM WASHINGTON.
How Goes the Wars


From Our Special Core 'ponsen,.
/ WAsBISGTos, Dec. T. 1861.
The particular interest in the operations OF the
army, the general consideration Of military
progress or want of progress the alternate hope and
despair of the great " advance" have given way
/ this week before the more immediate exciements Of
the Congressional opening. We have all learned
that Gen. McClesn's opinions and intentions Of
too inscrutsble order to be ptnetrated by sny
amount of public curiosity; and It quite relief
10 see an opening toward the eucdaton of the policy
and principles Of even such subordinate persons as
tie President and his Cabinet. BY the Message and
I the Reports might learn something about the war
and it, future conduct. At least, We should have
the opportunity Of discovering whether we bad
war, and if 70, what it about. a distinguished
representative Of foreign opinion and influence, Who
although destitute Of diplomatic title, iss still one Of
the most important-pcisibly the most imporant-of
orr European Observers, assured me the other day
that bis long-growing and finally rpened conviction
was that this lie war for the preservation of
Slavery" and mildly wondered ut our inpatient cry
for foreign sympathy, when had, at least to
European eyes no better cause to show than this.
know very well that his view IL shared by the ma
joriiy Of o egn here and that twould
REQ ure very different sort Of evidence from any that
tie Presidepts Message ni!sIds to bring them to
contrary belief. Il is not bad thing to occasionally
zee ourp-lves vs. othcTs 10; aud when We lind as
all can find who choose seekthat representatives
Of foreign powers united in the conviction that
we are not pushing this contest with The earnes,ness
which il should demand; that, although with arms
in our hands and presenting show Of vigorous Lcs-
tility we ARE ilhng-rng IN the old path Of dasnce
and concession, the worthlessness OF which score
u wasted years Las not taught usi that we fight
inc on the side ~ the insnrreciionists quite AZ
vehemently IN We are fighting against them that we
nre nourisliBg and stimulating the very root OF tue
rebellion while fsebly clipping OF ib weaker
br,nches; that, In n word, we "warring for the
preservation Of Slsyery"-how can we justly COM
plain Of the apathy with which those powers regard
the struggle and its result can assure You that
such are the views which foren ministers now enter
tnin and winch they naturally transmit to their re
spectiye Governments. And II does not need tie
laenest intellect in the world TO decide whether the
presf nj attitude Of our Admnst alton wilIstsengtAen
OF absto these yiows
The policy If TIE Government is now open. We
are to rrofecr.e the war with vigor with deiermi.
nation. and with our bands tied. We are 10 march
boldly and swiftly forward with clogs upon our feet
We are to crush out the rebellion in a twnklins
and never strike blow ct its vital strength. With
these theories however neither the people nor Con
rrees seem TO agree. Congress showediIs temper on
the first day Of the session, and that not yainly.
There vns test vote taken, and the sentiment waf
by no meaus in accordance with that which the Adj
rnIjstra,ion displays. Congress, sustained by the
reople. will probably prevail So far as we can
iudee from poputr demonstrations tere In Washing
ton the public is alive 10 the necessity Of making a
thorough work Of the war; The honors are entirely
with those who advocate the only sure and sound
methods Of SCATTERING the Rebel organization. The
crowds which gather 10 listen TO the evening open
air orations are quick lightning to applaud every
firm and forcible argument that is offered. The
author Of the Slavery.eomforting proclamation In
Missouri woud DO little pleased to witness the lndea
tons Of popular difpleasure which are directed
aeaiust IL Is single act OF his military administration
The neople are far in advance of the Government,
as they have been FROM the first; and the people
mean 10 win in this, they mean to win in the war.
As TO the advance of the army, it is as much
ouostion now us ever. On the hand the troops
hive not been authorized to prepare Winter quarters,
in spite OF the dAcODlIOfts lc. are ioi0cu !"
in their present condition A good general would
not, Of course, subject them to needless suffering,
consequently we judge that further operations are
contemplated this season, and that the Winter quar-
tiers are to be fixed elsewhere. On the other hand,
the ronds are fast becoming unfit for army movements
Their condition is now such that not one officer in
fifty credits the possibility Of campaign before the
Spring or such time as the roads shall again be trust
worthy These are the two horns OF the dilemma.
NOBODY knows what Gen. Mcclellan Intends except,
of course, the General bimself who IS presumed to
have an understanding ia the matter. Everybody
comedies his right to perfect inscrutabity, which
probably, however makes no vast amount OF deiler-
ence in the mystery OF his ways, fince il everybody
dispnted il, he would not be bit more communica-
live. Hsplans the Winter must be soon developed,
for the soldiers cannot stand their exposure much
LONGER and unless something is given them to do to
warm their blood and fire their natural enthusiasm
thew rust be packed in Winter quarters, and kept
alive by artificial heat.
THE OLD POINT BOAT.
NJ Thur.lav Dec 3, 1861.