The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1861-08-20


have aroused them from their lethargy, and 40
ton now seems to be their watchword. The pro-
clamation just issued from the War Department
to the Governors Of ten Northern States, calling
for their immediate forwarding of all troops en-
listed or accepted In their several States
whether regiments, battalions or companies,
armed or unarmed-to the national capital, is
of itself evidence that they have ascertained
enough Of the movements of jeff Davis army
to create anxiety in regard to the safety OF
Washington almost equal to that which existed
four months ago, when the mob at Baltimore
attempted to prevent the passage of troops
then en- route to protect the national capital,
with its valuable archives The rebels have
concentrated large force near the Potomac,
and are still augmenting their numbers in that
vicinity, with the idea Of crossing over into
Maryland, arousing the disaffected in Baltimore
threatening the capital in the rear by cutting of
achievements, while their main army attacks
the city, and thus bring about the final struggle
for the occupancy Of the city Of Washington.
The rebels, compelled by force of circum-
! stances to make demonstration somewhere,
have, it seems, chosen Washington as that
point, and the authorities at the capital appear
to believe that the day and the hour are at dis
! tant period. The gallant Mcclellan, now in COM
mand of the entire Union army in that vicinity,
isat work with his accustomed, activity preparing
his forces for the crisis The administration
have likewise taken hold of the matter with
energy, and now call for assistance from the
people but it is necessary thai activity,
movements of those in charge of the volunteers
now stationed at the several rendezvous in the
States appealed to, or even this call will be too
late. No one knows the exact strength Of jeff.
Davis army now in the vicinity of the Potomac.
Some estimate it at one hundred and fifty thou
sand and others at only eighty thousand. Be
that as it may, it is evident that Mcclellan and
the administration desire to be prepared for the
worst, and have sufficient force in readiness to
drive back any numbers that may be sent
against them. In this effort of the govern
ment the interest at stake-the cause
of freedom the world over-demands
that there shall be no delay. Quick and
decisive work--the march to Washington by
thousands and tens of thousands the only re-
Spouse that should be made to the proclamation
Of The Secretary of War.
We are unquestionably on the eve of an I'M
pOrtant battle-no mere skirmish--but an en-
gagement between the main bodies of the Union
and the so-called Confederate armies, at APPOINT
where the result is Of the most momentous
consequence. The government loan having
been disposed of, there are fdlpls enough for the
most active operations. The one hundred and
fifty millions ut the disposal of the administra-
ton leave them no excuse to delay moments
BESIDES there appears to be no disposition to
pursue slow pace, now they are fully aroused.
We understand that five millions of this fund
have been placed at the disposal of Gov. Morgan
to recruit and equip the troops from this State;
and it is to be hoped that he will discharge his
duty with alacrity. Blunders have been conn
mitted and disasters ensued but now il the
time, now the hour to prepare to redeem our
selves. We have the vital energy the numbers
and the wealth to accomplish all that the most
sanguine dare hope for. Let the next effont be-
commensurate with our means.
We repeat it: the signs of the times indicate
past, with its errors and shortcomings be- for
gotten in united effort for the future. This is
no time to talk about party issues or platforms
no, time to be diverted by the fimsy arguments
of secession editors in our midst-no time to
bubble on constitutional points or the arrest Of
few suspicious characteristic time to- discuss
the propriety of abolishing the habeas CORPUS
no time to review the military mistakes Of Gen.
Scott, to discuss the propriety of the recent po-
sition given to Mcdowell, to talk of the pleni-
potentiary instructions of Seward, the irabecil-
ty of the Navy Department, the nOthingness of
Caleb Smith or the vagaries of Blair-but,
drawing wisdom from the past failures, with
prudence, skill, energy and, vigor, make COM
bined effort to wipe out the Big Bethel, Bull
run and Davis creek disasters. Our forefathers
after seven years bloody struggle, successfully
established form Of government which for
wisdom astonished the wise men of Eu-
rope, and for its freedom to the masses
excelled anything known in the history
of the world Under those benefccnt
institutions we have grown to be mighty ma
ton, taking our place in comparatively short
period among the first nations of modern times,
anf fast leading all others ia political and COM
mercial greatness. Just as the world was about
according to us that position and admitting the
capability of man for selfgovernment, few
ambitious and aiscontented spirits organized
conspiracy, and are now menacing our very
capital with their artillery of wm, threatening
destruction to our form of government, and will,
unless prevented by the loyal North, deal
fatal blow to democratic institutions and
strengthen the hands of monarchs and kings
the world over. Favored. petted and assisted
by the treacherous Cabinet of Buchanan, these
conspirators continued their work of destruc-
! ton until they have drawn into their meshes
eleven of the thirty-four States and now in their
arrogance are preparing an assault upon the seat
! of government. Their success will result in
transferring to our shores the petty quarrels that
! have 80 long demoralizcd and ruined the