The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1861-05-20

Ths Military Movements Of the Govern
ment-Enlarsing the Line OF opera
taOns.
The recent action Of the government in con-
vertDg Eastern Virginia and the Carolinas into
military department, and placing General
D.:!.ler in command thereof, gives rs a pretty
clear insight into the progressive military poll
cy about to be inaugurated. In extending this
new department only TO the Blue Ridge, the
government have shown that they place perfect
reliance upon the loyalty of the whole of West
ern Virginia. loyalty which she will be able
to maintain with the efficient assistance OF the
troops Of the free border States of Ohio and
Indiana, and the camps established in Southern
Pennsylvania.
With Maryland restored to a sense Of its
duty; with not rebel in arms left on its sou,
and the mob spirit of Baltimore so subdued
that an unobstructed passage is now secured
for the federal troops e., route to Washington,
the first important point has been gained The
future of Virginia is next to be looked after;
and between the Union sentiment existing in
the western portion Of that State aud the
establishment of military department in the
eastern portion, it cannot be long before Vir-
ginia also must be compelled to assume
loyalty not the less valuable to the cause OF
the government because it may be enforced,
but on the contrary giving additional prestige
to the Northern arms. The presence Of an
army OF occupation, advanced from the out
post lines which protect the federal capital,
must soon follow the establishment of mill
taly command in Virginia and the Carolinas;
and although it may be resisted, probably at
two or three points, where rebel troops are
concentrated, it can hardly be repealed, with
the immense force behind which the united
ardor Of the whole North is impetuous to hurry
forward in defence Of the Union.
Missouri and Kentucky, though distracted by
divided sentiment, have still enough of Union
men TO prevent open secession, while the fede-
raj forces at Cairo and in Southern Ohio and
InGiara are sufficient to overawe any power
the rebellious portions Of the former States
may be able to exercise. The city of ST. Louis,
like the city Of Baltimore, has been saved by
the prompt and vigorous action OF loyal
Missouri, and Colonel Anderson in Kentucky,
each at the head Of q body of federal troops,
renders these two States perfectly secure.
From Cairo then, in the Far West, down to
Fortress Monroe, at the mouth Of the Chcsa-
peske, the government have established so for.
midablo a military line along the Southern
frontier as to render u progressive movement
comparatively safe. That it will prove blood
less ore is not to be expected, for there arc
probably not less than forty thousand men
scattered throughout Virginia. They have
come there to fight, aud fight they will, but
against fearful odos.
The movements of General Scott, though
cautious, hare been wisely and skilfuily made
TIE upper Mississippi and Ohio rivers arc
safely provided for by Western troops, while
the blockade established on the lower AIississip-
pi must haraSs and damage the Southern river
States immensely Large bodies of men are post
cd at Harrisburg, York, Perryvil,e, Annapolis,
the Relay House ana Baltimore, while Washing
ton itself is securely garIisoned Alexandria is
in state of quiescence, if not wholly deserted.
Fortrt SIS Monroe, the base OF operations for the
aggressive movement on Virginia, will have an
amy of fifteen thousand men in and around i.
within day or two. The Chesapeake is held
by our squadron from Cape Henry to the Pa
tapsco; and the Potomac, from Point Lookout to
The capital, is swept by our steamers Of light
draught, while the whole Atlantic coast, from
Norfolk 10 the Rio Gralde, is in q state Of
efficient blockade.
With such disposition Of our troops, the
government is well prepared to undertake an
advance movement, and bring the contest to q
speedy issue.