The national Republican., 1861-04-02
For the National Republican.
TIE WAR DEPARTMENT.

We learn that General Cameron commenced
the work of renovation in his Department on
Saturday, by the removal of several clerks, and
the appointment Of tried and trusty men to gil
their places. The first stroke of the axe can.
not fail to whet the indignation of the oppo.
nents of the Administration and we shall
doubtless hear the cry Of Republican proscrip.
tion," keyed to every note in the gamut Of or
gansm."
The people, however, will recognise, in this
course Of the Secretary Of War, another exam.
pie Of the frmness and determination with
which General Cameron always enters upon
the discharge of public duties. They will at
once acquit him Of any proscriptive motive in
undertaking the work Of removal and reappoint.
ment. The loose manner in which the bust.
ness Of the Department has been conductsd
for the greater part of the term of the precs.
ding Administration, and the strange develop
ments of falsehood and treachery which have
rendered the last four months positively hideous,
render the work Of renovation one of urgent
necessity. The stroke may bring hardship to
some, and Inconvenience to all who may be
called to receive it /; but the principle Of rota.
tion in Office lies at the very foundation of our
elective system. 1t is an incident of Democ.
racy. To the heads of bureaus in the War
Department it may not be agreeable; indeed,
with the exception Of General Scott, every chief
Of bureau did protest against any removals.
But those gentlemen hold life appointments,
and permanence in Office is, naturally enough
become their habit of thought in regard to such
matters.
At this time, when the interests confded to
the officers Of the Department so deeply con-
cern the interests Of the nation, it is incumbent
upon the Secretary to surround himself with
men Of whose integrity and patriotism he has
personal knowledge. This, we are informed,
he will certainly do. Counting the interests Of
the country superior to all personal and selfish
considerations, he will carry out the work he
has undertaken to just that extent which shall
seem necessary to secure the object he has in
view, which is that strictly conscientious dis
charge of duty that shall reflect greatest credit
upon the Administration.
UNION DEMONSTRATION IN RIcHMoND.-THE
FLAG OF THE SOUTHERN CoNFEDERACY ToRN
INTO RIBBoNs.-An immense Union meeting
was held in Richmond Friday night, and ap.
pears to have been marked with deep earnest.
ness and energy of purpose. At an early
stage Of the proceedings the flag of the Union
was displayed from the speakers platform, and
evoked an expression of natural enthusiasm
quite thrilling in effect.
Able and forcible speeches were made on
the occasion by James B. Dorman, of Rock.
bridge, and Col. John B. Baldwin, of Augusta,
members of the State Convention, and by Mar.
maduke johnson, Esq.
During Mr.. Baldwin's speech a party of Young
men entered the Church, bearing Gag of the
Southern Confederacy. The appearance of the
new banner excited storm ofindignation. Its
bearers were forced out of the building amid
great confusion aud excitement, and the OBJ.
noxious bunting being seized, was speedily
torn into ribbons.
A FAIR HIT.-The South Carolina fuss ma.
kers talk about being coerced to stay in the
Union. The fear probably grows out ofthe desire.
The anxiety to be coerced is of the same kind
as the strict propriety of the single Kentucky
female, who had single beau. After sitting
up long time, at respectful distance, she
suddenly squeaked out:
"Quit squeezin' mel"
The startled Kentuckian exclaimed, "I hain,t
touched you'll"
"Wel," said she, "you're goin' to, amt
your"
U. 5. STEAMER ANACosrIA.-The Auacostia
arrived at the navy yard on Saturday, from
Norfolk, Va.