, 1861-08-15

lF1nm the Springfield (Mass) Republican, 9ih.1
We are sure that the readers OF the Rspubzi-
can we're Interested in recent extract from
the Chicago TRIBUNE, entitled e Gen. Banks
hended the real proportions and nature Of the
present febellionBmuch more thoroughly than
The authorities at Washington did, at q very
early period Of the campaign. The TRIBUNE
gives it as an evidence Of great foresight; but
there is better story than that. Three years
Governor Of Massachusetts, manifested great
interest in the military arm Of the common.
wealth and at this time friend met him and
rallied him upon his extraordinary nursing OF
the militia, conveying the idea that he Was do
3rg It toE personal and political purposes. This
dents Of the interview, said that he had
been talking with the Governor about his mil
lila business, and found, contrary to his sup
position, that the man really believed In it
that he had desired With great positiyeneas
that the militia would be called upon at no
di6tant day to put down Southern rebellion
and that this Fas really the main epring OF
his action. The statement was 60 strange.
and seemed 80 improbable-it WAS SO out Of
the line Of political and popular calculations
at the North-that it made great impression
upon ns at that time; but re never apprecia-
ted the fullnees Of his foresight and tie Wis
dom of his preparations, until the State 30
promptly responded to the call Of the Presi-
dent, after the bombardment Of Fort Sumter.
Awarding the present State authorities all
The credit which they may, 1egitimata.y claim
in the premises, it Is well known that 10 Gen.
Banks, more than to any other man, is the
credit due for the thoronghness Of orgauiza~
ton and drill and equipment Of our militia,
which enabled them to respond so promptly
to the Presidents call. During the whole Of
Gov. Bankh' occupation Of the gubernatoriai
chair, the militia system Of the commonwealth
1prH n1n1 l. Re-
It had fsllen into general disrepute among his
| friends, end had come to be popularly regard.
| ed as use1eas and needlessly expensive arm
! Of the public service. We confess to having
shared in the ptejudices Of hepeople against
the milltla, rather than in the partially Of the
| Governor for 1t; and we have no doubt that
the motives Of his efforts in this matter were
what he declared they were at the time, BE
had looked through the long political strug.
gle, and had seen its logical and inevitable
| end; and years before others had deemed a
| disruption possible, he VAS preparing his m,
| tive State for the military defense Of the
| Unions
The ingenious mscbinist, the accomplished
! Speaker Of the national House Of Represents
| tlves, the Governor Of the Ola Bsy State, Is
! now Major General in the armies Of the
| Union and we every day have new evidences
! Of his fitness for his new position. He has
| thus far adorned every station he has filled,
l
I'd with him expect more from him as : mill
| tary man than he has ever achieved as civil
inn With great GOODNESS, thorough knowl.
edge Of men, anda quiet, gentlemanly deport-
ment, he mites asttength OF will, readiness
OF decision anda promptness Of action, that 60
cure confidence and win success. No man in the
Union would have been so Jen in Baltimore
| IS Tas Gen. Banks, while in command there.
There was no bluster, but things were done.
1 The Unionlsts relied upon and trusted ia him;
| The rebels and their sympathizers feared him,
md were powerless In his hands, In Ills new
command at Harper'e Ferry, he has fastened
the hearts Of bis soldiers to him; and those
ing with one Who will be both just and gentle
manly. There nre mu1titudes- in. Massachu
eetts who will Wateh his career with profound
interest, and who expect that IN all Ills move
| ments he will distinguish himself That ht
| will do more than his share to e1t1ngu1sh the
rebellion he has 60 long fo1eseen, We have ne
| doubt