Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1862-04-05
8 g. So ~ =. ssss For the Standard.
TIDE SUSPENSION OF FLoYp.


II seems from late Developments that the man
VITO exhibits the highest courage and the most per-
sistent energy is not always certain to meet with
due appreciation and consequent reward Though
the we are now engaged in with our Implacaoie
and inhuman enemy is no less unparalleled IN its
y,fclSedness than IL IS exofabfe in is demands for
the pobest exhibitions Of sacrifice and suffering and
pluck ret comparatively few leaders have emerged
before the public gaze, who have displayed an aoi-
ity equal to the crisis and have manifested in their
action thorough appreciation Of the pressing exi-
gencies of the hour Having carefully watched the
events of the war as they have transpired, have
seen four characters standing forth like" Agamem-
non King Of men," above their fellows and as each
have daringly seized upon the occasions that hsye
presented themselves the muse OF history has re-
corded their names in letters Of living light upon
her imperishable scroll. The first Beauregard, is
preparing even while write, to meet the proud
and unpricipled invader, by calling into reqniston
the powerfu! resourcesof his almost iDexhaustible
mind, and by rally ing around him at jackson the
dashing and intrepid soldery OF the South. Inc
second, Sterling Price is fresh from another CORY
battle.plain, from whence he has boldly pucked
another leaf to be added to the unading chapet Of
his glory. The third, Earl Van Dorm, holds his
sword still red and dripping with the blond OF the
insolent maurau3er who came forth to pillage and
lay waste the fair heritage of his fathers; and at
Elkhorn where brave Ben McCulloch, and intrepid
Hebert, and gallant Mcintosh fell, he has added
already cncircled his name, ard which had been
bravely and nobly won other ensanguined fields.
And where is the remaining character who should
complete the gronp--the immortal quarternion ?
Where is the grard old man who drove before him
the Vandal foe at Cross Lanes? Where Is the hero
of Carnifsx Ferry who whippcdS 900 Yankees with
LOO men, and afterwards by an exhibition Of con-
sumnate stragegy foiled completely his antagonist
at the head OF 10000 well equipped soldiers p
Where is that ctizen-sol6er who did more to chsck
the sdTance of the enemy in Western Virginia than
all the other generals combined? Where Is that
man Of heroic mould who marshalled our troops at
Donelson and furnished the world with our nobiest
example of endurance, determination and courageP
The answer IS he is suspended from command By or
der Of the President
10 this hour this war has not given so bright
name to the country that of John b. Floyd, TN
less find it among those already mentioned, and
vet when the enemy Is laundering at the very eta.
del of our strength, he is compelled to seek hui
initiating inactivity. His unqueStioned military ge-
MUS, his unfagging energy his prodgious courage,
all lost TO the country this hour Of her crsis
And for what reason is he thus summarily disposed
Of? Why this attempt to disgrace the brave old
mang Because he fought to the last at Donelson,
and void not surrender. In other words he IS
merely the victim of army punetilio. His trans
ferring his command TO inferior or junior CON-
mander was not in accordance with the rules gov
erning such materS-was an infraction OF Draconian
etiquette and hence, however great his merit 9TH
erwise; however extensive his influence OF uRques-
toned his talents for command; however undying
his energy and unfalterng his courage-he must
perchance, be for the time dlsgraced. Shame upon
the false judgment that Smote hint The country
should cry aloud for restoration We have no men
OF real military merit to spare. We have many IT,
tied commanders, but few genuine Generals. Epau-
lettes and swords thick ne "Autumral leaves
in yallambrosa," and yet of positive strageti-
ai.ki IF far and
as daffodils in winter. And how long is General
Floyd to remain under the cloud Of Executive dis
pleasure How many weeks Dust he do "penance
before he receives Presidential "abSouton?" 1t
is to be hoped that no other than a mistaken Judg-
ment caused his suspension. The President is re-
puted everywhere q man Of high integrity, of much
fairness and honesty He is fdiible though, and if
he but knew it. there thousands Of as true men
as himself throughout the South, who have been
mortified and shocked at his procedure. The writer
of this has long been an humble a6nirer OF Presi.
dent Davis many exalted qualities OF mind and
character. He has especially liked linn since his
generous and very abe defence of his brave old
fatherin-law, Gen. Zachary Taylor, when basey as
saiedsome years ago in the old Congress, and yet
with every intelligent man with whom he has inter-
changed opinions, he must condemn his action in
the case ofGen. Floyd unfortunate and unyise-
perhaps unjust. Whilst the country has been cha
grined and has fairly groaned under the burden of
ference OF others, and the gross incompetency Of
many, the government has still thought proper TO
retain them. Whilst Floyd and his companion IN
the disgrace attempted to be heaped upon him, Gen.
Pillow, have displayed the most daring vaior and
the most unconquersble activity, they have only
met with frowns and reproaches. And yet, when
has the President himself ever exhibited even
1.-THE of the generaship that Floyd has whom he ill.,
continently dsgraces? Why, even Pillow, with all
his immense vanity, is gallant fellow, and m Mex
leo and at Belmont and Donelson, he gave evidences
of as true manhood the leader Of the Mississippi
LIST did a: Monterey and Buona Vista .r.H -
The country needs in this hour of her peril, men
Of pluck-of intrepid valsr--of matured Judgment
of fertility and skill and consequently needs Gen.
Floyd Where is the regular Army officer, who,
during this war has shown equal ability Us a
soldier if except perhaps the two already refer
red to? He may have acted, doubtless he did act
contrary to all precedent when he handed over his
command to Gen. Buckner, very brave and accom-
glishel officer. And yet, in order to vindicate the
latter vas it necessary that the President should
disgrace the former If army usage and etiquette
were rigdly enforced it is probable that all men of
originality and resource-the Napoleons and An
drew Jacksons Of the wordsworth hardly be able
to retain their commands. There are, however,
s many Generals Of poor skill and indifferent courage
who might be placed upon this Procrustean bed and
the interests OF the country suffer no serious detr
ment but when for mere point IN army usage
like Floyd IS broken OF his Office, Tor the tlule
the victim is not the only suerer-the people, whose
homes are threatened and whose rights endanger
ed science, become participants IL General Floyd
should be privileged to fight another great battle if
B he will only square" his action by the army
rule and fight just long enough to satisfy the
qurements Of "science," no disgrace win await him.
But if in the holiness Of his intrepid soul he should
fight for three days displaying throughout the pro-
tracted conflict the highest traits Of the commander
and yet at its close should not perform the act of
surrender s. ecunden artezn then he may look
out for Presidential dispieasure and Congressional
injustice. Let him remember though that the peo-
pie are all right. They know nothing about mill
tary form and punctilio, and care but little; they
like however the mettle of the game cock, and are
prompt torecoguize the true soldier. Many of them
had rather be the hero of Carnax Ferry and DoEel-
son sitting under the frowns Of the powers that be-