The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1862-07-25
UNION STATE TICKET.

Congress adjourned last week. There is
conflict of opinion as to whether the session
was drawn out too long or not long enough.
One party claims tina. legislating by Congress
impeded the progress Of the armies, while
another considers it very unwise in this body
to adjourn at time when such momentous
consequences are pending, and when in case
of foreign intervention or other exigencies
the President would have to assume the en-
tire responsibility. Notwithstanding the
fault that has been found with this body, II Con-
gress has accomplished great deal this ses-
sion, passing measures that have long need
ed to become laws. Among some Of the i'm
portant bills are the iron-clad navy Of twenty
ships, the TAX bill, new tariff the Pacific
railroad bill, bill to suppress the African
slave trade, abolition Of slavery in the Dis
trct of Columbia, the exclusion Of slavery in
the territories, and the con6scation act.
There is painful stiffness about the York
and James river peninsula, in both armies
1t is evident that the Union army will be in
no condition to fight again until the officers
and soldiers get back, as they are now nearly
all away on furloughs. Both armies seem to
be resting after the exhaustion of the recent
series of battles, doubtless re-organiging and
receiving reinforcements. A portion of Gen
Burnsides army is at Newport News, with
transports ready to take it to any point. Gen
Stevens brigade from Port Royal has also
reached Fortress Monroe.
Gen Pope is the hero of this week. lie has
opened his campaign in Virginia suspicious
ly both as regards issuing general orders and
work upon the rebels. he is able 70 check
mate tie ubiquitous "Stonewall" Jackson he
will be the popular general longer than the
Northern people are accustomed to stick by
any one man. As Pope uses the musket in
stead of the spade it is safe to predict that
something will be done.
We have met with something of disaster
at Vicksburg- least We have not achieved
any success The rebel confederate ram Ar
kansas stole march upon our fleet, smash
ing through it and doing considerable dam
age. AS usual our folks were caught nap
ping-they had Mt got "steam up" and were
in no way prepared for this formidable adver-
Sary, which has escaped.
Gen Halleck has come on to Washington,
and all the letter writer's are trying to guess
what for. Some say he is to be commander
in-chief Of our armies, others that he will be
military adviser of the President. That he
is to have share in the future management
of the war is quite certain. May he be equa
to the work he undertakes.
Great efforts are being made in othel
States to encourage recruiting. 1t has beer
telegraphed from Washington that there arr
already 10000 enlisted on the new levy. Re
cruiting would be more active were the pea
pie satisfied that the war was to be vigorous
" prosecuted; and that the government
would use all the means that naturally fe
into its hands in putting down this rebellion
When men are assured that the rebels are t
no longer be handled with soft gloves, an
that they are to fight them with weapons
war rather than dig their own graves wit
picks and shovels, then they will enlist wi,
the enthusiasm that they did one year ag