The weekly pioneer and Democrat., 1862-02-07
WASHINGTON CORRESPONDENCE.
T H E POSI- TON.
NUMBER ONE.

WASHINGTON, Jan. "a. 1862.
| TO the Editors of the Pioneer and Democrat tt
Greek has encountered Greek. Thomas
has, under Providence, been permitted to
fire the train which is to blaze in securing
successes to the armies of peace and union
Our army is infamed with ardor. The
spirit of desperate rebellion is weakened. A
way is rapidly opening, by which the loyal
Union spirit in the seeded States may utter
its congratulations, and reunite its energies
with those of the loyal citizens now rallied
under the Old Flag. To God, the great
Disposer, be the praise. To act action,
action, is now the watchword To organ
ize wisely all our energies, with an eye not
only to the conflict now actual, but to the
sequel of fre-establishment, confirmation and
perpetuation.
Great guiding questions Condition of
success or failure) at such moment fix the
attention of civil and military rulers not
equal all in moment. Some tower above
the rest. For instance With the head
quarters of civil power, all right the head
quarters of the army all right what does
true insight see as to cur chief help or hin>
drance?
l. The paramount sway of the Federal
element in our Government, is at this mo-
ment the first element OF safely-its sway
over the affections and resources Of the cit
liens of the United States of America :;
and its unfettered freedom to direct their
employment, under law, to the purposes of
self preservation.
But the countervaiing element obstructs
the way, under an evil guidance, felt at vital
points. The two in conflict are, at the
South wagiDg war of rebellion, and in the
North ebstructipg the movement tha.
should end the war.
point to the question of separate State
rights and interests, jealousy grudging every
accession to the central and cohesive
energy, which is now our hope of salvation.
How does this question bear upon the
actual crisis ? I will answer from facts
facts felt.
All eyes are now turned to our army
all wait, with dutifully restrained impa~
tience-but yet impatientIy, for the forcibe
assertion of the constitutional supremacy
of the federal power, through the constitu.
tional instruments in last resort, the army
and navy of the federal power
Troops in Instituted measure have been
furnished, as if by mlgic-of material in
the masses of which they are composed,-
and largely in their oficers,-unequalled.
Supplies for their maintenance and comfort,
have flowed and are flowing in, on all sides,
from the exhaustless fountains of aroused
and ardent patriotism. Our camps whiten
bill and valley.
How shall the glorious army be made ef-
ficient, and justify the hopes that rest en-
it? What promises help? What offers
hindrance? These are the questions.
answer them, not to reveal what isnow
too well known, but to assert and to pro-
claim, what must now be recognized and
remedied.
The army, greatly improved in the disci-
pline of the camp, yet needs for the field,
unity and confidence in its leaders!
Experienced officers from the regular ar
my--and from the large class of those who
have more fitness in study and in service
with the regular army, are the want of the
moment in the army.
They are demanded by the public senti
ment of the army itself in the rank and file
and by the imploring and baffled entrea.
ty of those, who are held responsible both
for its fame and for its efficiency.
The arches lack but their keystones--
and the ship its rudder.
What hinders ?-Bunt be th9 answer,
but kindly uttered.
The regular army of the United States
has officers, but lack men and can't enlist
them. Volunteers from the States have
men, and want officers, and the General
Government can't supply them; for the
posts they should occupy at the head and
in the hearts of noble volunteer soldiery,
have been filled by the State Executives.
All honor and ample recompense to the
men who have raised our volunteer regi-
ments! 1t is no honor, but cruelty, to
send them forward to the flint. mill.