New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1862-12-30

Cerberus. The Army Police Department, under
Col. VIM. Truesdail Of st. Lous, would reflect
body who comes into it is under detective surveL-
lance. 1t is 30 perfect that resident Rebels are be-
ginning to fear their own shadows will betray them
A directory of citizens giving the status OF each
has been prepared 20 that when man or woman ap-
plies for pass reference TO it or to truiy detec-
tive enables the ProvostMarshal to decide readily
upon the application.
Capt. Wi1es early adopted principle Of rigor to
the rich, leniency to the poor. The women, UNDER
derstanding their influence over men, at first ap-
peared in gay phnsnx to solicit passes for their male
friends. but that artfce failed. Excepting under
extraordinary circumstance each individual dssir.
ing to 90 through our lines was required to appear
personally. Tho cream OF ton were too wise to ap-
ply. Their followers were successful only upou
giving such guarantees as were believed to ne thor
oughly binding upon them. But tery few permits
were granted to this class under any circumstances.
Fifteen or twenty were removed southwark at their
own request under flags OF truce, promising to re-
turn no more. Poor market men and women, hum
bic fuel-dealers and hucksers, were and arc, In
dulged under under restrictions which bind them
thoroughly. Fear Of consequences affects them
more profoundly than il does the fashionable castes
OF course the ruo works hardships in many cases.
Those who reside on the picket limo, for instance
and just outside, are severely affected. They do
not i've far enough from the city TO ENJOY the blett
ings Of country life in "a commssarial point OF view,
una tncf rcklucnttt Jurb I'M ehodbh iioih VIZ
city to make passes necessary for them to travel to
and fro. Visitag the city for subsistence ard ap
perel il a necessity to them. AS they live outside
Of the lines il is suspected that they may do us as
much injury as those who pass entirely beyond on
puryew because their situation requires them TO 20
out and come in frequently. II /. not surprising
that they are anxious TO be relieved OF military rule
II is extremely irksome. The general principle,
however upon which General Kosecraus requires
his Department to DE administered, e justice To our
Il. - n Ii. ~.
people appreciate it, At all events, while they COM
plain Of his riSor, they are yet candid enough 10
admit that his administration is the most humane
they have yet enjoyed He has shown the Rebels
tina. commander may be both hrm snd kind at the
same time.
Notwithstanding the rigor Of the Police system,
we are yet liable TO deception. a few dangerous
persons manage TO step through the lines occasionally
1t may be momentary saiisisciory 10 resident
Rebels but il causes the majority needless suffering.
II they would be-, reflect that the violation Of one
mans or one woman's pledge Affects the whole pop
ulaton, they would probably make common cause
with Us against those who injure them while be-
taying us.
Some women, for mere love Of adventure, or else
from Inerldicsble depravity, have attempted TO
smnggle both merchandise and letters. NO severe
examples have been made Of any yet, but these peo-
pie are mourning FERROUS hazards. Saturday,
woman standing high in society, pledged herself by
most solemn oaths 10 refuse 10 carry letters. or TO
smuggls contrabGnd goods. Before abe got through
our lines she was arrested and searched woman
IN police service handled her tenderly but firmly
After the lady-smugglcr was stripped 10 the buff.
parcel Of letters were found concealed under her
shemise. She resisted furously at irst. and was
shockinely abusive, but il was unavailing
To-day another, who pledged herself With equal
solemuiiy, received pass 70 20 10 Gallatin. She
was susIected, followed, and was arrested at Gal.
latin. Her trunk contained large quantity Of
quinine, morphia aud other coniraband sT,icss for
Rebel ccnsumpiion-valueda AT perhaps 500.
There lie nothing new IN the situation worthy OF
meation. The sis, Of news is always forwarded
promptly by telegraph 10 THE TniBusE, % that
nothing but generalities remain for letters. IL IL
the duty Of "A correspondent, however, to crafty
public curiosity If possible Therefore, at the rick
Of rereliton, restate the condition OF matters in
this Department.
The army is prepared for battle If the enemy
should attack Our pckeis are constantly on the
alert and cavalry securing the front, The Rebels
src 10 front OF us, their outposts two miles distant
from ours about eleven miles on average IN q
south-easerly direction from Nashville. Their cen
ter consisting Of the divisions Of BreckinrdRe,
ChesthaD, and Nithers' Win Wheeler's cavalry
brigade IN front Of Layergne, and comprising the
corps OF the 1t. Rev. Blshop Major-Gen. Leonidas
Polk, who marries, breaches, and fights by tnrns-
some say drinks and swears-is nj Murfreesboro and
on Stewards Creek. The corps number, say 1000
men. The right, say $1,000 men, consisting Of
front, rests at Pcrryvle. The left, 1900 men,
consisting of Hardees Corps, 10 at Tneure. with
Whartor's Cavalry Brigade in front Of Nolansville,
and /, 200 cavalry at Franklin. There is also con-
siderable detachment OF Forests Cavalry between
Waverly and Charlotte, but they may not DO there
tomorrow. Ilardees Corps consists of Buckners
old division, and Andersons. Major-Gen. Lowell
will probably take command Of the former. Beside
these troops, there is thin brigade at Bridgeport
and few trihing attachments at other posts, but
the whole effective force of the army does no! sx
coed probably, 81, 900 electives.
Bragg ia the lield-commander Of the whole. Gen.
Joe johnson is simply playing iIalleck. Ho is iu-
capacitated for the field. Far Oaks was too much
for him. Readers should be careful TO remember
this, because some Of The TRIBUsE's contemporaries
have amazingly confused the public upon this sub
Ject.
People in Rebel interests, who came up from
Murfreesboro tell MS the Rebels will surely attack
~. You may rely that they will not, unless they
receive large retniorcemenls. They know better
than TO attack this gallant ermy-whch is getting
better daily
But why don't we attack You will understand,
in due time. The authorities AT Washington have
at last found way TO realize the situation.
PONrMEKCY.