Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1862-11-26
THE TEMPER OF THE PEOPLE.

Among the points 10 which We shall have
to call the attention of our British friends,
after the war, is the singular fidelity with
which all their an;cipations of riots, rebel
lions demonstrations, and knock downs gen
orally, in our large cities, whenever there
m light be the slightest pretext for row, have
beer fulfilled. We are a sslicentious ob,''
.scontemners of law,' and whoever could Oh
tain control oil the army not only could, but
would, overrun the country, reduce it to SUBJ
lection, and rule with despot's hand.
Thus far in the course of the war two signal
instances have occurred which must work a
great change in the preconceived opinions and
the traditional ideas ofEuropeans in regard to
temper of the American people. Twice it has
happened that general commanding large
number of troops, and regarded with love and
alteration not only by his men, but a large
constituency in civil lite, has been suddenly,
by single stroke of the pen, removed from
his position of splendor and power to private
life. When Fremont was superseded in Mis-
souri,, he was the idol of his soldiers and
the admiration of the whole Western public,
whu believed him their only stay and support.
On the eve, as it was then supposed, OF i'm
portant victories, just he was about, per-
sonally, to commence in good earnest the
execution OF the plans he had been long and
industriousy maturing, he was removed from
his command. His partisans were furious.
They attributed his fall TO the Vaccinations
OF traitors and demagogues. His friends were
grieved and indignant. They saw nothing but
injustice, partisan hatred, and personal insult
in the act. The journalists were crimson with
rage, or juhilant with success, as they took
one side or the other. The whole country was
in a tumult of excitement. Yet, not withstan-
ding all this. there was not only no outbreak,
no riot, no revolt, either military or civil, but
there was not the slightest suggestion of or
ganized opposition TO the will of the comman-
der-in chief of the army. As for Fremont
himself, he quietly mounted his horse, turned
over his command, and rode TO ST. Louis
whittier he had been ordered.
Within the last few days we have had even
a more striking instance of the same kind
General MCCLELLAN has been in precisely the
same position that We have described above.
only with larger army, more extended
personal influence, more brilliant military
reputation, aud large, powerful and victori-
Gus political party at his back who have work.
ed for ayear and half to force him into po-
ltical prominence by blazoning bis military
successes, and coming political capital out of
his exalted position. General MCCLELLAN
also is removed on the eve, as it is alleged. of
the completion of his plans. What does he
do2 He simply turns over his command, saws
few simple words of parting to his veteran
soldiers, gets on the train, and repairs, in the
most unostentatious manner, to the post to
which he was ordered. The people quietly
acquiesce in the change. Here and there we
hear surly murmur-but among the people
all is quiet.
Now, where is the mob spirit Where is
the uuscrupuIousness of political leaders, the
unrestrained ambition Of military leaders 2
We fail TO see anything Of the sort. We think