Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1862-03-07
GEN. MCCLELLAN

Inc i9loWlnB from inc boston ddUcftiSer
is both just and candid
As affairs stand to-day. there is nothing
that VIC observe with much more satisfaction
than the bearing Of Gen. Mcclellan. When
he was first appointed the country rang with
the praises Of his modesty, resolution, and
steady reserve. These qualities, so necessary
for the great general, were believed to exist
in the highest degree in his character They
are now put TO test Of such severity as no
ono could then anticipate, and their earlier
promise is more than fulfilled. The extraor-
-diuagg adulation avshed upon the general
which might well have turned an older head
had no effect upon him As little has he
been moved by the abuse which has succeed
ed the adulaton. He has adhered TO his own
plans, unmoved by clamor, by the detection
Of friends or by the natural impulse which
prompts every one TO desire the applause Of
his fellows. And he has preserved the same
steady silence as to the nature Of his plans
the same self confidence in the vindication Of
his fame hereafter. II is no ordinary man
who has thus maintained steady composure
in the face Of such storm as has long beat
en- against him.
We must add that we specially admire the
impenetrsble silence Of the general. We
cannot suppose that he is free from the tempt
alton to attempt to right himself before the
public when he sees his skill as a soldier
ignorantly attacked, his patriotism doubted,
his actions belied, and the credit Justly due
to him denied. Not word is wrung from
him, however, by any such process. There is
no confession that he heeds these attacks, or
that he is even aware Of them. We have no
procamatons, trimmed to catch the breath of
popular favor do speeches designed TO COM
mend him to the public; no attempt in any
way to improve his position with the people
either for present or for future purposes He
maintains the calm attitude Of a soldier, in
tent upon one great work, master of the stu
alton, and Indifferent to all attempts to divert
him either from his object or from the method
by which it is to be attained. 1t is precisely
this sort Of single-minded, unobtrusive de-
votion, that the country has been longing for,
and which, we believe, it now welcomes.
We do not forget that the charge of self
seeking has been brought against Mcclellan.
It would be strange indeed if this failed
among the many charges of which he is the
object II is alleged that be has his eye
upon the Presidency, and that he aims at
conquering the South so as not to deprive
himself OF popularity with the conquered -
We do not undertake to say that this charge
is made insincerely, but we must frankly de-
clare that in our Judgment it was not drawn
from any observation of the generals own con-
duct, but from predisposition to censure and
attack him on other grounds. 1t is not easy
to argue against it, for it stands without any
supporting evidence. If prejudice has pre-
pared any mind to receive it, we know of no
effectual answer for it save time But any
candid mind, which is governed neither by
prejudice nor by desire to destroy the rising
fame Of any man, but by fair view of the
facts, will regard it as belonging to the same
category with the charges once made against
/ WashingtSSV-ol aspiring to a crown.
1t is, however, short-sighted, as well as
an unpatriotic and unjust policy, which thus
attempts to rouse political prejudices in order
to move the general from his chosen ground
or to crush him. The qualities which he
has displayed so far are not popular qualities
and so are no very efectual preparation for a
presidential career, but their sterling value is
appreciated by the mass of our people and
on the other hand any attempt to make poll
tical capital either against or for him, will be
appreciated justly and condemned vigorously.
We have no fear but that the people will
stand steadiasty by him,as the President now
does, and no apprehension tha' they will con-
sent to any interference with the steady pros
ecution Of his shemes, which are already NOV
ing on so prosperously. A Willingness to
stand responsible for consequences, and a
clear confidence, on military grounds in the
early suppression of the rebellion, are not so
common at this day that the public will fail
to recognize and welcome them while as for
any attempts at this moment of trial to pre-
pare for future political contests, they will
neither tolerate these on one side nor on the
other.