Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1862-01-09
sR0ULD We Be IMPATIENT Z


states begin 10 feel uneasy and impatient at
the seeming slowness and ineliciency of the
military movements against the rebellion. We
have in the field vast army, supported at vast
expense, and there are in our relations with
other countries very pressing reasons why the
movements Of this war should be quick end
decisive Moreover, there is a prevalent con-
viction, that if we conquer the rebellion al all,
the conquest must come soon. Therefore, it
can not reasonably be deemed surprising or
censurable that the people are very anxious to
see the army engaged in active and powerful
demonstrations against The rebels.
But thi; impatience may deal unjustly by
those at the head of affairs. -Gen Mcclellan
and his coadjutors. We can not see as they
do the difficulties to be overcome both
within and without the lines. Mr.. Edwards
of New Hampshire, speaking in the house of
representatives the other day, indicated one
of these difficulties when he spoke OF Gen.
Mcclellan as so surrounded by treachery that
he scarcely dared to whisper his plans. AT
one time there was a secess ion traitor occupy
ing confidential situation IN the war depart
ment; but he fled TO Richmond in time to es.
cape-a new application Of the oath Of allegi-
ance. There are concealed traitors in the ar
my who act as spies for the rebels; not many,
TO be sure, but quite enough to be dangerous,
and more THAI enough, we fear, for all the
hemp likely TO he used in Furnishing such crea-
lures. We have been told, within few days,
fhaf tlrn do nf -lta Rurpe;Ia ay.,a1i
diton was known to the rebels almost imme
diately after the plans ior il had been. formed
at Washington.
1t is the purpose Of Gen. Mcclellan that
the army under his leadership shall not march
TO another Bull Run affair. He has drilled it
in the most careful manner, studying the men
under him, meanwhile. to discover those in
whom he could place implicit confidence.
There has also been lack OF arms, and at
some points great lack OF other preparations
for a forward movement. Ii we could see the
whole situation exactly, We should probably
discover that the course pursued by Gen
Mcclellan is the very wisest that could have
been adopted and that he has " FASTENED
slowly" until now, only to make sure OF speedy
and complete success. He has said more than
ouce that the war will be short, with probably
some desperate fighting. We can not doubt
that he means what he says, nor that he has
good reasons for such a declaration His
honesty and patriotism are beyond question,
and let US trust him generously until we can
show that such trust Is undeserved.
1t is impossible Tor the present situation to
continue much longer There must be great
and decisive movements soon, or success will
become impossible. The war cannot 90 liu-
gering on in this doubtful way through the
present year. for if France and England should
not interfere, the people would do so, and de
mand some other way 10 end this trouble
Nor is it likely 10 remain in this doubtful con-
diton much longer. II is our belief that the
power Of the rebellion will be effectually bro
ken before the winter is over, perhaps before
the end OF the present month. Great move.
ments are at hand, ii the signs mean anything,
and the belief is That they are 50 planned as to
be sure of success. With the sailing of the
Burnside expedition we may begin TO look for
events, Tor the prospect is that the war will be
in motion all along the lines, from Cairo to
fortress Monroe, and that great battles will be
fought in Kentucky, Virginia, and perhaps in
North Carolina and near New Orleans
If nothing comes OF this promise of active
and successful operations, we shall do well to
give way to doubt and distrust, for nothing
will be able to check the conviction that those
who lead the army are not equal 10 the occa-
sion. Many will lose all hope of restoring
the Union. Such disappointment would be
as disastrous to our cause as the loss of great
battle. But ii viii not come. The moment for
action has come, and we expect to see before
the month is out great moyements and decisive
results. AT any rate, we shall be in a con-
dition, two months hence, 10 estimate the
capacity OF our military leaders and calculate
the chances Of success more accurately than
at present.