Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1862-12-06

We Cannot Escape History.
Burnside writes in the finest spirits; his
army is all that he wishes, both in numbers
and condition. He will move when it is prop
er. None but military reasons of the most
imperative kind will be allowed to control the
policy Of movement or delay Washington
Correspondence of the Erening Post.
Gen Burnside has been to this time the
most fortunate of generals. Agreeable in
manner, and courageous in action, the attach
ment of his soldiers and the confidence of the
country has kept even step with his promo
ton. Trusting in him now to the utmost,
they have the patience to wait and the faith to
believe that she will move when it is proper"
and will succeed when he moves.
1t is none the less true, however, that the
country watches the movements of the armies
between Washington and Richmond with in
terest approaching almost to distress. The
pleasant assurance that the army is all that
its commander desires in number and condi-
ton does not hide the fact that it is waiting on
the wrong side of the Rappahannock when
everybody wishes it was in Richmond. The
ingenuity of correspondents is severely taxed
to make the delay appear plausible and salts
factory; but the reasons they give are none
the less disagreeable because they are suffi-
cient to account for the fact If Gen. A. failed
to make his connections because Gen. L.
failed to send pontoons in season, the shift
ing of responsibility may relieve Gen. AS
reputation, but affords very slight consolation
to the country. With the power of this gov
eminent and its sharp experiences no such
plumbers ought to occur, or if they do occur,
they ought not to go unpublished.
The patience of people with good cause,
is ongsufering; but it has limits 1t will
make accomplishing sacrifices as long as re-
suits are proportioned to the cost. But when
for indefinite period-reaching from the
first blush of spring through the bountiful
summer and autumn, till winter itself buries
their graves under its unfriendly snows-life
and treasure have been swallowed up in the
memorable lap of war, yielding, if any, quite
inadequate returns, the anxious inquiry will be
made, how long shall these things be? Pat
riotsm may suffer martyrdom. 1t will not
commit suicide The government is bound
to see that the end it has been seeking for
nearly two years, cannot now be abandoned
with safety or with honor; that the means it
selects are adequate to the attainment of the
end; and that its instruments are competent
for the etfectual use of the power entrusted to
their charge. 1t may have been amiable, but
twas not right to chatter with an insubordi-
nate general at Harrison's Landing for days
when every hour was Of incalcuiable value to
the country. It was fatal at later period to
loSe-Time debating with the same refractory
officer till the finest season for army move
ments in the whole year had been lost forever.
Time is an enemy whose depredations have
not been taken into account in the operations
OF the army of the Potomac Three times it
has been reinforced and renewed to atone for
the opportunities lost-where they have not
been misused-by the generals in command.
Will it be strange,-if mid-winter should
sti Il find the Sebastopol of the rebellion still
dcfying all the power of the republic-if men
who mean to deal honestly by the country
and hope for its preservation begin to distrust
the means we are using for its overthrow
Already there are rumors of proposed amnes-
ty, and suggestions of dishonorable peace.
The democratic party, elated by its recent
successes, is prepared to press to the utmost
the advantage that enures to them from eve
ny hours delay as well as every failure. The
first of January, which needs only the baptism
of victory in the field, and the assurance Of
permanent success to our arms, to make it the
whitest in all the calender of days, is very
near. The fall of Richmond would make
that day illustrious forever. Richmond is the
stunblingblock in the way of the success Of
the national arms as well as the national policy.
For the sake of both Richmond must fall.
The president was right, when he said, eve
cannot escape history" 1t is memorable in
its trials. 1t is merciless in its judgments.
1t is the Rhadamanthus before whom all adj
nlinisrations must be tried-and this one with
line and rule that will not vary for the sake of
personal regulations or personal favor. For
tunaie will it be for us if it proves equal to
this last act of the drama, and carries the
country safely through its trials.