The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1862-11-14
The Change of Commanders.

The first emotions of surprise at the unex-
pected removal of Gen. Mcclellan from the
command of the Army Of the Potomac, have
passed away, and so far as we can judge from
the tone of the press, there seems to be gen.
eral acquiescence in the measure. 1t is true
that some of the more radical pro-slavery SYM
pathizers growl little because it has inter-
fered somewhat with their programme; but
the people generally have confidence in the
President, and will give to Burnside hearty
and generous confidence and support. 1t is
very evident that no motives of political ma
ture induced the government to make the
change for Burnside is Democrat. 1t was a
change simply and purely military in its char
acter, and the change had become a military
necessity. The President, listening to the
voice of the popular will, read in the result of
the recent elections, demand upon the gov
eminent for more energetic prosecution of
the war-a demand for more decisive results
than has hitherto been accomplished. The
question arose, is Gen. Mcclellan the hlan to
lead to the desired results? No one ques-
toned his ability to organize and discipline a
large army-neither was his ability mill
tary engineer, and director of defensive mill
tary operations, brought into question. TWAS
simply whether there was sufficient energy
and boldness in his character, sufficient dash
in his composition, to enable him to lead sue
cessfully the great onward movement that was
now demanded by the people.
TWAS question for military men; aud judg-
ing from the past they decided that change
was imperative. Gen. Mcclellan had been too
slow in his movements, aud hail not obeyed
the peremptory orders OF his superior with
sufficient promptitude. A leader possessing
more energy, was demanded and the change
was made. Gen. Burnside, his successor, has
been faithful and prompt in the discharge of
his duties, in a more limited sphere of action.
He is man Of great energy, and buoyancy of
character. He is, in the army, the soldiers
most popular General, if we may except Nc
Clellan, and outside of it he is much more pop
ular. But the real capacity of the man, his
innate power to manage successfully large
army in an active campaign, is yet to be
proved. He enters upon the work under
great difficulties. The fine weather of Au-
tumn has been wasted in delays, and the rain,
the frost, the mud of Virginia winter are
close at hand, and yet the onward movement
must be made. We hope he will answer the
expectations Of the people. We earnestly
hope he will be successful, and accomplish
something toward crushing this unholy rebel
lion, as we hoped that Mcclellan might He
has our warmest sympathies in his arduous
task. If unfortunately, however, he should
prove unequal to the task, much as we should
regret the necessity, he too would have to give
place to another. But we trust no such occa-
siou will occur; we trust that the magnificent
army of the Union, SO well organized and dis
ciplined under McClellan, have found in Burn
side leader to triumphant and glorious sue
cess; and that no rain, no frost, no mnd, no
traitors arms, will check their onward pro-
gress, until the rebellion is crushed, and peace
once more restored to our distracted country.
So mote it be. H.