Daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, Va. [W. Va.]) 1859-1865, 1862-10-23
A ohange OF Base.


change OF base in the face of an enemy is
a hazardous expedient Every one remem-
bsrs wat was said about McClellAn's
change of base from the Chickahominy to
the James, aud how much the country was
congratulated that it was successfully
done. or COURSE such movement is dan
gerous, for it renders an army for the time
comparatively helpless. The plans and
arrangements previously adopted TO hold
the enemy at bay are broken up. Every
thing is comparatively irregular and con-
fused. Divisions are drawn out into col
umns narrow enough to get along the
roads, aud the attitudes assumed by the
army to repel attack are given up to the
necessities of movement. Trains and
artillery block the road, creating tumble
and confusion. Then again the movement
Is liableito be misunderstood by the troops
for be it observed a change of base is
very like retreat--aEd pauics may ensue.
AT such a time vigorous assault may
precipitAte the movement and ruin every
thing. All these risks must be taken by
the General who determines on change
of base. Desperate indeed must be the
necessity which renders it imperative
Such a necessity 1t is claimed compelled
the change from tho Chichahominy to Har-
risoa's Landing. So much for military
change of base.
Now there is a proposition before the
country for a change of base in statesman
ship, directly in the face ofthe enemy. We
protest against it as a dangerous aud un-
necessary expedieut, looking Mt it in the
most favorable light possible. cOncediug,
ifyou pIease-for there are some who claim
it, and may be few who believe ii-that
the reorganization of the so-called DEM
ocratic party.of the North is for the pur-
pose of saving the country-that the whole
movement is one of pure patriotism, de-
signed to strengthen the government that
Il may the more successfully assault the
re6ellion-we say, STILL it is most haz-
ardous resort. Let us remember that a
vigilaut and wiley foe is watching every
motion, ready to strike ut any unprotected
poist-ready to make the most of any mis-
take or miscarriage on our part. 1t is no
time now for the confusion and tumble of
such move. Suppose the officers of the
government and the people all over the
country give up their time for the coming
year to party organizations aud party issues,
to strifes aud factions and collateral ques-
tions-Who does not know that It would
cripple the government, cripple the army,
and embarrass the whole cOuntry7 How
could We hope for success thus divided
amongst ourselyes2 Tho army would be
filled with dissatisfaction, demoraliza-
ton, sedition-everything but steady
and courageous resolve to assail
the enemy. We should soon become In
capable of earnest cooperation or united
effort. Who cannot foresee the resulth A
prey to eontending faction, the country
would soon become prey to the rebel
hordes, whose success would so still fur
Their demoralize us as to render the whole
country bat the subjects of their mercy.
What makes the rebellion SO formidable!
The terrible unity and concentration OF
purpose with which they fight No matter
whether enforced or not il is practically
the same They make the war their whole
business; they permit no dissenti6n TO in
terfere with the vigor of their measures,
but compel everything to bend to the one
purpose. Unless we are to do the same,
there is nothing to be hoped for but NOR
tifcatiou aud miserable. failure. Why
should We stand quarrelling about who is
to represent the people in the next Con-
gress, If we know the candidates will stand
by the Government while there is dollar
uithe treasury or a man in the field Why
should we want 70 secure a Republican
majority in the next Congress. or Demo
erAt majority, or conservative majority,
so that that majority is 70 support unitedly
and harmonously the measures of th-s,y-
ernmenI2 The man is no patriot, no good
citizen, who cannot sink party issues now,
when holding them up would embdrrass
the Government and distract the country.
Thus far We have proceeded on the as
sumption Of the loyalty and patriotism Of
IhossSwho insist on the change of base; but
when We come 10 inquire into:t6at. we find
aud have repeatedly shown that their vie VS.
and purpOses are very nearly identical with
those Of the rebels. The sober truth Is ii
isnOt = change fease they propose. though
they elatmit as such. 1t Is simply dis
graceful back out and surrender. The
country be led Into such a position as
to make surrender inevitable. Men are
to be sent into Congress who will vote
against all measures 10 enable the Govern
mene TO defeat the rebels-Who will vote
Against the appropriation biIls-against
the so cont bills, agains. emancipation