The New York herald., 1862-02-28

for other reasons besides the maxim of Napos
leon, thss'the Lord is-always on the side thu
heaviesAartillery.
The War Department and tke Presss.
The recent order Of the Secretary Of War i'm
regard to the publication of war news has,az-
oited considerable comment, and provoked
much angry invectivs from the abontiOn,naws-
papers; and, in order to correct any misappra-
tensions Of the Secretary's meaning, we. na,sk
stae few facts connected with the matters.
Secretary Stanton,s order is but a repetition
Of that of Mr. Cameron, with sevsrer penalties
added and that neither of these orders i half
so stringent as that issued by the rebel govern
ment. AS far as the close interpretation of the
words of the order ia concerned, it
must be remembered that Secretary Stanton
writes his emphatic maAifestoss slap-dash,
and with great mental reservations. He
imaglnes that every oDe must understand, al
clearly as he does, Just what he wishes to says
and, indeed, it is only those who are blinded by
prejudice who cannot road and comprehend his
orders Alright. Mr.. Stanton intends, then, -
prohibit only the transmission and publication
of any intelligence in regard to movements
contemplated, plans formed, expeditions
designed, victories organized and troops stra-
logically concentrated. Such information can
be of no great interest to the public, but is Of
incalculable service to the rebels, who are thus
forewarned of our intentions and forearmed
to defeat our armies. The transmission and
publication of movements accomplished, plans
carried out, expeditions successful, victories
won and troops triumphant, the Secretary has
no intention of suppressing, but will, On the
contrary, greatly facilitate. This is precisely
what is meant by his order, and we may add
that it is only for temporary object, which
will be evident in a few days, and is not in
tended to remain in force during the war, al
though it might very properly be made bind
ing till the rebellion is put down.
No difference whatever therefore, will be
seen in the contents of the HERALD
in consequence Of this government con-
troll of the telegraph. We have always full
filed what we knew TO be the wish Of the gov
ernmcnt and the duty Of a loyal journal, and
have carefully refrained from publishing
any premature information which might aid
the rebels and hinder our arms. The journals
which will be crippled are those abolition or
gans which, for certain purposes of their own,
have aided to prolong this war by furnishing
the rebels with the fullest details of our pur-
poses and our forces, in spite of the repeated
warnings and rcmonstrances of the command
| ing officers. The Tribune, with the report Of
| General Thomas; the Times with the account
| of Sherinans expedition; the World, with the
revelations in regard to the forces and destina-
| ton of General Burnside's division, are in-
stances of these disloyal and Objectionable
publications. The argument that the rebels
| have other sources of information is sophisti-
cal; for, even if they have, why should we not
deprive them of this! The idea that the New
| York Journals do not reach the rebel head.
quarters is a mistaken one; for in some way
| through secret agents the New York dailes are
received at Richmond as regularly as at Wash
iurton. A moments reflection will expose
| the futility of the statement, also, that no
reliable information of military matters can be
obtained from newspapers. In spite of the
strict regulations of the rebel Congress, the
| ffERALD was able to compile, from the few
Southern papers received here, list OF the Of
6cers of the rebel army SO minutely accurate
that the clerks of the rebel War Department
were accused of furnishing us with our informa-
ton. and committee of investigation was ap-
pointed by the rebel Congress to ferret out our
suspected informants. If we could accomplish
this. in spite of the careful vigilance exercised
in regard to the contents of the rebel papers
how greatly must the rebels have profited by
,ho unrestricted, reasonable and premeditated
revelations Of the abolition organs.
Secretary Stanton's order is evidently most
inst. and most necessary, therefore. good
revspaper, like good citizen or good sol
d;er will do its utmost to assist the govern
nent. and will refrain from giving aid to the
rebels by even an indiscreet word. This has
always been at once the duty and the policy oi
the HERALD, and we have, consequently; noth'
inc to regret and nothing to changein our news
matter. We hope that the Secretary OF war
will rigidly enforce his wise order, and not
allow Il to become dead letter, to be dsre-
ardcd at pleasure, like that Of Mr.. Cameron