Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1862-12-03

WASHINGTON, Dec. 2.-The secretary of
war details the military operations during the
past year, and points to the fact that the de-
partment of the Pacific has been free from
any of the calamities occasioned by the re-
bellion. An earnest and deep sympathy has
been manifested by the loyal citizens of the
Pacific states in support Of the Union. From
a survey of the whole field of operations, it is
apparent that whatever disasters our arms
may have suffered at particular points, great
advance has been made since the commence
ment of the war. The Union forces are now
in the field under able commanders, stronger
than ever, resolute, and eager to be led against
the enemy to crush the rebellion by vigorous
winter campaign.
The armies of the Potomac and the west
stand ready to vie with each other in dealing
the quickest and heaviest blows against the
enemy. Taught by experience of the ruin of
inaction and the hazard of delay, spirit Of
earnest activity seems to pervade the forces
of the United States, beyond what has hither-
to been exhibited in the numerous battles and
engagements that have occurred. Our armies
in general have displayed the courage and
determination that should inspire officers and
soldiers fighting in defence of their govern
ment.
Under the calls of July and August, there
are already in tine field over 100000 new
troops, of which 1000 are volunteers; $780,
900 of whom have volunteered for three years
or the war. 1t will be remembered that the
call was made at one of those periods of de-
spondency which occur in every national
struggle. A chief hope of those who set the
rebellion on foot, was for aid and comfort
from dsloyal sympathizers in the northern
states, whose efforts were relied upon to d.
i, o,J a ot bn DpOpln nf the north and
prevent them from putting forth their whole
strength to preserve the national existence.
The call for volunteers and a draft of the mill
lila afforded an occasion for disl0yal persons
to accomplish their evil purposes by discOur-
aging enlistments, and encouraging opposi-
tion to the war and the draft Of soldiers to car
ry it on.
Anxiety was felt in some states at the prob
able success of these disloyal practices, and
the government was urged to adopt measures
of protection by temporary restraint OF those
engaged in these hostile acts. To that end,
provost marshals were appointed in some
states, upon the nomination OF their govern
ors, to act under direction of the state eXecu-
tive and the writ of habeas corpus was sus-
pended. BY order Of the war department, ar
rests were forbidden unless authorized by the
state executive or judge advocate. Some IN
stances of unauthorized arrests have occur
red, and, when brought to the notice OF the
department, the parties have been immediate
ly discharged
BY recent order all persons arrested for
discouraging enlistments or for disloyal prac-
tees in the states where the quotas OF volun-
teers and militia are filled up have been re-
leased. Other persons arrested by military
commanders and sent from departments where
their presence was deemed dangerous to the
public safety, have been discharged upon pa
rnla