Muscatine weekly journal. [volume] (Muscatine, Iowa) 185?-1890, 1863-01-30

~ W mstG W w UMus
We believe the time has arrived in tn
rebellion when ALL MEANS in our powe
should be used to crush its instigators ant
abettors. Yielding to an imperative duty
demanded by every humanitarian idea, the
Administration has followed the Coniscatior
Act and q change of commanders by his owr
memorable Proclamation of Freedom. From
the testimony of many who left our commu
nifty for the duties of the tented field
strongly pro-slavery in their political views
we believe that the army is eminently salts
fed with that proclamation, and are ready tc
obey its behests, as good soldiers. We have
yet to hear of dissenting voice to the great
order of our Commander in Chief The
splendid victory Of the fighting hero, Rose
Grams, has, throughout the Army of the West
awakened fresh enthusiasm, and solid col
umns make the welkin ring with their glad
some shouts over brave "OLD Rose" His
brave followers behold in him dashing,
enthusiastic, courageous, fighting leader. His
enthusiasm and courage is infused into the
hearts of a loyal soldiery, who will henceforth
follow him through seas of blood, if need be,
to victory. The Department of the Cumber-
land has, what is needed in every other
department of the army and nation, dash and
enthusiasm, united with fighting qualities.
In the Department of the Mississippi, what
we lost by ignorance Of facts and an unsup.
ported movement upon Vicksburg, is in very
great measure, if not wholly, atoned for in
the bold and successful move upon Arkansas
Post. McClernand has made fine record at
the commencement Of his historic page His
success Immediately upon assuming command
promises we'll upon the spirits and enthusi-
asm of his brave followers.
Heron and Blunt have not only made their
names immortal, but they have infused new
life and energy into the Army of the Frontier.
Everywhere in the West our troops are as
full of zeal, courage, and enthusiasm as can
be desired by the most devoted friend of the
Union. Give them Vicksburg and an entrance
into East Tennessee, and their enthusiasm
cannot be restrained, while the national heart
will revive.
There is one cloud hanging over our
country - the cloud that has so long thrown
its dark and lengthening shadows, commenc-
ing with the imbecile strategy Of Scott, and
extending to the disheartening repulse of the
Grand Army of the Potomac, at Fredericks-
burg. That army has too long breathed the
atmosphere of Washington. 1t has been too
much under the control of would-be military
men. Its elements seem to have been regarded
as mere hirelings-a military machine, to be
moved by the dull routine Of West Point
science
Ours is not the small standing army of the
past. 1t is rather the rising of the people by
its millions. A million strong and willing
hearts full of enthusiasm, vigor of body and
} of soul, ready to march, to suffer, fight and
die to destroy their social and political enc
mies-sprang up to defend the Union and its
Constitution. A large portion of this grand
army have, from the commencement OF this
rebellion, done nothing save make bold and
heroic, but indecisive movements toward
Richmond, and then to retreat. 1t has failed
for the want of great moving spirit. There
can be no doubt of Burnside's energy, dash,
enthusiasm or fighting qualities. 1t is but
month since his terrible repulse; we must
not be too impatient over his failure to move.
Give him = fair trial. But over all the grand
divisions of our army let US pray that Om-
niscience will bring to light some great soul,
whose ardor and devotion, whose energy and
enthusiasm, may be infused among those who
are to determine the destinies of our country
by their strong right arms. Whether that
som be Buffers or Hooker's, we know not.
What We want is confidence that Provi-
dence ruleth among the armies of the earth
as well as Heaven. Let US impart our conf
dence to others, and strive in an orderly way
to correct existing evils. /
Delaware,