The Ohio Democrat. [volume] (Canal Dover, Ohio) 1840-1900, 1863-01-09
For the Ohio Democrat.
Washington Correspondence.
WAsHrNoroN. Dec. 30. 1852.

WASHINGTON, Dec. 80, 1862.
Mr. EDIToR:-Time grows apace, and
we are yet in the Winter of our discon-
tent as far as military successes are con-
cerned. Our army, as l had promised
in my pFgrions letter, was compelled to
recross, the shade ofnight and the pat
ter of rain yelling the movements of the
grand army, shat but day previous had
advanced with such high hopes and buoy.
and courage, itawould have been worse
than madnessato have remained, that is
true, but that it should have ever ad-
vanced in the face of insurmountable
obstacles, is the problem that time and
history can alone solve, unless :he solu-
tion,0 one of the most loyal papers in
the land is to be considered conclusive.
The Baltimore American, in late issue
says, that It is constrained to believe that
the government is aiding the rebels, and
aiming how-speaking of the crushing
of the rebellion-aot to do ii. / trust
that this is not true, but that this defeat
will be accepted as fatal mistake, which
has for its underlie deeper reason,
which in the course of few days will be
heralded forth to the people by their
representatives in Congress. That Gen.
Burnside meant well, that he is devout
lover of his country, patriot and true
soldier, no one who has read bis mag.
unanimous statement can for moment
doubt. But yet that very spirit of sub
lime disinterestedness which is so con-
spicuous, shows that there is something
hidden, which he deems the exegencies
of the public veal demand of him to re-
main silent about. Let us then, with
that true Democratic lover of his coun-
try, accept the version, as given to the
world.trusting that in the course of time
all that is now dark, will be made light
The Cabinet imbroglio seems to be
over, and quiet reigns once more in the
bosom of Father Abraham'S family, but
it is only the sugar coated volcano ready
at moments warning to burst forth with
renewed violence and fury. The dcta-
tion of the Dantons and Murats Of the
Senate was rather more than ever the
rail splitter could bear, SO with a digni-
ty which should command respect, he
ordered bis rebelious Secretaries back
to duty and the clogged wheels OF Gov
ernment are moving along in their ac-
customed ruts of political Vaccinations
and blunders. Secretary Stanton should
have remarked that he would not leave
until he avaS Shslled ont, which is in per-
feet keeping with his character, to US at
homo who know him as 10 bull dog te.
nacity.
desired change in the Cabinet very
much, but not in the manner attempted
by these would be Brutuses. The State
department, Treasury 'plrtment, and
in fact all the civil officers generally have
been managed with as much skill, and
desire for the public welfare as could be
expected in such troublesome times as
these. The main cause for complaint
lies in a different direction The only
chance of ever crushing this accursed re-
bellion, is by an overwhelming force di-
rected from the war power of the gov
ernment, when you gain the respect of
these people South by gaining subStan'
tial victories, by crushing defeats of their
armies-then will they see their error,
and gladly return to their allegiance and
duty. But when you fritter away your
strength in fruitess expeditions, when
schemes utopian are day action and
night dreams of the executive, nothing
salutary need be looked for, nothing per.
manent or substantial can be expected.
Secretary Smith retired from his Of
ficeal position yesterday, he leaves a
large circle offriendS and admirers, his
conduct has been eminently conserva.
tive, broadly national. There is strong
effort made to fill the vacancy with some
one more radical, but do not think they
will succeed Judge Usher, assistant
Secretary Of the Iaterior, a very good
and conservative man, will, | have no
doubt, be the successful competitor.
General Butler is looked for daily,
there are rumors of assigning him to
some high place, or position in the army.
hope that the portfolio of the War De-
partment will be rendered him, as he
possesses energy, vast administrative a.
biIities, and besides oil he is a soldier,
has shared their privations, their triumphs
Al