The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1863-06-12

Ever since there have been military schools
at which generals are professediy made there
have been discussions az to whether generals
could be made anywhere else. Against the
fact that there were great generals before there
were military academies the believers in the
latter do not deign to argue. They invoke the
name Of vegetius. hold up the diagrams Of
Jomini and talk Of twelve orders Of battle, and
meanwhile the academies so on and busy them
selves principally in teaching things invented
by men who never went to military academies.
When the war began this discussion was very
lively, and is not dead yet, though as many
West Pointers have proved failures as have
proved successes, and though the number OF
those taken from civil life who have proved
good commanders is by no means small We
speak particularly of our own army; for in The
rebel army there is no man now in the Geld OF
distinction or recognized ability who is not
West Pointer. aa
In the case Of General Banks man who had
already shown decided ability and energy in
civil life, and who was believed to have the
s.onick eye. cool head and stout heart'
which some have thought ''would do more to
make good general than all the diagrams
there was promise that for once. in our
own time this question would have fair and
favorable trial. Unfortunately General Banks
has not had exactly the opportunity we could
DESIRE Appointed to the command in Balti-
more when it seethed with faction, he exhibited
the best qualities of a military governor; he
took the initiative against the plotters--was
prompt, fearless and firm, aud for the time
settled the fate Of that city. Given q command
in the field upon the retirement of General Pat
terson, he was unlucky in it; for, though it
was upon the theatre where Stonewall Jack
sons reputation was in great part made, and
though Banks command encountered Jackson
three times and virtually defeated him three
times, yet Jackson acquired the fame Of great
soldier and Banks scarcely acquired any fame
at ALL Although one Of Banks divisions deci-
sively defeated jackson in the first battle at
Winchester, it was not Banks battle
Banks first chance in the field came on the
oath of May, 1862, and he then exhibited the
readiness of perception, resolution and activity
sufficient to Justify all that was hoped from him.
BY different detachments his force had been
reduced to four thousand eight hundred
infantry, nine hundred cavalry and SIX
teen cannon. Jackson suddenly appeared
at Front Royal with at least twenty
five thousand men. Front Royal held by Col.
Kenly, was taken at once, and Banks only
escape with his small force was by way of
Winchester. Winchester, Front Royal and the
position occupied by Banks form the extremi-
ties of an isosceles triangle. and Jackson was
as near to Winchester as Banks was. But the
latter moved immediately. Already some Of
Jackson's cavalry had been thrown forward
and held the road by which Banks had to pass
This force he beat back and got to Winchester
safely There he took up line of battle. and
while his train went on, fought the enemy and
held him in check five hours. Becoming thus
treasured of Jackson's numbers he continued
his retreat by way Of Martinsburg to the Poto.
mac which he crossed safely, having in forty.
eight hours fought FIVE hours and marched fifty.
three miles, burdened with a most unaccounta-
BILE wagon train, all in the face of very active
enemy las
He next fought the battle OF Cedar Mountain,
where he encountered jackson again. This
was in Pope's campaign. Banks was merely
ordered to hold a position against the rebel
advance, and held it so well that after q severe
fight Of between two and three bo,,rs Stonewall
Jackson with all his impetuosity, reinquished
the attempt to take it.
General Banks, in command Of the national
forces in Louisiana, has demonstrated his ability
to operate with success on . more extended
theatre than the Shenandoah valley. Without
the opportunity to perform brilliant service in
great battles, be has by . few well arranged
movements done oil that occasion required to
drive the rebel forces from that State, and
now holds IL, with all its immense resources.
He has invested Pert Hudson, and will pro-
baby take il, and thus add its prestige to .
good reputation for ability, made without
single great success.
SENATOR TRrxBvLL Coxrye RoUSD.--Hereto-
fore Senator Trumbull, Of Illinois, has been
classed. and not without reason nmonr the