The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1863-12-24
tProns the ST. Louis Sews.l
Gen. MeCieilanss Report

1&eR OTt.
We have sympathised with General
Mcclellan in many of his misfortunce,
and in none more deeply than the last
that has befallen him. Mr.. Samuel S.
Cox. Of Ohio, who has called in the House
for the publication of McClellan's report
Of his campaigns while commanding the
Army of the Potomac, could not have
done the retired General a more serious
injury; not that any injury would be
done him by the publication of his mass
i've report, but because Of the political
status Of the man who called for the tx
humiug of the slumbsring manuscript.
Mr.. Cox was the Copperhead candidate
for Speaker OF the House, in opposition
to DIR. Colfax, and be received few
votes less than did Fernando Woods
peace resolutions. Cox was very active
IN the Vallandighsm campsi gn for Gov
ernor OF Ohio, sod did all he could in the
way Of talking treason to secure the cleo
ton of him WHO is still watching and
waiting over the border For such .
man TO become the especial guardian OF a
loyal Generals military reputation is the
reverse Of omplimen.ary TO the hero OF
Malvern Hills and Antietam. Indeed, it
is positive misfortune that General
who has besn in command of loyal army
should be subjected TO the friendship and
active support OF such men as Cox
The friendship OF Cox and that class Of
copperheads towards Mcclellan is not
difficult of explanation They found in
him prolific subject of divers issues
with the Administration. They cared
nothing for bum or his military reputa-
ton. Their interest in promising militia
~ talent was interviewer with the Gene
ral's on the other side of the lines. They
have oaly wished to use him ~ sort of
bellows to blow the flames Of opposition
to the Administration. We never heard
one Of these Copperhesds praising him I'M
I'll it became evident that he was at log
gerhea,ls with the Administration; then
they chimed In with loud songs Of his
praises.
We do not know whether Mcclellan has
political aspirations or not. If he has,
be is an object Of commisera,ion. He
was not strong as q military chieftain,
and We have good evidence for believing
that he is much weaker as = politician.
He has permitted himself to be the foot
ball of a cass of men who are using him
Tor malicious purpose, and who will cast
him off At the moment when an opportu-
nifty offers for his preferment. As 4
means Of killing him of as Presidential
candidate, they prevailed upon him to
write very silly letter last fallin favor
of the election Of Judge Woodward as
Governor of Pennsylvania.
Never did novice in political manipu-
lation receive a harder fall. Just - The
laundering notes Of the great Union vic
tories of The Fall elections went hurting
and crashing through the country, his
letter came to light, and he was made to
suffer the humiliation Of defeat, from
which otherwise he would have been ex-
empt. The point to be gained by these
trieksters was the union OF the Vallandig-
ham stripe of Copperheads with the War
Democrats, whom Mcclellan was sup
posed to represent. And this is the OBJ
ject of Mr.. Cox in moving for the publ
cation of his report.
II Mcclellan has Presidential aspira-
tons, be is too weak to be conscious of his
own inability. Whatever may be his
military abilities, no one has ever thought
of him in connection with craftsmanship.
He would give evidence of greater fitness
for the Presidency. should he decline to
have his name used in connection with
that Office. He now appears before the
country as the victim of small vanity and
weakness, which statcemen seldom pos
scss. - go