Washington telegraph., 1864-01-06

of Arkansas, both passed this pist one day last
week. and we're deta ned day in the discharge
OF official duties. Many Of our citizens had
previously formed the acquaintance of Gen
Holmes and gladly ayailed themselves Of the
onnortunity % an introduction to Gen. Smith.
No man, lnboring with anxiety for the fate of
M. country, can be indifferent 20 anything re-
latinp to one upon whom has been cast, for the
present. the heavy responsibility of the pre-
servation of the great Western Department as
n portion Of the Southern COnfeicracy. liz j.,
i'm truth, a heavy burden, and attended with
difficulties aud embarrassments almost insur
mountable. These appear 20 evidently TO the
rejecting mind as to disarm criticism even In
case of manifest error, but should elicit IN
every breast the warmes; sympathy and sup
port for one who has given proof of bis fitness
for command, and who j. laboring diligently
and earnestly to discharge the high trust com
mitted TO his care, Whether he succeed or
fail. we thiuk no one can doubt that General
Smith Is such a man, and As such j. entitled to
claim our respect and support.
Such was the impression made by him upon
the numerous citizens who called upon him AZ
his room. He entered freely and affably into
conversation, and seemed desirous of satisfying
the doubts and needing the suggestions Of all
Amongst the topics of conversation, we no.
tice a few upon Which the remarks of Gen.
Smith should have the widest circulation
We cannot make better use OF our space than
in detailing them.
He alluded 10 the disappointment felt by
many, on account Of the delay ia makir
forward movement TO retake Little Rock and
the Arkansas valley. lie urged cur citizens
to believe, that whatever steps had been taken
or declined in this regard, bad been prompted
5y no wish intention on his part to abandon
one foot Of Arkansas soil. That they were the
result OF considerations for the good OF the
people Of Arkansas and the army itself; based
upon accurate Information. That whether or
not such movement should be made, he was
determined TO defend the Southern portion Of
the State between Ouachita and Rel River
and eastward TO theMississippi. He gave assur-
ance that the citizens might remain unmo-
Tested at home and pursue their ordinary
avocations for the preservation Of society aud
the support of the army, and that when the
opportune moment arrived, no time would he
lost in regaining the whole Of the State. His
remarks upon this, (Which We cam properly
give in full gave general satisfaction, and
seemed TO aay any feeling Of impatien nee which
might have existed in the breasts OF his hearers.
He most strenuously urged upon the citizens
to prosecute with industry all productive avo-
cations. especially that of farming. To pro
ceed at once and bend every energy to raising
the utmost possible quantity of grain. 10
make all the meat which could b. raised bv
careful management Of the present stock. The
people need not fear that they will not be ahic
to gather the products Of their industry. He
pledged himself to assure that, if possible and
be did not seem 90 doubt il. BY % doing the
people will not only the better secure their
own comfort and 81. .p-ri, but VIII raise a sur
plus for the army, anl enable il 10 keep the
products of Texas III reserve.
lie expressed the firmest determination t.
protect the citizen not only from the elcmY.
I.vne a1E 81. n.
soldiers, by which the firmer is often ruined
without benefit to the army. lie is fully aware
that such things paralyze the industry of a
country and discourage production. Nothing
will be taken from the farmer except by due
authority under laws Of Congress, auI then
only in case Of necessity aud with just nd iun
compensation. Every effort is being made to
suppress the occasional laWless outrl gcs Of OR
soldiers, aud all cases Of tie s0r; brought 10
the knowledge Of the proper officers VAL be
severely punished
lie alluded TO the evil or Struggling. AMI de-
seriion from our armies, and pointed out the
most effective remedy IL j. Tor the people at
home hrmiy and persistcntly TO frown upon
beth. Il they assist in screening deserters and
encourage those absent without leave or be-
yOnd leave, 10 Remain at home, the army will
remain decimated, ineffective for active pur-
poses, and unable lerhaps TO protect those very
friends causes them to forget higher duties TO
the count y. If on the other hand they assist
in the arrest Of deserters by every means--if
they shame back those who shun the field Of
duty, and en- frivolous pretexts would remain
at nme--if the wives and sisters Of such lend
their influence in this, and beat them back if
necessary. with broomsticks, the ranks would
be filled, and by the decisive and energetic
operations of the army, be restored the sooner,
and more honorably TO homes of peace. The
part each one j. called upon to act in this may
seem small aud unimpOrtant, but il the senti
ment were universal at home. its effect upon
the power Of our army would be incalculable
Such in substance, and in our own language.
was the the tenor of his remarks dropped in
the course Of desultory conversation We
think they are ct for the public. anl ought TO
be carefully needed. Gen. Smith has no per
sonal interest TO serve that il not connected
with the safety Of our people and the success
OF our cause. To accomplish these would be
his greatest interest A. well a. highest glory.
In all that lie said he gave additional cridence
OF trait OF character which he displayed early
after reaching this department. lie has the
rare merit OF not sinking the citizen in the
soldier. He never seems to lose sight Of the
Importance Of civil government and the con-
stitutional and legal rights Of the people, even
IN time of war. These compose the snbstratum
OF all power, and are essential TO liberty. It's
much for Us that we have n ropuanlar ,rha