The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1864-03-19

and Decistve Campaign.
We are on the verge Of decisive campaign
. campaign which will bring the rebellion to
an end or cover with disgrace aud confusion
the government and the loyal States. As the
opposing armies now stand, all the advantages
of numbers, facilities, position and strength
appear TO be so overwhelmingly on the side
Of the Union that hardly the shadow Of doubt
disturbs the public anticipations of complete sue
cess From all the indications, however, on the
other side. 1t is apparent that the rebels in this
campaign will fight with the energy Of despair.
II is their last chance. All their forces-nov
estimated at three hundred thousand men in
the Geld-and all their resources are staked
upon this coming struggle. They feel and
confess that their situation Is desperate; but
on every side they are preparing for terrible
resistance.
In this view 1t Is matter Of universal con-
graduation that, under the pressure of public
opinion, Congress has spoken TO the President,
and that the President, In compliance with the
voice Of Congress, has placed all the armies OF
the Union under the direction Of General
Grant. The country is satisfied that this pro-
ceedng is eminently wise and well4imed and
that it cannot possibly fail to secure the most
glorious results. The steps already taken by
General Grant In the work Of reorganizing our
armies for active fighting are very encourag-
ing. He puts his most thoroughly tried and
approved officers In the most important posi-
lions, beginning with the sagacioas and intre-
pid Sherman, As his successor in the command
Of the great department which stretches from
East Tennessee to the Mississippi In one direc-
tion and to the Gulf in the other. But tho
announcement which we accept with the
highest satisfaction Is that which locates the
headquarters Of General Grant with the Army
Of the Potomac. With that heroic army we
have bad from the beginning tho most
inviting opportunities offered for . deci-
sive blow to the Davis confederacy; but
the mismanagement of that army, thus far,
has been our only serious drawback. Now
we may confidently look for better things than
costly defeats in blood and treasure, foolish
raids, improbable marches and counter
marches, and undecisive victories.
We dare say that General Grant has dis
covered that Richmond is the head OF the re-
bellion, and that telling blow upon the head
Is the readiest way to finish ii. We suspect that
he has found out that the Army of the Potomac
is able and ready for the work before 1t, and
that the work will soon be entered upon and
thoroughly accomplished. We cannot imagine
that he comes to sit down on the Rapidan and
,u;atlv xro;t for tba roodo "a Irv ,,cf;i I'll ~
odds and ends Of the rebel armies, from Rich
mond to South Carolina, are concentrated
against him. In any event, however. We are
called upon to prepare for campaign, East and
West, which in all human probability will be
marked by the most obstinately contested and
the most sanguinary battles of the war.
In. this view, and considering the momentous
involved in the struggle before
Us. itbecomes the duty Of the administration,
Of Congress- Of the State authorities Of the loyal
States, and Of their people. without distinction
OF party, to devote themselves now to the para
mount business OF the war, and to the cxclu-
sion Of party politics and Presidential SQUAD
coed in this impending military campaign, or
this war for the Union may prove disgraceful
and ruinous failure. We cannot safely 60 be-
Yond another year, with . yearly expenditure
Of eight or nine hundred millions Of money,
and an annual draft from the industrial inter.
ests Of the country Of half million or more
Of ito most vigorous men. We must bring the
rebellion to the dust this coming summer, or
Tho discomfort Of the people OF the loyal
States may ripen into scenes Of violence, dis
cord and anarchy, and our Presidential cleo
ton Of November next may be tho end Of the
chapter.
We would appeal, then, to the party journals
and the party politicians Of the loyal States to
suspend the agitation Of the Presidential ques-
ton until we shall have gained q solid founda-
tlon to stand upon. In the interval to June we
hope to be able to see our way clearly through
the routed columns Of JEFF. Davis; but In the
meantime nothing Is certain, except that the
issue Of the Presidential contest, If not Of the
war, remains TO be determined by the issue Of
the approaching campaign against the rebellion.
SoHENCK ON UNExPLoYED GENERALs.-Accord-
ing to the latest news from Washington, Mr..
Schenck is eminently disguised with the failure
Of his scheme to throw aside all our unem-
ployed generals Schenck is a very curious
man In his way. Such men are not uncommon
In revolutionary periods, and come to the sur
face naturally, as the 'scum that rises when .
nation boils." They are the sprats and small
fry Of that kind Of political life in which DAN
tom and Robespierre were giants. Without any
ability at ell, they keep their places in party
favor by an exhibition Of the most vindictive
spirit Schenck shows his vindictiveness In
Washington; he showed his want Of ability ct
Vienna. We rejoice at the defeat Of bis scheme.
Many Of our unemployed generals are men Of
the first talent, and desire to be employed, and
serve the country. General Mcclellan and
General Fremont, in their proper spheres, would