The New York herald., 1864-12-13

will not catch the joke of the qualifications OF
Forney for place in the Cabinet. We guess
that be knows the length and breadth Of
Forney.
The THREE PRETENCEs OF THE REBEIs.-
When the rebellion broke out the Southern
leaders proclaimed they were fighting for tho
institution of slavery. This was their chief
corner stone, and on this was their national
ed.lce to be erected. This avowal did them
no good abroad and another policy was pro-
claimed. 1t was then Independence for which
they were contending. This they averred they
had natural right to prefer and maintain ct
all hazards. This pretence-for it was nothing
more-gave their foreign friends the opportu-
nifty of fresh exertions in their behalf althoughh
was notorious fact that the Southern States
always were as independent as the North; and
change of their relations with it did not and
could not make them freer than they were
already under institutions of their own forma-
tion, their own choice, and for q great part OF
the time under their own direction. Now, a.
the horizon grows darker, as their prospects
grow DINNER, as the storm begins to howl
around them, as their mischievous league ID
dissolving and their rope Of sand begins to fall
in pieces, they are playing the last card: the
recognition of the sbsolute sovereignty Of the
States II they can gain this point from the
united loyal States their pride will be soothed
and they may listen to terms. But will the
Western and Northwestern States agree to
this? Will Kansas, Iowa, Wisconsin, Illinois,
Minnesota, Michigan-StAtes erected out Of
Toc IF fhnN, frnu
purchased from the savages that were never
colonies, never pretended to have inherent
rights ofsovereignty. cad never exercised any
will these permit any Southern State to hAYe,
poweTs beyond their own' Soall they retain
tho right Of opposing, vetoing, or 6uliifying the
acts of the general government whenever they
please, to the injury Of those other States which
rave never claimed such prerogativess The
idea is absurd aud inadmissible.
All these three claims are without any foun-
dation, nothing but ditches dug from tiae to
time to make resiste0s s,sis .......-, .:..s, .ss -
present some appearance Of having principle
at stake, when they have none. But the men
who were loudest in defence OF them are rapidly
disappearing from the field of action. The
losses of the rebels have been as remarkable
as their audacity. Few OF the men prominent
in bringing on this war are left alive. Smaller
lights now dimly illuminate the scene. The
larger are extngushed, snuffed oit and for
gotten. But two men of any real power re-
main to protract the rebellion-Davis and
Leland it is easy to see that they are flicker
ing in its socket. This demand for reoog-
milton Of the sovereignty Of the States is the
last card in the soiled pack.
OLD ABE's RE.KLrcrIoN-- ENGLAND Axu
FRANCE SArIsrIED-Toe apparent satisfaction
with which the news of President Lincoin's re-
election has been received among all parties in
England and France is somewhat remarkable.
The London Tines and other English rebel.
sympathizing journals think it will be good
thing for the Southern confederacy," and
surely is good thing so far as the interests Of
England are concerned. The liberia. Eoglish
journals, on the other hand, exultingly hail the
success OF Mr.. Lincoln as equivalent to the
downfall Of Davis and his confederacy, and the
removal of its corner stone Of African slavery.
The imperial organs Of France are disposed to
be exceedingly amiable over the result. 40
cordingly, 10 broad American view Of this
subject, if the friends Of the Union and the
adhcrents OF the rebellion in England, and
Lord Palmerston and Louis Napoleon, are all
disposed to congratulations over Mr.. Lincolns
'reappontment for another term" we think
that, without distinction of party the citizens Of
the loyal States may resign themselves to
cheerful acquiescence in the will OF the people.
Z ID not nftpn that hav a proaid op t;at oioo-
tion which satisfies our friends and enemies
abroad. Old Abe is wonderful man.
STARVATION IN LEES ARMY.--Attempts have
been frequently made to deny the miserable
condition to which the rebel army Is reduced;
but we think the evidence of the deserters, both
officers and privates, who arrived at Washing
ton from Lees army the other day, settles that
matter. They give deplorable account OF
their privations. Indeed, their appearance fur
nished proof enough Of the truth OF their Ian
guage. They say that for six months past they
had nothing to eat but one meal ration Of
corn cake and bacon day; that our soldiers
waste as much provisions in day as the rebel
soldiers receive 10 week. The poor fellows
shouted with delight when they saw the Capitol
and anticipated the good things that lie in its
shadow-we do not mean the Congressman,
but the contents OF the commissary stores in
the neighborbood.
HANCocx's CoRps.-A regiment or more could
be easily furnished in this city IL the men Of
wealth would but initiate the example already
set them by . number of patriotic citizens,
viz:-each to furnish one man. There are moro
than ten thousand persons in this city, not in.
cuding those who have grown rich by the war.