Richmond Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1862-1865, 1864-01-16

snv sigma of demoralx alton undee theset L I VIII
Harrisburg, Seven Pines, and the Seven Days fights
which followed in rapid succession on the heels oil re-
organization answer. These renowned battle eids attest
the wisdom of reorganization and reelection Ana
the hero displayed the efficiency exhibited by these
upposed by outsiders TO be untried officers prove be-
yond cavil the competency OF the rank ana ME 10
choose judic'ouslJ their commanding ohcsrs ~, win
one wears experience they could select cce-s capable
OF rejecting much honor on their country ana tnem
selves how much better must they be prepared to DO
likewise now after three years experience IN the fiery
ordeal When the first Reorganization occurred, Wo
knew comparatively nothing Of campaigning; but
small portion of the army had smelt gunpoHder," and
consequently many were ignorant as TO the elements re-
Quired 10 constitute efficient ofhcer. Even unoer
these Disadvantages we improved on the DID, But now
the case is far different Every man in the ranks knows
who in his company or regiment ID the best qualified to
lead in battle and provide for Their comfort To say
that in the selection of officers, these brave men viii
nov regard social qualities or personal popularity as
paramount competency and efficiency to deny them
that intelligence gained by exp rierce ana that patriot
ism attested by the honorable scars they wear Ii is
well known in the army that all good soldiers prefer the
rigid disciplinara because they know that such an
officer is generally impartial in Judgment decisive in the
exercise of authority bold in action, and ieso!ute un
der trials ard such only will they properly esteem and
rerpect, and such only will they confidently fellow
through the hdiLStoTm OF bullets
But Mr. Editor it is not absolutely necessary to re-
organize, &C., ain the face of the enemy" after the
campaign opens. The regiments need not wait until
tbeir respective terms of service expire. They we've not
required 10 do SO in 1862. lie. Congress adopt law
suffering those regiments whose term expires on or be-
lore lst July to reorganze consolidate and reeect Of
6cers this witer and those which expire after that date
10 do Hken Use when the Summers campaign is over
Such measure it seems, would be satisfactory to ell
parties
Officers who have been in the habit OF spending two
thirds of Their time a. home in hos1als-who have
shrked from he battle elis-wbo have not the capaci'
ty 20 dis suish scplGe fiom tyranny"ho have eI-
ercsed cruelty bordering barbarism-ina word, Off
GERS who are totally Hgft 10 command, will alone offer
any serious objection such msasuce az we recon-
mend or something similar thereto. These oieers IN
plumage but not 10 spirit are al AFRAID OF Ieelec
ious. Would it mpair the eiic Grey Of the army to
disp!sce all sucbS are we be cOnsorp.ed for var
tia. may last ten years. and forced to the Crrbe re-
cessi,y OF being commanded by officers whose heroic
oiies sensual iLdulgeDc!es, and intoeraoe cruelty,
together with their natural mbecilty aud Weakness are
disgrace to the profess OF arms? Heaven forbid.
Tee picture Is too hideOus for contemplation.
Let Congress, Mr.. Editor, do the war-worn veterans
the Justice TO recognize thsr claims, and grant them
the privilege of re Ogalizlion ana re election Of Off
GERS for this indeed constitutes the last relic OF tle
volunteers rghs, aud the as vstga OF his rational
existence. WI hhOld 1t nos
AN OTFICER WHO IS NOT AFRAID OF RE-KLEcrIGNS