Daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, Va. [W. Va.]) 1859-1865, 1864-12-07
LATE REBEL NEWS.
prrENcn OF SECRET SESSIONS.
FROM the Richmond Sentinel, Nov. %.

SCI EEoEl Luo AiCL4AOuAs 0SuSAhSASF SsSNs 49,
One of the Inconvenience that attend
our form of government, as drawbacks to
a certain extent upon it's eminent superb
ority as whole to all others, is the pub
licity with which affairs sometimes the
most delicate are obliged to be conducted.
1t is in vain, so far as many are concern
ed, for government to propose the most ne.
cessary measure without full exposition
of the reasons for it, although this expo
sure may be exceedingly injurious, or
might even prove fatal. There will alvyavs
be found multitudes of Jealous. susnicio1S
persons, who fancy that whatever reouires
reserve ts necessarily sinister. There will
always be found, also, those in public life
or connected with the press who will min
| ister to this morbid sentiment, and seek
popular favor by display of zeal for open
doors and full disclosure. -,
Every one comprehends that however
bold and honest, and, therefore, attractive,
this frank policy may seem, its adoption
in war would be Immediately fatal. A
whole army acquiesces in the necessity of
being kept in ignorance of what its chief
may intend. Nothing else could be so in
terestiug to the soldiers, nothing SO nearly
concerns them, as the plan of the cam
paigDi but the dullest man in the ranks
would be Mortified at the proposition to
hold councils of war with open doors, and
in the presence of news reporters.
1t requires bat very slightbredection to
perceive that questions may arise In the
legislation of the country which require a
like reticence on the part of Congressj and
this not alone upon propositions that re.
late to military operations. fhefe are ext. |
gencies sometimes in the execution OF the |
laws, and the administration Of justice; |
there are questions of diplomacy; therear
laws. themselves proper to be. proclaimed. |
whose adoption depends upon facts and |
reasons improper to be presently made
known; in short the civil as well az tbe
military authorities are often compelled nv L
nearly affecting the public Il
welfare TO hold their councils in secret.-
These views are SO obvious that We almost
need to apologize for presenting them
obvious as they are, however, there are
those who either do not understand or do
not appreciate them. For instance. II
newspaper before us, commenting on The
tact that the House of Representatives ,
nave been lately sitting with closed doors a. !
psoruon OF each day, Is bold to declare that !
THIS proceeding, unless excused by a CON !,
1ttion that does not apply IN this case. sis ..
atrooious-nay more, it is Infamous stWe
snail undoubtedly learn the reason. bv and !
oy' It continues "when we find that the ;
people have been deprived of some consti. :
:utional right. Those who commit deeds
If darkness always prefer to do them nnder :
'oVer. This editor thus does all he NAV :
Q lnhame the Prsjudices of the people
Lgalnst the secret sessions, not only on the =
present. but on all occasions. And vet :
without hazard, it may be declared, thai :.
very sensible, loyal man in the conteder. +,
'cy would say that the subject which nov y
ngages the House, whatever the action l. ="
roper TO be taken, is one which should he
discussed in private, That teaching can. ',
lot be commended which thus seeks 10 ar. I