New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1864-01-19
THE CONDITION OF THE REBEL.
LION,


THE CONDITION OF THE REBEL.
LION.
We reprint this morning some very remarka-
bic editorial articles from The Richmond Uhig,
which We commend to the attention of such
Rebel sympathizerS at the North as still assert
that the Conlederacy was never in so hopeful
condition rs now. The military authorities
agree that the enlargement of their armies by a
general conscription is m absolute necessity in
order 10 further resistance. To that end they
have repealed the Substitute bill, and propose
also TO repeal the Exemption bill-in word, to
force all classes between eighteen and fifty years
into active service, retaining. of course, all
those who are now in, regardless of the cxpira-
ton Of their terms Of enlistment. But The
Wing rcsists this project, and in series
Of singularly independent and able articles
demonstrates that the execution of such
scheme will enlarge the armies TO number
which it will be- impossible 10 feed, arm, or sup
ply. II will equally reduce the productive en-
pacity of the country so for that if the struggle
I" prolonged beyond one campaign, there will
bo no food even for the armies at their present
strength. And The Hhig has also the boldness
TO suggest that the independence of the States
IS put Of hazard by such % measure; that when
stripped OF their able-bodicd men they viii be- al
the mercy of Confederate military despotism
The Rebel states have only choice therefore,
between the surrender of their cherished
rights" To- Jefferson Davis aud submission to
The Government against which they rcbellcd.
The present diGcullies in the way OF keeping
The Rebel armies aioot are nearly insurmoun,a-
bic. In Longstreet's Corps two thousand men
tread the snowy sides Of the Tennessee noun
tains with naked feet. Johnston wants blan-
kcts and clothing. Even Lee, nearest TO Rich
mond, and always best cared for, cannot get
blankets or socks. Next year is likely TO be
still worse. Wooden clothing grows daily
scarcer. Wilmington. their last port, is nearly
closed, and the home sources Of supply steadily
decrease. The prospect Of food is no better.
For BEEF the Commissary Department is forced
to fall back on mich COWS. There is very little
bacon, and mutton will never feed great armies.
even were tho quantity sufficient. Lees sol
diers have a quarter OF a pound Of meat per
day. The hospitals are iregularly fur
nished. East Tennessee, the main reli-
ancc of the Rebels, j. in our hands,
and the Rebel Government j. driven 10 seize the
standing crops Of whole counties on the plea OF
absolute necessity. Forage is scarcely 10 be-
had. Even last winter Stuart's cavalry was
scattered all over the State to get food for their
horses, and thi. winter it is quite worn out. In
al the armies, the want OF small arms cannon
and ammunition begins to be seriously felt.
Forcibly, in view OF is gloomy recital Of facts,
Tie Uhig closes:
THUS IN the 10, snaly dnd w. have army poorly
e. D. 'ny fed indfr.ufly equipped badly mounted with
iIi en. trains md with hAey enough ~ aiuuuuiiion
10 remedy the evil We 9onsio double aud m possible
quaIo the uuraber Of urn ,ni hocs take away every
~ rat ina't, from c afouliarh Districts. and leave tn
lbo.ef. on whom both md horr. dcrend Tor existence
pry 10 natural dene. AMI Will every md lcrneui g. revolt
% i. Dr. not Jldi aiu~.. iar ist.fy Of dloIso meas
sdop,ed b. feeble aid a a'ed councils does not pIcen
ln ,mple'
On the failure of the railway system which
has hitherto held the Rebel States together and
has been their main advantage in military
operations-the destruction Of the roads and OF
theirrollin. -tock, and the mpossbliiyoi repair
ing or replacing ethcr-Ihe Mig speaks with
equal plainncss and dependency. Yet in the
face Of all failures, misfortune, and Deficiencies,
of priyations which are becoming intolerable, OF
absolute necessities which can 10 longer be
supplied-of everything which shows that a
long struggle is impoosiblc-we have the con-
iesson that there is no remaining chance of "A
speedy end of the war except by sublugalion,
ard We hear once more the desperate appeal to
an exhausted people TO prepare for long war,
in tho hope that ce may become dsheartcncd.
The handwriting on the wall grows very legiblc.