New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1864-08-23
For the Tribune.
TIE THIRD BLOW AGAINST TIKI
SOUTH.
Importance Of tho Trnns-nI issi.sippi De
partmeut.

Importance Of sho Trnns-HIissi.sippi DE-
i pnriment.
The gigantic plan of operations now in progress
against the South has been the first 10 cut the Con-
federacy in two by Selling control of the Mississp
pr and then to assail and crush the strongest of tho
divided sections. The first part of it has been ac-
complished except 80 far as stealthy movements
and temporary distractions by the enemy on that
river concerned; and the second is now, trust,
in the course of successful accomplishment. But
whether speedy success success await tho lat
ter third blow about as effective, but moro easily
dealt, ought already to DO in contemplation, and If
possible in preparation by the Government. Should
fail of present to crush the stronger section, we
would still, unless through unequaed disasters, be
strong enough to hold the dividing fosse and sub
due the weaker section beyond 1t. Should the enc
my's forces In the stronger section begin to waver
and shrink into a narrower circle, the first army
corps which could DO spared by us from the greater
scene Of operations, ought to move down upon the
region Southwest, which now lies comparatively
defenseless.
The whole territory stretching from the Lower
Mississippi to tho Rio Grande is now in measure
drained of tho encmys troops, and even Of warlike
population. A well-commanded National force, no
larger than that lately squandered by laundering
operations in Louisiana and Arkansas, If landed in
Matagords Bay, could sweep through Texas. or
the people Of that State largo minority, to say the
least, are in favor Of the Union, whether with or
without Slavery, and the rest, though Rebels in
heart, are many of them disafectcd to the Govern
ment of JEFF Davis and scceptt us choice of evils
Inn info ,aufa TO ao
quired in Texas, could conquer, hold and reclaim,
all that lies between the Rio Grande and Mississippi
if still we'll supported the line of the latter. This
would give back to the Nation a region whose pro
duct Of cotton would far more than supply our own
wants. The deposits Of II 10 be found there now,
which could be secured from the torch by a liberal
policy, would relieve us from vast amount OF
commercial and financial embarrassment; for ain
credibly informed that during last season, Texas
raised almost an average crop. This will appear
less singular when we rccolect how the State has
lately been crowded with black labor which has to
DO employed and is far moro than sufficient for
the production OF food and much as the hghung
population Of Texas has been drained, suficiency
of negro-driving force for plantation use is left
Do not suppose, however, that favor tho idea,
already too much followed, of diifused forces and
scattered operations. No attempt Of the kind sag
gest ought 10 be made, if it would enfcebleo hold
on the Mississippi, or the grand operation in pro-
gress farther East But the first forces which can
I be spared by success or be spared owing to @ re-
sumption of moro defensive attitudes east Of the
River ought promptly to secure the haif-deiended
region west Off The latter is Of greater prospcc
tire value than the older pcopled section.
It is quito possible that before the campaign East
is decided either way, the needful thousands III
} stead of being spared could DO raised; Tor th'
known and popular aim of q movement is often sur
fcient to create an army. The desire to secure
fully and forever the use Of tic Mississippi is The
darling object OF the Great North West. The way
to secure it is 20 subjugate ell west Of that rver
and people shrewd can perceive at once no vas
army is now required TO do il. If such crusade
were zealously preached in the North West
the needful number Of men for the specia
service could be raised, though not one wero draw
from our armies in the field.
The doubtful kind Of hold our forces now retail
of the great outlet is main cause OF the dsaiiec
ton which fingers in the North West, whose uiu
mate allegiance grayitaes to the Father Of Waters
If to-day We fully held the unobstructed Mssissip
nj and all West of it, though the South East wer
Independent, disloyalty in tho North West woui'
he unknown. If we had the South East with all IT
ports in complete submission, whilo the banks
the lower Mississippi in rebellion, the Loyalty
Of the North West would be much more uncertain
/ than il IS how.
Whatever be tic result OF the present campaign
10. Nv he ~
conquest of the Southwest. The latter incudingth
river being firmly held, no success of rebellion il
the Southeast would insure its cycntful Triumph
/, oven though it should conquer in mat section
temporary peace
A slave confcdeIscy Of tho Southeast hornme'
in as it would be even if were left IN peace, woul
DC ultimately absorbed; for slavery, pent up o
freedom, is scorpion git with fire." that sting
itself and des-so slavery non-extension is death
Should VIC, however, subduo the Southeast and leav
the Southwest unvanquished, extension would no
, be cut of. Instead Of our ever absorbing tina
! remnan. of r.bslSon, the Mexican empire nigh
absorb it. or il might absorb tho empire, and In
Northwest also-for though Cotton has proved
worry sham king. the Father of Floods can never b
, be dethroncd Napoleon knows the power OF tha
impersonal sovereign and, when he offered u
, avian with jeff q piocs Of recognition FOR ID
Louisiana purchase, bis sasacity far exceeded hi
modesty.
This subject admits Of more extensive discussion
30, nv nresent object is merely TO bring 1t to tn
, attention of the public. If the Government Ia