The New York herald., 1864-07-11
THE HOST OF HONOR.
Decorations and Promotions FOR Dtstin-
guished Services-Appeai An Behalf OF
OMcers and Soldiers, Sc.

guished scrvices-Appeai IN Behalf or
OMccrs and Soldiers, Sc.
Mr.. FINLEY ANDERsoN's DESPATCH.
Army THE PoIoxAc, NEAR PxrsssBuRa,l
July 8, 1864.
long and intimate acquaintance with the Army the
Potomac has led tothe conclusion that, while
things in should be praised and perpetuated, others
should be and reformed The wonderful achieve
ments army furnish fruitful themes for the hsto
ran and the bard But there matters connected with
its administration which belong much tho future
historian TO the cotemporary critic Among these
evils OF omission and commission; evils on the part Of
government towards soldiers and officers; evils
the part soldiers and officers Themselves for. officers
complain Of being unusty dealt with by the opera
on army regulations Of Congress- the govern
ment can complain Of being derauded BY uuprncpled
and unpatriotc officers. But let allude to one oms
government In particular. and that s respect
ing the subject OF rewards.
THE HEROES
We know that the names Of the noble dead who have
fallen the field Of battle mentioned with tender
moss PRIDE peaceful resting place has been adorned
for the ashes honored heroes who slumber
where they fell, the battle field OF Gettysburg Every
loyal state will perhaps erect magnificent mausoeum
within her borders in honor OF her devoted volun
who have died In vndicasion Of AZ West
Point there is already laid the Of
memory OF the loyal oces Of tho regular army
who have lost their lives by this rebellion.
But, while We venerate the memory Of the dead,
should also do honor TO the living The highest reward
soldier antcipatssths highest reward ne can receive
tho gratitude Of his Countymen. The popular saying
that republics ungratefu should apply 70
American republic. One OF It's aims rhould be 10
give that statement practical and unequivoeal
nal. And . favorable opportunity 70 do 30 is
Afforded For whom soldiers like ours have done and
r.As eh~0h Anso anA rad "a
the existence OF the nation the government
snould adopt some proper manner of bssiowmg lively
d ifs the sympathy ana services iudividua for
another In the hour OF need, being beautifully blended
nrmssi bonds abiding friendship. similar feel.
should exist between the people and the
volunteer armies United states show how nobly
they rallied 70 defend tho national government when ts
ws ds ns ~
equipped and clothed i soldiers In the costly style,
and has provided them with the nnest comms:arat in
the world IL has promoted Of its officers who have
shown themselves able military men yet at the same
time Is mot only failed acknowledge .hs services
sa the nsid the lino bot for political cousldsra
tions Il hss. sacrificed mso Of acknowledged merit and
caused inferior officers 70 be promoted those
had jussly won both honor and renown.
RnwARps ZOE vALuARA snRvIcD.
mertortous and dsssns.isnsdf services should ):
promptly recognised and suitably rewarded II would
hav. most esosaei. .nosnss uIo. the army. y would
who have tosd and iaborsd in The cause ssimufats
them 10 renewed sxertions, and Inspire youth with .
spirit OF noble emulation. An n u, commapdMg
generals have no power - instantly reward
Strusl services, ami Congress nas provided only
hzy systems for distributing medals and breves-
ing volunteers. And those ere not only made
auats but tnoperaaavs do noe know Of any efncsp
here who have presented with medals for valuable
services Az 70 The system Of brcves, the President u
AFRAID 70 Commence putting u In pracos, knowing that
he would be constantly imporuned BY political parsans
behalf Of their friends IN the army who may Or may
mot have Distinguished themselves. he, however, could
obyass that dincuty by breveting only those VINO
should be recommended BY their commanding oAlcsn.
DECORATIONS or H0Non-
fnsre are three distinctive modes oy which ths gov-
ernment mansst ~ gratitude 70 iu patriotic citi
seas In arms The irst II BY awarding them suitable
decorations of honor. rs potency has been wei eetab
shsd in European ARMIES. The ofcsrs and soldiers Of
she Army Of the Potomac new wear certain badges
which foreigners might mistake for marks o. merit
These are simply American celors separate ana COM
bned arranged In different shapes The three original
army corps the consolidated organization are rep
vessnted BY tho refo and the Maltese and the Roman
crosA These symbols usually worn ON the nat OF
cap Thsy also painted on anbuances and Wagon
COVERS But those badges only distinctive mahs 70
belong Tnsy are alike by a the soldiers, carry
with them some little pride OF corps or q division,
but contain value interest beyond ney arc very
dnsrent from decorative badges of honor presented
the presence Of assembled comrades and proudly worn
upon the breast Who shall say that soldiers heart
does beat with higher aspirations because ne wears
honorable decoratonS II 70 priceless 70 him, because
w a once the recognition OF his services and the repre-
sentative Of his honor During the progress OF thn