New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1864-08-01
PETERsBURG.

| the great problems OF liouClH "aii"i' P''"iO'i
first conspicuousy presented to the inquiry OF the
military world by the siege of Sebastopol, but
really introduced into the art of war at Silistra
some months before the Crimean inva-
sion. How to deal with Earthworks that
is the question whereupon the military
mind Of Europe and America is chiefly
exercised Silstria established the defensive
system-thanks to the quick resource Of race
reckoned the most unmilitary in Europe, the
Turks aided by few brave English souls who
resolved that the Arab Tabia should be impreg-
nably held. Sebastopol, where the genius OF
Todtleben wrought into wonderful perfectness
and symmetry the rude hints of Silistria, yielded
nevertheless to the old system Of parallel ap-
breaches WHICH the French adopted against
the Malakoh, but which was never carried
to the extent of actually undermining the de-
lenses of the Russians. What Pelsser left un-
attempted Gen. Grant has done, and instead Of
risking an assault where chances of success de-
pend upon the nearness TO which the approaches
can be brought, has fallen back upon resource
of former offensive warfare and digs and springs
mine upon works never before attempted on
that theory or with similar purpose.
Complete accounts Of Saturday' work kave not
been received, as We write, butenough is known
to show that the initial step succeeded, and that
theoretically the movement Of Gen. Grant has
achieved success. Apparently inactive for
month, be has been steadily and with rare
patience, approaching and undertaking the
intricate defenses Of Petersburg content TO en-
dure meanwhile, the mputation Of failure, re-
peatedly and exultantly made by the Rebel
papers of Richmond and their Copperhead
allies Of Now-York. The secret has been well
kept. The knowledge Of what operations were
going ON has probably been in possession OF
several journals, but has scarcely been limited
at. Yesterday, the country was electrified
with the sudden news that Rebel battery at
Petersburg had been blown up and that q
grand assault was in progress. Briefly stated,
the purpose Of Saturdays work was to open a
gap in the Rebel deietes by the explosion of a
mine, and through it TO pour in troops enough to
get possession Of the line whereof the destroyed
battery formed one essential portion. 1t seems
pretty clear that so far the plan succeeded, but
the news-received only by dispatch boat
fom City Point TO Fortress Monroe and thence
teeraphcd-is meager and comes down no
later than 10 o'clock Of Saturday morning,
when the contest was still going on.
The movement on the north side Of the james
had undoubtedly the significance ascrbed to it
in one Of our dispatches-that of diverting the
attention and dividing the force Of the enemy
and SO far serves as feint. Another day may
show whether it had not also another and more
important purpose
The long delay Of Gen. Grant before Peters
burg is sufficient testimony to the strategic
value of that place, which is well understood to
consist chiefly in the possession Of the Weldon
Railroad. If the pending effort shall result in
the occupation of the city or in the expulsion
of the Rebels from its limits to the northern
bank of the Appomattox, they will i'll either
case be deprived of that road, and be reduced
10 the possession Of the Danyille line as
their sole resource for the supply of Richmond.
at ell events, and whatever be the issue Of
Saturdays conflict, it is clear that the Wanted
impregnability Of the earthwork system which
surrounded and protected Petersburg can no
longer be depended on by the Rebels. A way
has been found TO render those elaborate forts
useless-a tedious way, perhaps, but an eiiectu-
al one. And from such intelligence as is al-
ready received it is reasonable to expect suc-
cess far more decisive than that.
of the raid into Pennsylvania, which on Sat.
urday got dignifed into an invasion, with the
traditional three columns, We now hear moth
ing, except as q cavalry demonstration on
Chambersburg. The pitiful appeal for aid to
the citizens Of that half.burnt town implies that
the Rebel force has already retired. The swift.
ness Of its citizens to invoke relief from their
own losses is in unpleasant contrast to their
previous alacrity in retreating when defense
might have helped the country.