New-York daily tribune., 1865-09-28


saryr In the opinion of the writer, Mr.. Davis
was guilty of an egregious blundcr in his choice OF
cOmmissary general. "Mr. Davis had been at
West Point, and subsequently served for
several years in tho dragoons at frontier post
with subaltern officer to whom IL happened ne De-
came attached. About the time the former resigned
his commission TO turn planter in mississippi, the
Latter was disabled by an accident, quit his border
post likewise, went to his homo, studied medicine,
and turned parish doctor. Mr.. Davis became in
time politician, Lieutenant Northrop Catholic
convert. but so eccentric and full Of mental
crotchets as TO be generally regarded in Charleston
as OF unsound intellect, and unfit for tho manage
ment of his own small affairs. He had not served
long enough in the army, nor been thrown in con-
ncction with considerable operations, to acquire
familiarity with military administration; neither
had his retired habits of fo his cast of thonght or
avocatious in Charleston, brought him in relation
with men engaged in large commercial affairs, or
turned his mind to the study Of such subjects and
in that wav attained to that breadth of view and
knowledge of general business details and Of men
which may make up for tho want of professional
bureau experience aftcr separation Of twenty-five
years from army life. This man, with whom Mr..
Davis had no personal association since they were
cavalry leutenants together on the Indian frontier
he did not hesitate to make his chief subsistence,
nor scrupe TO intrust with the organization and
administration Of bureau upon which the very
existence of the Confederate armies must depend,
and for the lsbors of which il is apparent the sound
est practical order of intellect was essential One
member Of Mr.. Davis's Cabinet at least knew the
local repute of DIR. Northrop; and We assert that
had tho inquiry been made in Charleston, his pre-.
eminent unftness would have been universally GER
titled. As might be anticipated, his administration
at once took all the characteristics OF that un-
healthy brain. Mr.. Davis supported him, however,
in every vagary, permitted him to override all op-
position and ignored the views and wishes of every
army commander when, as was Of daily occur
renee they chanced to differ from those of Colonel
Northrop. Indeed, the crazy courses in which this
man was suffered 10 indulge, TO tho mortal
injury of every Confederate army, arc incredible
Jefferson Davis, thinks the writer, Will not fare
well in the Judgment Of the future. "Mr. Davis
must be judged at the bar Of history by the aggrc-
gate results OF mis- administration. He must be
measured by what was done or left undone--suc-
cesses an ireyerses-eithcr directly by himself or
through the instruments of his will, the men on
whom he relied for the performance Of the highest
Sc rvces of the State. Brought TO this rghtful test,
what statesman of whom history tells us will be
. funnd more deficient than Jefferson Davis' Had
he been equal TO his position he would have known
now 10 develop, combine, WELD the splendid re-
sources Of his land in such manner as 20 produce
the largest possible results. With his long expo-
rience and acquaintance with the public of the
United States be should have known the best men
to call around him, and should have known. too,
the best course for battling the statesmen opposed
to him. Foregoing his predictions Us well As his
antipathies-like Napoleon as in the case Of Mo-
reau and Talleyrand-hc should have been wise
enough 10 attach 10 his Government aud secure the
services Of men OF talent even though pcrt hance
not well affected personally toward them. gcnu.
lie leader OF men would have done so-would have
stiled personal passions, which alone, it would aI-
pear, have influenced Mr.. Davis since On early day.
Swayei by these, and amorOus 10 an incredible de-
gree Of the occ-giying powers of his plnce, and the
exercfe of which absorbed by far the larger part OF
his waking hours, he was blind alike 10 those nsu-
perabe as to those favoring circumstances or favor
able occasions which the statesman will be quick
to recognize" The prejudice and williuncss OF Mr..
Davis are set down the leading causes of the fail
ure of the Rebellion. "As obstinate as james H. or
George Ill, whom he greatly rcsembed IN many
traits Of character as in the management Of public
business-wth the same tendency to employ medi-
oerity and the same dislike for independent ability
Jefferson Davis for four years illustrated, like his
monarchica prototypes, that no two natures are 50
widely opposite and unlike as the wllful and tho
wise. Impenoas, yet without genuine vigor ct
character, pride and weakness were strangely
blended in his actions. IL said Of George ILL.,.
that he even scorned victory whose lauTels had
been culed by Chatham. Mr.. Davis looked with
a moody brow and skeptical lip when either
Johnston or Beaurccard tendored the trophies of
successful war. Napoleon, once urged BY an undis-
,inguished general 10 confer upon him the mar.
shal's luton, exclaimed; 1t is not who make o
mar,hal-t is victoriesp What Napoleon would
not attenp, Mr. Davis did without hesitation,
making major and acknowledgements who prcvi-
ously had not been in battle, and if possibly cspa-
blc had never had opportunities to show capacity
fer high command; some of whom, too, We may
add, whose promotion has not been justified by sub
seoucnt events. The longer he held power the
narrower grew his conceptions, the more inperious
bis will until 10 differ f.oin or cross The orbit OF his
fancies, or even 10 run counter 10 the plans and
wishes'of his favorites, became personal ailron-
No man in ss high and critical position ever less
understood the value Of wise, independent minis
ters, or was ever less able to give up minor per-
nLinnA 4,r thn suL. nf IN unr ad vanfaQn IIa