The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1865-06-19

| him; that it has COM dence In him; that thus
far he is right, and that he has only to go ahead
| as he has begun to retain the undivided appro-
baton of the country. Cur people recently
transformed radical meeting, organized to
dictate to the President, into an ovation in his
honor; and thus, upon every possible occasion,
they will take care to make the wrath of the
radicals his highest praise.
The News from Europe-Our Reconstruc-
tion Abroad.
Three or four steamers arrived yesterday
from Europe, with news to the 9th inst We
are advised by these arrivals Of the abroga-
ton of all restrictions on our vessels-0f-war in
British ports and the withdrawal of belligerent
rights from the rebels. We had previously
announced that the Netherlands had come to
similar determination, and on Saturday Mr..
Seward informed Mr.. Welles that the Emperor
of France had absolutely withdrawn from the
insurgents of the United States the character of
belligerents."
The clear and distinct action of the King of
Holland and the Emperor is in excellent con-
trast with the peddling littleness of the British
government, as exhibited in the news which
we publish this morning. The British gov
eminent recognized the rebellion in pure hos
tility to us; but, afraid to acknowledge that
it subsequently trumped up the story that it
did not recognize the belligerency of the re-
bellion until we ourselves had done so by the
declaration of the blockade. That story has
been disproved by the showing that Russell
AZ 80
| rency many days before the declaration of
blockade was known in England. But, new
ertheless, the Ministry still adhered to that poor
pretext, and endeavored to be consistent with it
| by the refusal to nullify its recognition until
! the very last hour, when Lord Russell reluc-
family issued his order of revocation. Very
consistently, the British government argued and
argued around every pitiful point, and split
hairs to the last possible moment.
| Thus England makes the same acknowledge
ment of our supreme sovereignty here that the
King of the Netherlands and the Emperor of the
French had previously made; and so it is seen
that we are reconstructing ourselves as ma
that the process of reconstruction is going on
80 finely at home:
| Reduction OF the Expenses OF the Gov
ernment.
A great deal has been said, and numerous
promises made by government officials, in refer
ence to the reduction of expenses. There has
been considerable curtailment of the daily ex-
pendture, but not anywhere near as fast as
should be done, nor to the extent which the
present condition of the country would justify
and in fact require. We fear that there has
been more done in promise than in reality.
There is no reason why large diminution
should not be made in every branch of the
service There is no necessity for retaining so
large an army as now exists. The rebellion is
thoroughly crushed; its spirit with but few ex-
captions, is crushed, and large portion Of the
present force can be immedia tely dispensed
with. In many localities where an army corps
| is stationed division would be ample to take
care Of the police arrangements. In others,
where division now performs this duty,
brigade, and perhaps regiment, would be
sufficient The War Department should attend
| to this at once and see that the men are dis
charged, and the vast amount Of material now
no longer Of any use, disposed of and the funds
paid into the Treasury.
The rank and file of the volunteer force, espe-
cially those coming from the agricultural dis
tricts Of the country, are anxious to get home,
are uneasy at their detention, and in many in
| stances complaining that they are not mustered
out. They enlisted for the war; that is over,
and they see no reason why they should not be
| permitted to return to their families. What il
more, they are anxious to reach home in time
to take part in the coming harvests, which are
now about commencing in many localities.
Aside from the benefit which we shall receive
in the reduction of expenses in mastering these
men out, If they can only reach home in time
| for the harvests they will find immediate en-
| ployment. They will thus be able to lay up
something for a rainy day, and the sooner
adapt themselves to the great change from the
exciting life in camp to that Of the quiet Of civil
| pursuits. But if, on the other hand, they are
retained until the husbandman has gathered his
crops, there will be no opportunity for them to
obtain employment until the opening of another
season. They will in this instance return home
and pass the long and tedious winter months in
idleness and become restless. This will result,
as sure as night follows day, in dangerous com
binations, and in their being induced by de-
signing mon into all manner of schemes, which
may bring the government into serious compli.
cation. The immediate reduction of our mill.
tary force and the disposal of q large amount
of material, is therefore financially, morally
politically, and in every other way, Of the
highest importance to the country.
The same rule will applyto the navy with
equal force, and to all other branches Of the
government which has been largely increased
by the war. The transports employed in the
navy, the numerous vessels of war improvised
| for the occasion, should be sold at once, and