The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1865-08-24

what the Country Demands OF the Gem.
erals Of tho Armies.
The government has shown commendable,
and, in view of some of its late actions, rather
singular energy in mastering out the greater
part Of the volunteer army. Only the hundred
and fifty thousand volunteers who have been
retained will complain of the promptitude with
which the other eight hundred and fifty thous-
and Of the million men, which VIC had in the
field few weeks since, have been returned to
their peaceful industrial pursuits and home de-
lights There was no longer any use for them.
The retained volunteers and the fifty thousand
regular troops, amounting In all to two hum
dred thousand men, are more, far more, than
enough to keep in subsection what little re-
bellious spirit there is still existing in the rebel
heart; and as soon as President Johnson de-
cides to continue permanently or abandon his
"provisional government experiment" the
country will be glad to witness the further dis
charge of the volunteer soldiery.
In the meantime, why does not the War De-
partment at once commence the work Of re-
ducng the great number Of officers of the
army who still cucumber the lists. Outside of
the ninety or one hundred lately assigned by
General Grant to permanent duty throughout
the South (nearly all of whom belong to the
regular army. we cannot perceive that there
is any use Of retaining any others. Instead,
however, of mastering out these general
officers, as it has been doing the men
and line officers, the government has been
adding to the list. We do not object that the
War Department has done this. We are glad
to sec the gallant colonies and majors of the
line and staff brevetted brigaders, and the
brigadiers brevetted major generals. 1t is
only to be regretted that the law regulating
the personnel of the army does not enable the
War Department to invest the glorious warriors
who have led our armies with the rank
of general and lieutenant general. Grant de-
serves the higher rank of a full general,
and Sherman, and Thomas, and Hooker, and
Sheridan, and Logan. and Rousseau, and
Howard, and Meade, and Hancock, and scores
of others deserve to be lieutenant generals.
We are glad to see these brevet commissions
conferred, but as they can be and are intended
only as deserved thrice deserved, honors con-
ferred by grateful nation on its preservers,
why is it necessary to retain these soldiers, thus
distinguished, in service in which they can gain
no additional honors The generals themselves
are demanding their discharges. Why not
muster them out? DO the heroes prefer to be
mustered out to resigning? There are other
employments for these men in other fields, in
which there is not less Of honor and more Of
wealth. We are glad to see such distinguished,
progressive and influential volunteer officers as
Rousseau, Logan, Negley, Hovey and numerous
others, entering other paths of life, resigning
their swords and seeking for additional reputa-
ton in the senate halls, at the bar, or in
the foreign civil service Of the government.
Theirs is an example for others less re-
nowned to follow. Logan has returned to
civil life, and as one versed in the details of
civil government, he will lend his wise head
as he did his strong arm to the support Of
tho government Rousseau has resigned the
sword and appears on the scene as a states
man, The leader Of his people through the
mists which rebellion has left, as through those
which it created; and, as he fought neutrality
in 1861, he now as firmly battles with
the slavery which rebellion has left extant
only in his native State of Kentucky. Hovey and
De Cesnola 60 abroad, and will be felt abroad
Others should follow their example, nor leave
to tho War Department the task which appears
to be 80 delicate of mastering out its faithful
servitors.
And while our civilian generals arc resigning,
let those reared in the school of the soldier
confine themselves to the duties of soldiers and
less to those of the statesmen and reporters,
The great chicftain, who is their leader, is also
saaeir example, and Sheridan, Sherman and
Howard, and Fitzpatrick and others ought to take
lesson from him. Grant never talks uselessly.
The story about his having expressed himself
strongly in favor of the enforcement of the
Monroe doctrine in Mexico, and the immediate
expulsion of Macmillan, is simply nonsense.
Grants whole career Is q denial of il. He is
painfully reticent. Such declaration from
him would Dc particularly pleasant but we
know that he never uttered it, for it is not in
keeping with his character. All his subordi-
mates would do well to follow his example in
regard to reticence. After his ninety -ninth
speech Sherman has subsidized. We fear IL Is
only temporary, but we beg him to make the
silence perpetual. "Blows, not words" should
be his motto He has too much to answer for
already. We beg him not to heap his offence
too high. Sheridan, too, might well take this
advIS.a and write no more threats against Maxi
milan. Ts bad better devote his time to
watching for the Endorsements which the latest
news from Europe tells rs have been sent BY
Napoleon to Mexico. KilpaSlck Is better
cavalryman than critic, and will do better as
an inspector Of mounted infantrymcn than pro-
visionaf governor. fine will devote the same
time to tour of bis district that he has TO the
tour Of tho old North State, he will effect more
in impS6Sing the condition of his horses than