Muscatine Weekly Journal

Severe Strictures on Public Affairs.

The New York Tribune of the 25th has the following:

"We once again call attention to the strictures of our Washington correspondent upon the course of public affairs. He states that the reason why Harper's Ferry was not occupied by the national troops a week ago is that the General commanding there is imbecile or traitorous, and failed to obey the orders of Gen. Scott. Notwithstanding this, no investigation has been ordered, nor any reprimand administered, any more than in the case of the blunders and the slaughter at Great Bethel and Vienna. But the most startling part of our correspondent's letter is the statement that no vigorous military movement is intended by the Administration, or, to speak more exactly, by the Cabinet. The war is to be dragged along until the people, weary of armies without action, and taxes without triumph, can be brought to consent to some compromise like that of Mr. Crittenden. If this purpose, or anything approaching it, is really entertained by the Cabinet, or any member of it, we warn those gentlemen that they cannot much longer remain in the service of the United States. Indeed, they might as well begin to pack their trunks now."

The failure of Gen. Patterson to occupy Harper's Ferry has been an inexplicable mystery to us. But in regard to the movements of the Administration, we predict that all reports such as the Tribune refers to will be found to be like those relative to the design of the Administration to evacuate Fort Sumter. We shall see what we shall see.