The Nashville Daily Union

The Washington Cross.

We beg leave to give our vote, with a shout, to the following suggestion of the N. Y. Times. It is just what our soldiers want:

In times of military exigency it is sensible to adopt every stimulus to patriotic ardor which reason and history approve as likely to promote the end. Different natures are actuated by various and sometimes opposite considerations. Some are fond of money, some of glory, and some would esteem inestimably above either such a symbol of national regard as a Nile Medal, or a Cross of the Legion of honor. Promotion from the ranks has, without doubt, an excellent effect; but even if pushed to an extreme in special instances, it can only apply to a very small fraction of the deserving. There are cases where a particular regiment or company, by a well timed and heroic exhibition of courage, may win a battle, save an army, or carry a tremendous hostile position, it would, probably, be unreasonable and unwise, if not impossible, to make commissioned officers of all who have aided in the achievement; but there would be no impropriety in bestowing upon hundreds a sign of life-long consideration and honor, in the form of a Washington Cross.

The title appears to us the most appropriate that could be devised, and it is the one of all others which would be satisfactory to the American people. The "Victorie Cross" is of plain bronze, and bears the inscription, "For Valor," the words being selected for the sensible reason that they express in the fewest possible number of letters, the sentiment to be conveyed. While avoiding a servile imitation, something similar to this in form and spirit would, perhaps, be convenient and acceptable. To commemorate highly important battles, or other pre-eminently significant events of the war, medals should also be struck, and copies be conferred upon the bravest and most distinguished of the participators. Such has been the custom of great nations--republics as well as kingdoms--from the remotest antiquity, and no one has ever questioned the salutary effect.