Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1861-07-25
PAINTS.
March 2Sth, 1861.

WHO BEGAN THE WAR ?-The Louisville Journal
asks this question, and says:
The opponents ofthe Government have taken bold
step in advance, and now assert that the war was
brought on by Mr.. Lincoln himself and not precpla-
ted by South Carolina.'
We had scarcely laid down the paper propOundug
this question: when we unex expectedy found explicit
answer in the Phiade phia North American of yester
day. AS the latter journal is the leading war paper OF
Pennsylvania compelled to give degree OF Gre
dit to the statement though doubt whether, at this
uncure the President will be either 1atered pleased
at having thus to shoulder the responsibility of all the
distress with which the country is ah specially
the Republican press has perssttntly charged the
South with having begun the war. oays the North
American -
Let them say as they please that this man, or that
or the other deserves all the credit OF firmly resisting all
propositions tor unwise concession he, Abraham Lin
coin alone merits the praise The whole atmosphere Of
WASHINGTON at one time seemed charged with the yield
ing policy. There disposition TO abandon sum
ter to let the cotton States and to get along without
them Dav after day it was confidently announced that
the order for the evacuation OF Fort Sumter ony re-
qured his signature; but ne never gave nor dreamed
of giving it, He did not design TO argue with the
advocates of compromise. He knew that the policy
was false and deusve One that the great north would
never sanction it, and he only waited the opportunity
of demonstrating in some definite manner his resOute
purpose. He embraced the first that ctefed, and how
truly he had felt the popular pulse let the marvellous
uprising in the free States tell.
There NAV have been one member OF the Cabinet
who was opposed to all Truce with the enemy. We
think there was but certainly more. When we look
back to that period al recall the of members OF
both Houses of Congress- of statesmen lustrous 10 the
of the Republican party and of the country who
were in favor of letting the rebel States go, we some
times marvel at the heroic mness OF the President, and
think that it was most Provd initial. Congress, with
degree of weakness which must reflect lasting dscredit
upon it, refused to the responsibility of coef cion
1t made provision even to prevent the 'Vernment
from apsng in the hands of the rebels 1t lett the Pre-
sdent fearful responsibility, without law or prece-
dent to guide him. but be marched boldly up and faced
the crisis like man who felt himself IN the right, and
knew that he would be backed up by the moral sent'
ment of the nation.
So the President embraced the first opportunity that
offered to demonstrate in definite manner his rtso
lutte purpose He did against all efforts for peace
ul settlement against the cOunsels OF all his Cabinet
save one against the wishes of Republican Congress
which refused to the responsibility of coercion,
and without law or precedent to guide him." This
certainly explicit. But if have been deceived, sc
have bis own party organs. All the animadversion
and abuse of the Times, Tribune, &c, who clamoreC
against his inecency and threatened to supersede him
were unjust, and have been thrown away. Let then
now make the amende honorable and acknowledge tina
they have leader worthy of their support.
Notwithstanding the high opinion which the Nortl
American enertains of his devotion to the cause tina
paper has fears nevertheless that the President may
Influenced by the efforts that now being made ant
NAV hereafter be made to effect cessation OF hostle
and peaceful settement.-J0ur. Com.