The Highland weekly news. [volume] (Hillsborough [Hillsboro], Highland County, Ohio) 1853-1886, 1861-03-21

Of Washington, has ever entered upon
the station to which the voice Of the
people has called him, under more try
ing circumstances than Abraham Lin
coin. That he took the oath Of Office
any mental reservation, but
with the honest intention TO discharge
his whole duty, as the legally chosen,
rightful executive officer Of the whole
nation, every candid man must believe.
The duty Of enforcing the laws devolvos
upon him by right Of Office lie can
not shrink from it. Ills duties are fully
prescribed defined and limited by the
terms Of the Constituiion;--but there
arc certain precedent duties devolving
upon other de partments Of the Govern
ment The Presi dent cannot logislate
cannot raise and equip ormies--cau-
not make war--caunot collect the reve-
nue.. La all these measures the action
Of Congress must precede that Of the
President. When they have passed the
necessary laws, and granted the necessa-
ry authority, il then dovolvos upon him
to execute
Under what circumstances did tho
President receive the administra-
ton from his predecessor? Seven
States we're in actual rebellion, having
committed overt acts of treason by seiz-
ing the forts, armaments, treasures,
mints, and other property Of the United
States, and openly levyiug war against
the same. Whatdid Congress do7 Did
they pass any law comforting upon the
President authority to organize and call
into service a sufficient force to protect
the property Of the Government, col
lect the revenue, and enforce the laws?
By no means. The "peaco" policy pre-
vailed, the non coercion doctrine of the
Democratic party and the border slave
States was listened to, and the Govern
ment handed over to Abraham Lincoln
paralyzed in every arm by the imbecili.
ty and treachery Of the preceding ad-
ministration, the treasury empty, the
vessels ofwar stationed at distant points,
the regular army too small and dispors-
ed too widely to bo rendered available
at any one point. Under these ciroum
stances, within FIVE orsix days of the
Inauguration, it is announced to the
Cabinet and the nation that Fort Sum
ter has provisions and fuel sufficient to
last but fifteen days. This announce
ment takes the nation by surprise,
which had been lulled into fancied Sc
curity in regard to that point by repeat
ed assurances from time to time that
Anderson was we'll supplied and would
be amply able to sustain himself un-
til the future Of the Union could be
determined.
Now for this state Of things
the Administration of Mr.. Lincoln
can in no way be held responsible
Gen. Cass urged the reinforcement Of
the Forts at Charleston, when it was
practicable, and could be done without
bloodshed. Gen. Scott urged it, but
feeble and treacherous counsels pre-
vailed An abortive attempt made by
the late administration to throw sup
plies into Fort Sumter only served to
embolden tho Charleston rebels, and
give them an earnest Of ultimate sue
cess Months were suffered to pass
away-the South Carolinians occupying
every point with works Of protection
and assault, building batteries and re-
moving buoys, until, having completed
all their defensive arrangements, it is
announced to the astonished nation
that Fort Sumter must be relieved or be
given up. This, then, is the grave
question which this administration is
called to meet at its threshold They
are obliged to meet it in a practicable
way. Shall another abortive and futile
attempt be made, with inadequate
means? The question, as now present.
ed, is mere military one, which the
proper authorities must decide Mr.
Lincoln has said he would hold the
forts and execute the laws so far as tho
/ powers and authority granted by tn,
people through Congress would enabl,
him. Mr.. Lincoln cannot be expected
make to bricks without straw.
The information which has dashec
across the nation, that Fort Sumter
around which so much.intorest has cen
tered for two months past, would in
short time have to be abandoned, ha
given pain to every patriotic heart wh
still oherishes feeling Of affection an,
respect for the flag Of our Union. For
Sumter, with Major Anderson in com
mand, seemed to be tho strongest ligo
mont which held together with band
Of steel the disafeeted States.
/ That the announcement that this Foi
was to be abandoned 10 tho South Cai
olina rebels should be a matter Of exu