Democrat and sentinel. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1853-1866, 1861-01-23
EBENSBURG. PA. WEDNESDAY, JlNUARY %. 1861.

/ calamity would be severe In every part of th'
: Union. and would be qIite great. 20 say
the least, iu the Southern as well as in the
Northern States
The greatest aggravation of the evil, anC
that which would place US in most uniavo
rable light, both before the world and poster
itY, is, / am firmly convinced. that the seces
sion movement has been chiefly based upon {
misapprehension at the South. Of the senti
ments of the majority in several of the Nor
thern States Let the question be transfer
red from political assemblies to the ballot-box,
and the people themselves would speedily re-
dress the serious grievances which the South
have suffered.
But, IN Heavens name, let the trial be
made before we plunge into an armed con-
fIct upon the mere assumption that there is
no other alternative. Time is great con-
servative power. Let us pause at this mo-
mentous point, aud ford the people of both
North aud South an opportunity for refec-
tion. Would that South Carolina had been
convinced of this truth before her precipitate
action |, therefore, appeal. through you, TO
the people of the country to declare, IN their
might, the Union must and shall be preser-
red," by all constitutional means
L most earnestly recommend that you de-
vote yourselves exclusively 20 the question.
how this can be accomplished IN peace.
Ali other questions, when compared to this,
sink into insiguifcance The present Is no
time for paliation. Action-prompt action
is required A delay in Congress to pre-
scribe and recommend distinct, practical
proposition for Cancellation may drive us to a
point from which it will be almost impossible
to recede. a common ground. on which har-
mony and Cancellation may be produced, 1t Is
surely not unattainable-
The proposition TO compromise by letting
the North have exclusive control of the terri
tories above certain line, and giving South
ern institutions protection below that line,
ought to receive universal appreciation In
itself, indeed, it may not be entirely satisfac-
~, but when the alternative Is between a res-
sonable concession on both sides, and the de-
structIon of the Union, 1t is an impu'arion on
the patriotism Of Congress TO assert that Its
members will hesitate for moment
Even now the danger Is upon US. In>sev-
eral States which have not seeded. the forts.
arsenals, and magazines of the United States
have been seized This Is bv far the most
serious step which has been taken since the
of the troubles. This public
has long since been left without gar
risouS aud troops for its protection, because
no person don bted its security under the flag
Of the country in all the States of the Union
Besides, our small army has scarcely been
sufficient to guard our remote frontiers against
Indian incursions-
The seizure of this property, from all ap-
pearances, has been purely aggressive, aud
not in resistance to any attempt TO cOerce q T
State or States TO, remain in the Union. At .
the beginning of these unhappy troubles, [ 4
determined that no act of mine should increase I
he excitement In either section OF the coun- 4
ry. If the political conflict were to end in .
,ivil war, it was my determined purpose not 4
o commence it, nor even to furnish an excuse 4
or it by any act of this government. Ny 4
opinion remains unchanged, that justice,
we'll as sound policy. requires US still 10
eek peaceful solution of the questions at
ssue between the North and South Enter
aiming this conviction. [ refrained even from
ending reiuforcemeDts to Major Anderson,
' ho commanded the forts in Charleston har-
,or, until an absolute necessity for doing so
hould make itself apparent, lest it might un-
ustIy be regarded as a menace of military CO
rcon, and thus furnish, if not provocation
t least pretext, for an outbreak on the part
{ South Carolina. No necessity for these
seemed to exist.
l.
Gentlemen from South Carolina, that 10 attack
N Mai Anderson was intended. but that on the
ontrary it was the desire of the State authori-
les, as much as it was my own, to avoid the
ital consequences which must inevitably fol-
,w military collision. And here L deem
necessary to submit, for your information,
opies of communication dated the 2Sth of
december, 1860, addressed to me by r. W.
;arnweIl, j III Adams, and James l.. Orr, !
from South Carolina, with ac-
ON panying documents, and copies of my an
Ser thereto, dated the 3lst of December.
In further explanation of Major Anderson's
emoval from Fort Moutrie to Fort Sumpter,
is proper TO state that after my answer TO
le South Carolina Commissioners, the War
department. received letter from that gall
ut officer, dated on the 9th of December,
$50, Qhe day after the movcment,) from
-hich the following is an extract:
II will add, as my opinion, that many
rings convinced ne that the authorities of
le State designed to proceed to a hostile act.
referring to the orders dated Dec
tn, of the late Secretary of War } Under
his impression, could not hesitate, that il
las nv solemn duty to move my command
-om fort which we could not probably have
cid longer than forty-eight sixty hours,
D this one. where my power of resistance Is
lcreased iu very great degree"
1t will be recollected that the concluding
art of these orders we're the following
erms
"The smallness of your force viii not per-
nit you, perhaps. to occupy more Than one /
4 the three forts; but an attack on, or at
empt to take possession of either of them. /
Eill be regarded as act of hostility, and 1
Iou may then put pour command into either !
# them which you may deem most proper TO 4
Increase Its power of resistance. You are
.lso authorized 70 take similar defensive steps /