The Lansing state Republican. [volume] (Lansing, Mich.) 1855-1874, 1861-05-15

WAsHINGTON, May 6, 1861.

!
slst the temptation OF writing for your excellent
city, and the evident intentions OF the govern
ment as TO the welfare of the Union.
Many of the reports which fill the New York
papers, as tn the condition of the capital and the
| intentions of the government, are but the wild
illusions of intoxicated brains; men OF sense,
of mature judgment, never write such foolish
reports, especially in such exciting times. 1t is
perfectly evident that a large number Of the
principal journalists throughout the land, while
discordant winds are deeply agitatng the polti'
cal sea, with the selfish desire of lining their
pockets with gold, by playing upon and samper
ing with the passions of the people, have in
their employ special correspondents or sensation
writer's, who seem to have no regard for truth,
and to be deprived of just share of common
sense.
| When the present administration seized the
reins of government, they found that govern
ment strongly shackled through the imbecilit,
and reasonable schemes of the last admnis,ra
ton. Much has already been done to burst those
shackes asunder, vet because a few rebellious
States have been rash. there some who com
plain at the slow action OF the government. 1t
cannot be denied that in times like the present
every step the government takes, must be meas
ured-Must be well considered. Indeed, the
annals OF history afford no instance where
government has been active as has ours for the
last two months. By adopting firm measures,
a bankrupt treasury has been replenshed; in
all the departments order has been brought out
of chaos; large and powerful navy blockades
every southern port, and one hundred thousand
men in the field, ready to strike decsively for
"our affairs and our fires, God and eur native
land"
Although the administration believed war in
evtabe, still without compromising the dignity
of the government, it pu: forth every effort to
bring about peace The South would not
spect this peaceful disposition, only on condition
that our government should acknowledge their
Independence, and conference despotism,
and also deliver up to them vast amounts OF Uni
ted States property. This government has not,
cannot, never will acknowledge the right of Sc
cession such acknowledgment would be too
disastrous; there could be such thing as
republic or a government of any kind with such
an admitted right.
The Southerners maddened by the exaggera.
tons of their ambitious leaders dared to open
their fire the Stars and Stripes and on the
devoted, starving garrison of Sumter They, in
their mad folly, Eever dreamed they we're kind
ing fire, lighting up a condagration that
would sweep over their plains and vallies in de-
structive fury. When the deed was accomplish
ed and the star spang'cd banner trailed in the
dust and ruins of Sumter, already they
startled by thunder-mutterings of the reused
giant of the north; they heard the storm raging
from the pine clad hills Of Maine to beyond the
Father of waters. Where they expected to find
sympathy for their traitor cause, they were gree
ted with the just indignation of twenty millions
of free and united people. To-day they stand
appalled, at the magnitude of their recklessness
JEFF. Davis has delivered his message, wherein
he begs for peace-as far as is compatible with
the safety of his neck. The whole message is a
series of falsehoOds and sophistries, full of weak
and silly palliations for the rash action of the
rebel States. The whole tenor of the thing,
plainly indicates, that its author beholds the
e" hand writing on the WALL" and staggers under
the immense burden Of responsibilities resting
upon him. The leaders in the rebellion are in
an awkward and precarious fix. They have so
reused the passions OF the people with their
mad misrepresentation, that immediate advance
or retreat is necessary. If they advance they
will meet very warm reception, ard most igno-
minious humiliation if they falter, or retreat
they will meet the tender mercies of an infuria-
ted mob.
But further as to this city. When Sumter
fell, there.was danger, not from distast foes but
from the desperadoes who infested the city and
the neghboring city of Alexandria. Everywhere
on our streets could be heard the muttered cur
ses of these villains. At once the diligence and
power Of the government were manifest. The
military of the District were called into imne
date requistion all approaches to the city were
closely guarded utmost obedience to order
forced, and suspicious characters closely watched
The Proclamation appeared, and as the heavy
tramp Of marching thousands was heard, respon-
sve to the call, all danger to the Capital vanished.
As the troops came pouring in, those who had
advocated treason suddenly became minus guam
titles.
At present there is no stronger Union City
thar Washington. Not a secession sentiment
can be heard.
As to the southern army that is concentrating
in Virginia, according to JEFF. Davis's message,
there are but $4,000 men in the field These
will be required to defend the coast Virginia
boasts that she raise SO, 900, but this is all
bragadocia. In this city are some %, 900 brave,
wel-equipped government troops, ard $4,000
more within twelve hours march. This force is
sufficient to hold the city against an invading
army of 100, 600 men.
| word to the evident intentions Of the
government. The forts and other property
seized by the rebels, will be retaken, the dignity
of the government will be asserted and main
tanned in every seeded State. The stars and
stripes will wave from every custom house, fort,
navy yard and arsenal and this rebellion will be
crushed out The twenty days given for the
dispersion of the rebels have transpired, and
LOW mark the whole power Of the government
is about TO be effectually exercised, and you will
now see whether the Administration is imbecile
and inactive.