The Alleghanian. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1859-1865, 1861-01-17
Our National Crisis.
TREASON D!-REINFORCE-
MENTS TO FORT SUMPTER FIRED on !

MEN1S 10 IOkI = Il Mp TER L ElRLD On !!
Last week we stated that the President.
since the Withdrawal Of the traitor Floyd
from the Cabinet, had manifested dispo-
sition to meet Treason and Southern trai-
tors with the show they deserve. He
still adheres to this policy, and expresses
determination to see that the laws OF
our country be yindicated This action
Of Mr.. Buchanan is certainly somewhat
tardy,-tor, had he taken decided stand
against the Disunionists six weeks ago,
Treason would have been nipped in the
bud,-but late as it Is, We are rejoiced to
know that he at length has awoke from
the dangerous sleep in which he was in
dulgIng. We are glad that he has come
to 4 realization of the fact that there is a
North. Three weeks ago Mr.. Buchanan
received nothing but curses on all hands:
now he receives his just need of praise
In pursuance Of the new schedule OF
action agreed upon By the administration,
on Monday of last week the steamer ''Star
of the West" was despatched from New
York with reinforcements to Fort Sump-
ter. On the following Wednesday, this
steamer, while attempting to enter the
harbor at Charleston, aeas fired upon by
the garrison on Morris Island and also by
Fort Moultrie. Two Of the shots took
effect, but no person was hurt. The
steamer put about and went to sea.
After this high-handcd outrage had
been perpetrated upon the American
Flag, Major anderson, who did not re-
spord to the firing Of the chivalry, addres-
sed the following communication to Gov.
Pickens:
T" his ErcsiIency, the Governor Of South C1r-
0t'na-!SH': Two Of your batteries fred this
morning on unarmed vessel belonoing to
thc nag Of my government. am not notified
that war has been declared by South Carolina
against the United States and cannot but
think that this hostile act was committed
without your sanction or authority. Under
mat nope, l Te,raiucd from opening a fire
upon your batteries. have the honor ere
'ore, respectfully 10 ask whether the above
mentioned act-ouc, believe. without par
olhcr civilized @ovcrEmcnt-1yas committed
IN obedience to your Instructions and to no
tIiy You. if not disclaimed. | regard it As AK !
ACT OF WAR, and ! shall not. after a reason /
able time for the return Of my messenger
permit any vessel TO pass within range Of the |
guns of my fort
In order TO save as far as in my power the /
shedding Of blood. l beg vou viii have due /
notification made OF my declaration 10 all /
concerned. Hoping however, that your an /
swer may justify further continuance of for /
bearance on my part, am. respectfully.
ROBERT ANDERSON.
Gov. Pickons, in his reply, after stating
the position OF South Carolina to the Uni /
ted States, says, in effect, that any attempt .
to reinforce the troops in Fort Sumpter
would be regarded by the authorities Of
South Carolina as an attempt at coercion
by the Government; that orders had been
given to warn approaching vessels having
troops on board to reinforce the forts not
TO enter the harbor; that the "Star of the
West had attempted to enter the harbor
in the face Of this warning, and was fired
upon. In other words, he justiies the
treason and in the name of South Caro-
lima, assumes the responsibility of the act.
Major Anderson thereupon requested
permission 10 confer with the authorities
at Washington on the matter, which was
granted. Lieut. Talbot, who was appoin-
ted bearer Of the dispatches, arrived at
Washington on Saturday.
Alr. Buchanan and the Cabinet are de-
tGrmiued to sustain Major Anderson, and
it is likely that Lieut.. Talbot received or
'iers for him to protect the United States
Flag at all hazards
The "Star of the West" when fred
upon by the traitors, put about and re-
turned TO New York and as Lieut.. Tai
bot brings word that Major Anderson
does not need or desire reinforcements.
1t is probable that she will not return to I
Charleston.
1t will thus be seen that South Car.
olna has defied the Union and fred upon
National property-In fact, declared war
against the United States Nothing now
emaus but for the Administration to 2
crush the treason, even Il it leads to tie {
* - n,i; alton II al South Caroline