Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1861-01-04
A Note of Warning.


AS the columns of the Vindicator will
substantiate, we have been very little dis
posed to encourage any extreme sectional
feeling in the present alarming condition Of
the country, or to take it for granted that a
dissolution of the Union was result to be
looked upon as HOLIDAY amusement Be
lieving that our present difficulties were
brought about by the reckless ambition Of
designing demagogues, we have endeavor-
ed to encourage the belief that there was
still patriotism enough in the country to
save from destruction our constitutional
government, and once more restore those
fraternal feelings which should exist be-
between the constituents of homogeneous
government. Having taken position in tho
nomination and support Of candidate for
the Presidency, which we deemed the only
one that could eventuate in the defeat Of
scctionalism North and South. and bring
above the surging of passion the conserva-
tive reason Of the people, we have carefully
and studiously attempted, in the discussion
of all political questions, to direct our views
to consistent correspondence Herewith,
and discountenance Incorporate denuncia-
ton OF conflicting interests, preferring the
more rational policy Of seeking to convince
by argument, rather than infame by cpl
thets. This course has been pursued in the
hope and belief that the common sense and
the common interests Of the people oflsthe
North would correct the fanatical dogmas of
some of their leading traitors, and crush
out the incipient steps of disunion. In this
we have been mistaken. Instead of rally
ing upon great national and conservative
idea, rebuking the pestiferous sentiments of
a perverted and corrupt pulpit and rostrum,
and uniting in patriotic effort to preserve
the Constitution and perpetuate the Union,
license has been given to extreme fanati-
cism, land the edict has gone out that hence
forth it is 'cor Of sections. Appeal after
appeal, and warning upon warning, have
been rung in their ears, that a brave
people could submit to no further agrees
sions upon their rights, and that persis-
tence in the spirit Of intolerant fanaticism
would be resisted to the destruction Ct the
ties which have SO long made us ona peo~
people, living under common govern
nent, the wonder and admiration of the
world. They have disregarded these SOL
emn warnings. Instead Of seeking to ar
rest spirit of lawless aggression, when
they saw that the pillars Of the government
were trembling and tottering, they have
deliberately and coolly met our warnings
with defiant menace, and added insult to
the injuries they have already inflicted
They have proclaimed that the South was
not to be an equal in the interests and ben
efts Of the government, if the power Of
Black Republicanism shall be sufficient to
reduce us to servile and inferior position.
They have, in short, aggressed until for
bearance has ceased to be a virtue, and
further Indifference on our part but anoth-
er name for spirit of craven cowardice. =
The temper and tone of the representative
men Of the Black Republican party in The
United States Senate, have clearly indica
ted to the country that there will be no con-
cession there. The evidences we have of
the views and opinions Of the President e.
lect, Danish all hope Of an enlightened pa
triotism from him. Indeed, everything
that has bearing upon the subject seems
to discourage the thought of a continuance
Of the national relations between the North
and the South which have so long subssted,
and to foreshadow speedy separation.
This result being to our mind inevitable,
we think the impulse Of lf-protection
should influence the South to act promptly
and wisely: A supine Indifference to the
stern and relentless facts which stare us in
the face, would be criminal betrayal of
ourselves into the power of known and en-
Filtered enemy While reluctant to take
any step that might partake of the sem
blance of 1ashness, we think it would be in
exeusable blindness to permit any advan-
tage now within our reach to escape our
grasp by conventional daliance. The sun
Of the 4th Of March, 1861, should never
beam upon single fort or arsenal on South-
ern territory which is not secure against
the power Of the Black Republican party.
Especially should Virginia and Maryland
be vigilant. Theirs is a critical position :
Their soil must become the battle ground,
whether Of diplomacy, strategem or blood
They hold the keys to the citadel-the le-
vers whose power must determine the re-
suit. Let them be careful that no mishap
betalls them. Let the military acumen and
skillful caution Of Maj. Anderson, in his
evacuation of Fort Moultrie ana occupancy
Of Fort Sumpter, serve as lesson Of warn
ing. Months of labor and streams of blood
cannot repay the loss to South Carolina that
single act inflicted. should civil war en-
sue.
In assuming the position the lines above
indicate, we are far from justifyirg the err
ratio, senseless, ill-digested, childish, peev-
ish, and miserably foolish action of the State
of South Carolina. Of all the farces that
have been enacted either in comedy or trag
edy, since the Christian era, South Carroll