New-York daily tribune., 1861-03-05

oil Fort Sunter cOntefnpatcs fifo"O'n"'V -
endorsements. This, by no means, will prove the
least formidable undertaking. From the outset
of this business, the error OF the Federal Gov-
ernment has been in net accepting tho Rebels 10
moan what they said. When they said they In
tended TO possess all the forts in Charleston Har
Dor, it was not believed, at least Federal acton
was az though it was not. When they said they
would drive Major Anderson out, Government
was equally skeptical. When they said they
would not permit Major Anderson to be re-
enforced. Government did not believe il, before
j. was proven by the driving back of the Star OF
the West Whether Government believes than
the Rebels mean what they say, and are pre-
pared TO make their word good, when they de-
clare that reenforcements shall never be landed at
Fort Sumter, remains to be seen. To say that
the reinforcing of Major Anderson is impossible,
would be absurd; but to say that by their bat
teres and other provisions for resistance, the
Rebels had not rendered such an undertaking an
exceedingly difficult one, to be accomplished only
by accepting the present attitude OF things as
that of actual war in its full proportions, would
be but 10 assert the truth. South Carolina has
meant nothing less-does not now-and Tor
months, with siDgeoess of purpose truly rare;
at a largo expense of money, and the incessant
labor of from three to four thousand men, d.
rected by as good skill as the country affords,
she has been preparing to make good her posi-
ton. These things, more than the yalOr of the Car
olinious should not be too lightly estimated. When
the Government undertook the Star OF the West en-
terprise, it too lightly estimated the enemy that
was to be met. / do not believe that the
country ia destined to witness another failure,
though TO insure success the expedition must be
formidable, and planned to operate by land as
well az by water, for l venture an opinion,
probably of but little value in high professional
quarters, that boats win not reach Fort Sumter
before several formidable batteries on both SIDES
of the barbor are silenced How this is to be
done without marching strong columns IN the
rear, and how troops are to be landed in the
face Of other batteries (for the Rebels here con-
templa.ed and provided for all these contiDgen-
cies), are questions, with many Others for those
to decide on whom the responsibility rests.
In letter from this city sometime in the week
following the Star of the West affair, l referred
to certain rumors then ahoat, proceeding from
high quarters, which assigned to Maj. Anderson
ultimately, 4 part in the drama Of Fort Sumter
that did not square with the generally received
notions of honor and patriotism. i have RE-
qurn.ly since asserted my disbelief In all such
runors, and given them no other thought than
40 base libels on brave and meritorious officer.
From time TO tine have met these runors, not
so much in the mouths OF idle gossipPers, as OF
men Of an opposite standing. Indeed, one gen.
tlemap, in the confidence Of the rebel chris,
proceed at length TO detail the reasons why Maj.
Anderson would never fight the South when or
panjzed even 10 tho number Of half dozen
States into an independent CoDlederacy.
great many reasons were given, beside some un-
spoken ones hinted at unnecessary to repeat
now; bot which appeared to be more satisfactory
To him (snd to the leading rebels also, as he
ayerred), than 10 me.
Within the last few days the upsbot OF these
rumors have been revived, and the Mercury gives
them embodiment in the following shape:
"NoT InPRop.BLE.-lt was cnrren,ly rumored
upon the streets yesterday that Major Arderon and
Iieutenarts DAVIS and lAlbot, oi Tue ghnoh oi roft
Snmer would on the 4th instant, re,ign their oOni-
missops in the United Stat.s Army, and retire from
the fort"
The gentlemen spoken Of in connection with
Major Anderson, Lieutenants Talbot and Davis,
are experienced and tried oiIicers. The former is
from Kentucky, the latter from Indiana
The officer second in command in Fort Sumter
is Capt. Doubleday, who is native of New
York. His father now resides in the City OF
Brooklyn. He is a capable officer and partcu-
larry obnoxious TO the Rebels.
Gov. Pickens has commissioned the following
officers, deserters from the flag Of their country:
Capt. N. G. Evans late of the United States Army,
Aduant General Of the regular forces Of SJuth Caro-
lima.
Capt. Nortbrop late Of the United States Army,
Paymase General of tie regular forceso South Care
lna. Capt. NorthrOp tla-suIate OF Presldent
Davis, and graduate Of We,t Point.
FROM MARYLAND.