Indiana State sentinel. (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1861-1865, 1861-04-24

The news from all parts of the country this
morning is Of the most exciting character. 1t
is reported that Fort Piskens has been attacked.
The information comes through private channels.
but il Is probably correct. The confedemtes
have it In thei: power to cut off telegraphic in
formation. and it may be policy for them to do
50. The garrison, in case Of attack, would have
no chance TO communists with the government
The news from Virginia is contradictory. The
convention has probably passed the ordinance Of
secession in secret session. So President DAVIS
is advised. If the report be true that the channe
in Norfolk harbor has been INSTRUCTED and guns
'eized under the instructions of Gov. LETcHER, it
removes all doubt as to her action. III the Old
Dominion has united her destinies with the
Southern COnfederacy, it will make an united
South. with the exception of portion of Mary
land and perhaps Delaware. The other border
States viii not be able to resist her example.
Another dispatch states that the Southern army
Is marching on Washington. This we regard as
sensatiOnal-but yet not impossible. President
DAVIS has also issued proclamation authorizing
privateering, and has called for one hundred and
city thousand additional troops. All over the
South the enthusiasm is intense and the spirit and
energy Of the people are thoroughly aroused.
Throughout the entire North there is general
uprising of the people-all party distinctions are
forgotten in the universal sentiment to maintain
the honor and integrity OF the government With
in thirty days the call Of the President for seven
tv-fye thousand volunteers will have been an
swered and the men at the several rendezvouses.
Banks and capitalists every where are offering to
to advance the government money to meet its
necessities Whatever differences of opinion
have existed as to the causes of the present diff
culties or the best means Of harmonizing the
country, all are yielded in the first duty of the
citizen 10 the government-its defense and preser
walton. From every hill and every valley, and
from the broad prairies and woodlands Of the
West, spring stout hearts and strong arms to vim
dictate the honor Of our flag. Who can resist
these out bursts of patriotic enthusiasm?
Where viii be the battle field? for conflict
apears inevitable If the border slave States
maintain an armed neutrality and that is respect
ed, the coast of the Confederate States will be
the seat ef war. The object may to exhaust the
resources Of the Southern States and embarrass
item by embargoes upon their trade, This it is
re border States secede. as they virtually do by
refusing to respond to the demands of the Fed |
eral Government, Virginia near Washington, will
be the great battle field. The dissolution
of the Union may then be confirmed in
blood; severe struggle may result in com
psomise or the contest for the mastery may
continue undecided for years. Already. within
sight of the grave of Washington hostile army
IS arrayed against sister States of the Union and
npon the soil where lie the bones of Henry, of
J efferson and Madison, whose fame is the COM
ION legacy of all the States, the men of the
south and the men of the North will meet as
, eadIy foes. The fearful forebodings of the Fa-
ers of the Republic are upon US. No matter
low much we may recoil from so unnatural a
struggle, che issue a ut hani l.. the conflict
comes, the North will sustain herself The aIac-
rity and enthusiasm with which her people re-
sPOnd to the call of the President, show how
{ sep seated is their attachment for the Govern
ment and their determination to uphold it.
There is but one way open that can see
to avert the blow. Let Virginia and Kentuck.
bat state any honorable and fair terms of COM
promise and we know that the conservative sen
timent of the northwest will demand its accep-
lance. Its voice viii be respected too. The peo-
pie of Ohio. Indiana. Illinois, Michigan and Mis-
souri, desire no fratricidal war with Virginia and
kentucky They tread upon the soil which was
the gift Of one, and which has been eonsecrated
by the blood Of botn. Let one more effort be
made for reconciliation before the blow is struck
which viii make US bear towards each other
biother's hate.
= Indiana viii send to the field an army who
iii prove brave and gallant soldiers, if tried
We hope that State pride viii be manifested in
their equipment, discipline and welfare. This is
due them, and il win be an additional Indictment
20 them, if any is needed. to maintain the honor
Of the State, if the conflict shall come.