Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1861-03-20
FROM THE NATIONAL CAPITAL.
WASHINGTON Cry, March Is.

inns city continues large. The various de-
ing until they close. Senators, Representa-
tives and other men of influence are kept
constantly on the run by the sspatriots'' who
are willing to serve their country in some of
hcial position. Quite number of appoint
ments have already been made, but the bulk
OF them are yet undisposed of. There will,
however, be general clearing out of the Au
gean stables, though a few of the indispensa-
BILE clerks will be retained 1t is really as
tonshng to find, since Mr.. Lincoln's inaugu.
ration, how large a number of Republicans
there are in this city; but when we consider
that their hiring depends almost entirely on
their politics, 1t is perhaps not so surprising
after all. Indeed, tits quite possible, il BrecE-
inridge had succeeded, that many of them
would still be Democrats. There also seems
to be quite rush of applicants from the Bor-
der Slave States, and there will be no trouble
to get Southern mer to fiji the offices.
The new Administration starts out under
very unfavorable circumstances. Mr.. Bu-
chanan, having brought the country to the
verge of ruin and rent the Union in twain,
hands the affairs of the Nation over to his
successor in distracted condition, without
placing at his disposal the means necessary to
meet the emergency. The Republican House
passed bill giving the President the neces-
sary power, but the Democratic Senate re-
fused to concur, and SO tied Mr.. Lincoln;s
hands. Had the bill been passed and become
law. Fort Sumter and other military posts
might have been relieved. AS it is, this
seems almost impossible. Something how
ever must soon be done, as it is said Sumter
has no more provisions than will keep them
for Is or 90 days. The Cabinet have formal
| ly decided upon the withdrawal of Major An
| derson, and approved Gen. SCOTS opinion to
| that effect. No orders, however, have as yet
| been issued for the evacuation. This will
doubtless have a good effect on the Border
would blow secession sshigher than a kite''
in those States. And after all, what benefit
can the Government derive from keeping that
fortress, or the Seeding States gain by its
abandonment! There is, ia the opinion OF
men OF all parties, nothing involved in it but
a point of honor. The Baltimore SWn, an ul-
ira Southern paper with Secession procIivi-
ties, regards it in this light. In an article
this morning, it says:-
s.The evacuation of Fort Sumter is, of it
| self, absolutely nothing. 1t certainly estab-
| fishes no :;peace policy - and, if not accom-
panied by the evacuation of all other forts in
the Confederate States and the Withdrawal of
all United States troops therefrom, it is SIM
ply In itself strategic movement, and clearly
indicates the probabilities OF war. AS there
are some who will not like such an opinion.
we can only counsel them to get better one
out of the fact if they can. Major Anderson
| is said to be almost out of provisions TO re-
inforce him, it is believed. would cost great
expenditure of treasure and life and the mere
! possession of Fort Sumter could be of no ser
vice to the government in war with the Con-
federate States. 1t requires no military skill
to determine this. Consequently, the euacu-
alton of Fort Sumter-the point of honor out
of the question, and an empty one in this case
has no less strategic merit than that attrib-
uted to Major Anderson in its occupation.
How the SIM can make it appear that this
movement 'tclearly indicates the probabili-
ties of war; is more than l can conceive. 1t
is doubtless mistaken in this supposition, as
it is if it conjectures that sail other ports in
the Confederate States'' will also be evacua-
(and it is reported that Gen. Scott regards its
possession of little Importance Fort Pick
ems will be better garrisoned and supplied
with provisions, and will be held at a Il hazards.
| heard leading Democrat, one who
high in the confidence of Mr.. Buchanan's Ad-
ministration, say that had the sold public
functionary' done his duty and garrsoned
the forts at the proper time, there would have
been none ofthis trouble and Secession would
have been crushed in the bud but that, un-
der existing circumstances, an evacuation of
Fort Sumter was the only thing that conld
now be done.
Notwithstanding the predictions, and prob
ably the wishes, of our Democratic friends to
the contrary, the Cabinet of Mr.. Lincoln work
together well and get along smoothly. They
all display much administrative ability, and
receive the commendation OF all who have had
an opportunity of judging of their merits.
Our Member of Congress-, Hon. John Pat
ton, is looked upon an active, efficient man,
and is making many warm friends. The pre-
valing opinion in regard to him is well ex-
pressed by the editor OF the FayeAe (Pa.)
Patriot, who writes from here, under date of
March 9Th, as follows =
awe recently made the acquaintance of
Hon. JOHN PATTON. the new membe of con-
gsess from the 'sWild-cat District'' of this
State. His constituency have certainly been
fortunate in selecting him as their Represen-
tative. He is very worthy and estimable
gentleman, and will undoubtedly prove a very
useful Member
1t is almost impossible to get sight of Mr.