The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1861-01-15

anxious to exert such influence might possess to e
feet peaceful solution Of pending political diihc9es,
dent acting in double capacity not only as gen.
tleman whose influence in carrying out ms snare OF tne
anderst andng or agreement was potential os' A. the
control Of the whole matter Of reinforcing or transferring
the garrison At Charleston. But we have dwet long
enough upon this point Suffice it to say that consider
ing the President bound in honor II not by treaty
stipulation TO make any change in the FORTS or 10
send renforcemeDts them unless they attacked
we Of the who we're elected to the Convention
felt equally bound in honor to do everything on our part
10 prevent any premature collision This Convention can
bear us witness as 10 whether not endeavored
honorably to carry out our share of the agreement
The published debates at the very commence
good faith We trusted the President. We be-
lieved his wishes concurred with his policy, aud
that both were directed 70 avoiding any naugu-
ration of hostities We confirmed in our confidence
and treasured in belief by significant event which
took place subsequent interview He allowed his
premier Cabinet oicer-an old and tried frendto re-
sign rather than yield his solicitations for the rein
oTcement of the garrison at Charleston We urged this
convincing proof of his irmness and sincerity But
how have we been deceived The news Of Major Ander
sons coup produced sudden and unexpected change IN
the Presidents policy While declaring that his with
drawal from Fort Moutrie to Fort sumter without
orders, and contrary TO ORDERS he yet refused for
twelve hours, to take any action In the matter For
twelve hours therefore, without any excuse he refused
redeem his pghted word No subsequent acts on The
part of Sate-no after reasons-can wipe away the
stain which he suffered TO rest upon his honor as gen
tlemann while those hours big with portentous events
rolled slowly by His Secretary Of War, impatient Of
delay every moment of which he felt touched his own
honor resigned He did solemny on the ground that
the faith Of the government olemnly pcdged-was
broken, If it failed promptly TO undo what had been
done contrary its wishes-against its settled poll
cy-and in violation of its distinct agreement
The President accepted his resignation without com
ment He did attempt to disabuse the mind Of his
Secretary what the true position of the govern
ment. What spectacle does the Presidents vacllang
and disingenuous present He allows one Secre
ary resign rather than abandon policy which he has
agreed upon Scarcely have few short weeks elapsed,
and he accepts the resignation of another rather than
adhere to that very policy. He makes agreement
with gentlemen which, while he admits that they have
faithfully kept it their part he himself evades and
repudiates And this he does rather than redress
wrong-correct errorwhat he himself considers an
error-commited by subordinate without his orders,
and contrary his wishes II at least due to Mr..
Floyd who, Of his Cabinet, had officially and per-
sonay stood by his administration from its very
Observation-Disclosures good report, and through evil re-
porto have explained TO him that he in the Presi
dents opinion, laboring under misapprehension Az
least to said to him. 'you mistaken about this
matter--do not leave false ssue.o But no. he
codly nngraciousy yet promptly receives the resgna-
ton without syllable OF remonstrance and thus tacty
but nnequivocay accepts without shame the issue pre-
sented. He does deny that the faith Of his govern
pledged but he deliberately refuses 70 redeem it,
VIM PORCHER MILES,
LAURENCE NJ KEfTF