Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1861-04-17
THE FEELING IN THE EAST.
PHILADELpHIA, April Is. Is

PHILADELPHIA, April IL, 1851.
EDITOR JOURNAL The uwar newS'' from
Charleston produced the widest excitement
in this city during the past two days. On Sat-
urday, Third street, in the vicinity of the
newspaper offices, was perfect jam, all eager
to hear the latest intelligence, and the news
boys made ssnice thing'' out OF the ssextras''
that were issued at rapid intervals. Each
man, as he passed along the streets, anxlousiy
inquired what was ssthe latest from Fort Sum-
ter" and towards evening the excitement be-
came so intense that business OF every descrip-
tion was almost suspended. The news being
contradictory and unsatisfactory only added
fuel to the flames, and made every one the
more anxious to hear further.
The fact that hostilities had actually COM
menced, has changed the opinions of many,
and men who heretofore sympathized with the
South, freely express their disa2probation of
Of the course pursued by the Confederate
States, and their appreciation of that taken by
Mr.. Lincoln's Administration. I heard one
prominent Democrat say, few days since,
that the Secessienists had carried matters en-
tirely too far, and that he now was in favor Of
enforcing the laws, and holding the public
property, if necessary, with all the military
power at the command of the Government,
and If volunteers were needed, that he was
ready to shoulder a musket and serve as
common soldier in defence of the Union>
Since then, have heard others express them
selves in the same way, and this is the senti-
ment of thousands who heretofore were strong
advocates of concession and compromise.
There is no doubt of secession being at
heavy discount. No one can scarcely be found
to give circulation to arguments on that side
of the question, and if any person is impru-
dent enoughto do 80, he is not tolerated. For
example-on Saturday afternoon, an indi-
vidual intinated that he felt an interest in
the success of the rebels in the present con-
fict. rush was Immediately made for him
by the excited crowd, and the traitor took to
his heels, followed by two or three hundred
men and boys. The man took refuge in the
avenue of the post office, where the police
came to his rescue, and saved him from vio.
lence by dextrous flank movement.
Yesterday (Sabbath) the excitement here
continued undated, and the streets in the
neighborhood of the Sunday Mercury and
Transcript offices were almost as much crowd
ed as they were the day previous. When the
news was favorable, the crowd applauded Maj.
Anderson and his men, and commended the
Administration for its efforts to reinforce and
provision Fort Sumter. When the telegraph
announced that he had surrendered, dark
shade of disappointment and indignation was
plainly visible every face, and the most
bitter denunciations of the rebels and their
abettors followed.
Nor is this feeling confined to the city. 1t
also pervades the rural districts. In Schuyl-
kill county the Union sentiment is particular.
ly strong, and am reliably informed that sew
eral of the military companies have already
rendered their services to the President,
whilst others will soon follow their example.
The same remark applies to Lancaster, Ches-
ter, Delaware and other counties in this Sec
tion of the State, and no doubt to every other.
These circumstances, taken in connection
with the fact that there is but one paper in
Philadelphia which does not vindicate the
which direction the carrcnt is running. If
any one for moment supposes that the Sc
cessionists will receive any considerable sup
port counteuance in this city or at the
North generally, l can tell him confidently
that he is mistaken. Public sentiment has
eliminated; party lines are for the time be-
ing obliterated and the individual who is not
for upholding the Government and sustaining
the Administration in its present course, will
surely find himself regarded as a traitor.
1t is difficult to say what is the real condi-
tion of affairs at Charleston. The latest re-
ports state that Major Anderson had surren-
dered the Fort Internationally ; that his men,
under guard, were conveyed by boats to Nor
ris Island and that the Major himself was
the guest of Gen. Beauregard in Charleston.
A dispatch from W Washington says that it is
positively ascertained that an attack on the
Capitol is contemplated. If this is done, the
traitors will receive warm reception from
Gen. Scott, who is busily at work arranging
matters for the defence of the city and the
public property in it. If an attempt at seiz-
ure is made, a fierce but decisive battle i'll
ensue-a battle that will strengthen the hands
of the Union men everywhere, and show the
world that we still have a Government.
Yours X.
NFsT or TpA pAtrops-We c1ip tho folIoxv-