The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1861-04-12

sales of repacked mess at S. SIX $40 26 do
at SO so 81 so. Sugars steady and in fair re-
another column Coffee was comparatively quiet, but
steady Freghts were less active while the engagements
were moderate at unchanged rates
The Civil Wharf.-The Absolute Necessity of
an Extra Session of Congress.
1t is the bounden duty of President Lincoln,
at this stage of the terrible crisis through
which the country is passing, to call an extra
session of Congress, which shall pronounce
authoritatvely upon the means to be adopted to
| restore peace and prosperity to the nation. An
idea prevails in the community, that the rein
torcement which is being attempted by the
administration, of Fort Sumter will, perhaps,
prove not to have been an irreparable GALA
nifty, if, thereby, an end shall be put to the
gnawing suspense and feversh excitement
that have prevailed during the last few weeks.
In case of collision and bloodshed a victory,
on either side, will, it is hoped. prepare the
way for definite settlement of differences, and
a clearing of the atmosphere from the dark and
threatening clouds that overshadow the future
This is sad mistake The intentions of
the Washington administration will not be
changed by repuse in Charleston harbor,
and the hostility OF the Montgomery govern
ment will only be intensified by q temporary
humiliation. Tens of thousands of troops will
replace the small hosts now arrayed against
each other, and the area Of conflict will be
widened, instead of diminished. The princi-
Piles which inspire the two sections will remain
unchanged, and, after the land has been
"a.
been expended, in fratrcidal warfare. both par
ties will be compelled to negotiate peace. from
the same basis that exists at present. There
fore, Congress, which alone can propose re-
medy, should be called upon to interpese, be-
fore the evil has extended further, and become
irreparable.
No human being can foresee where and when
the tragedy will cease, after the first drop OF
blood shall have been shed. The Southern
confederacy stands firm and mistaken upon
the principle of revolutionary right-thc sa ne
that has been the justification, In the eyes OF
posteriiy, OF the declaration, by the colonies, of
their independence from Great Britain, in 1916.
Their platform will be made, intrinsically,
neither weaker nor stronger by defeat or
triumph. The former will inspire them, how
ever with the zeal Of martyrs in just cause,
while, from the latter, they may hope to de-
rive material strength which shall render
their position impregnable The Washington
Cabinet relies upon constitutional authority,
and justifes its policy by an appeal To the
laws of the land. If the feet and troops it
has despatched to Forts Pickeus and Sumter,
are unsuccessful in their mission, those laws
will authorize recurrence to similar attempts;
while, If they enable government to retain those
defenccs, it will have only gained loss, com
| plicated entanglements, and aggravated exist
| ing embitterments. Both the Northern and
| Southern administrations have already shown
! q disposition to oyerstep legal boundaries, aud,
when fighting shall have commenced, it is to be
feared they will throw of all restraint, and
that statutes and constitutions will cease TO be
! barrier between their passions aud an en-
venomed conflict, without parallel in modern
times. Let Mr.. Lincoln, then, call Congress
together. without delay. BE its proceedings what
they may, it will BE- looked to by the puhlic
as safeguard and no legislation il may adopt,
can render the prospect before the country
more drcary and desolate than IT 10 now.
by Congress alone can any remedy be ap.
piled, which will adequately meet the exigen.
cics of the republic. 1t can stay the progress
of civil war; propose amendments to the con-
stitution, which shall pave the way for recon.
struction of the Union; or in case ii can agree
upon no measure, submit the agitating issues
of the period to the people. ii the Crittenden,
or even the Bigler amendments to the constitu-
ton, had been adopted by the late Congress, an
instant stop would have been put to the pro-
gress Of the disunion contagion in the South.
Virginia is now on the eve Of secession, and
Maryland and the other border States will fol.
| low in her wake. This may be prevented by
an extra session of Congress; while, If 1t is no.
called, we may soon see the twelve millions of
people of the South, in battle array against the
eighteen millions Of the North, with no possible
| prospect, in the future, but anarchy and mili.
tary despotism. The United States has, within
six months, fallen from its place in the scale Of
nations. We are jeeringly reminded, by the
press Of Europe, that we can have no claim here
after TO the respect and influence we once en-.
ioyed. Envied and admired as we lately were,