The Jeffersonian Democrat. [volume] (Chardon, Ohio) 1854-1865, 1861-04-19
Columbus Correspondence. |.

within few days past, the general tenor
of which indicates the probability OF an
early collision between the Federal troops
and those of the Secession, South Carolina,
jeff. Davis Southern Confederscy. That
the Administration have determined upon
a vigorous policy, and the supplying, re-
inforciug and holding Forts Sumter and
Pickens. 10 a conceded fact. This will be
attempted at Charleston, with unarmed
vessels, and, unless these be attacked by |
the Confederate authorities, there will be
TO collision. Ii there be such attack,
then upon those making it will rest the
responsibility Of inaugurating war, un-
certain in its duration and fearful in con-
temptation. Those supplies, with an
efficient fleet 10 back them, are 10 arrive
about this time, at Charleston harbor,
and the public mind waits in intense sus-
pense the report Of collision there
Now, venture 10 predict that those sup
| plies will be allowed TO reach Major An
derson without interference. This may
be false prophecy. However, should it
not prove true, and the collision take place,
the full power Of the Government, as far
as the ability TO exercise that power is
in reach OF the Executive, will be
brought TO bear in bolding and defending
the property and authority of the Gov
ernment. In this decision, the President
and his Cabinet are a unit. However this
may have been heretofore, have good
reason 10 know that it is now the case.-
With this decision made by the Admins
tration, it appears TO me, all true patriots
and lovers Of their country must concur,
and rejoice that il has been made. So far
as any expression has been had, IL meets
with appreciation from all Republicans,
and is received by Democrats in such
manner as to plainly indicate that their
fhopes of party gain through imbeciIity and
want of efficiency in the Administration,
are rapidly waning.
Much uneasiness began 10 be felt, and
want Of confidence expressed among those
who had supported Mr.. Lincoln, at what
they we're disposed to consider want of
| firmness and decision on his part, and The
failure TO adopt some definite policy upon
the al.absorbing questions disirac,ing the
country. 1t has seemed to me, this was
premature and unwise. Those indulging
in such course seemed to forget that but
a very few brief weeks has the President
held the reins of Government; that, when
assuming them, it was from hands which
! had not merely been holding them loosely,
but, until very brief time before his
assumption of them, had been acting in
direct con cert with the Disunionists and
traitors OF the South that, from this fact.
NO sufficien. means Of efficient action were
; within his reach. Vessels of war were
upon far.off stations, troops upon distant
and least needed stations, traitors in COM
mand IN exposed positions. and arms in
numbers without stint, in the hands Of the
+. rebels and, more than all this, the
4 various important offices ,iled with those
4 he could have no certainty in trusting
To whom and through whom could
. orders safely be issued, and with what
: hope of successful execution ? Then the
q difficulty and necessary time in which TO
r bring about a perfect coincidence of plan
I among those having the same objec! in
, view, and desiring to act together. All
, these things must take time, consideration
i and earnest working 10 bring about and
/ settles so as 10 be prepared for any efficient
c action. No orders to any positions in the
l. South, could be sent with any safety except
by sea. The current Of land communica-
, ton was in the possession and under
i control Of the traitors. True, they allow
the Federal Government TO transport the
mails, but what is or has been the sacred
'' ness of the mails at the South for many
= years, you very well know. Anything
sent by mail or telegraph, is in the hands
u Of the enemy before reaching its destina-
q lion, and may be stopped or not, as suits
% his convenience.
% AS an instance OF the difficulty OF com.
II municating or receiving any reliable in
n formation, let us suppose case, 10 wit
is That the President, on the day Of his in
Ig auguration, had issued an order for the
reinforcement Of Fort Pickens, and tina
of to such an order no authentic reply should
q be received until within a week. Would
,. it not rather be surprising, that, sur
"a rounded with such difficulties, together
- with all the cares incident to new Ad
:. ministralion, that Administration should
% by this time, be ready TO ac: with
Q. efficiency For one thing Mr.. Lincolr
I'd and his advisers may be commended
10, that they have kept their own COUNSEL
st While leaving their motives to be i'm
ot pugned, and acts 10 be missapprehended
of they have been quietly working on, with
p- out daily proclaiming those motives o
On publishing those acts. 1t was not so wit
bo The late Administration, while it was cor
stantly communicating with and advisin
the South, so that II might be prepare
.r. beforehand for what might follow.
Let us, although things may not upo
the surface appear just satisfactory, wa
nv for results to develope the wisdom o! il
policy, before TOO freely condemnng it.
p.
- Saturday, April I3.
'"- Considerable timo has been spout in Il
on. Senate, this week. in tho consideration
the leasing of the Public Works and ocatiC
of the new pententary, without coming
,g- q conclusion upon other of them. For Il
for canals additional offers have boon made; oI
~. of $25, 900 annually, another of $50, 90
Tho lattor ia aain IN ho hv An irTenrassih