The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1861-04-12
A Leading Republican journal ON tn
Administration.


Buchanan left Washington. 1t sees no
indication of an administrative policy ade>
quate to the emergency,-or, indeed, of any
policy beyond that of listless waiting to see
what may "turn up" There are times
when such policy may be wise but not
in presence OF an active, resolute and deter
mined enemy. The new Confederacy is
moving forward, towards the consummation
of its plans, with degree of vigor, intelli-
gence, and success, of which, we are sorry
to say, we see no indications on the part of
the Government at Washington. In spite
of the immense difficulties with which they
have to contend,- poverty of the coun-
try, its utter lack of commerce, of an army
and navy, and of credit, 1.-The hostility of its
fundamental principles to the sentiment of
the Christian world, the utter hollowness of
its reasons for revolution, and the universal
distrust which it encounters everywhere
in spite of all these obstacles and discour-
agements, we cannot conceal the fact that
the new Government of which Jefferson
Davis is at the head, has evinced marvel
GUS degree Of energy, and is rapidly assum-
ing the proportions of solid and formida.
BILE Power. Within less than six months
they have adopted Constitution and
organized Government, put all its
machinery into working order, estab-
lished commercial system and put it in
operation, laid the basis of financial de-
partment, organized an army, secured enor-
NOUS stores and munitions of war, and put
themselves in a position to offer very
formidable resistance to any attempted
coercion on the part of the United States.
And what has been done on our part against
them? What single step has been taken
by our government, either to resist their
movement from without, or to appeal with
vigor and sfect to the loyalty which still
lives within their borders? Jefferson Davis
will soon have an organized army of 10000
men at his command :-suppose he decides
to march into Mexico or Virginia, or upon
Washington-what organized means have
we to resist and defeat his schemes? They
have adopted revenue system for the ex-
press purpose of depicting and damaging
our commerce what have we done to off,
set it? With blindness and stolidity
without parallel in the history of intelli-
gent craftsmanship, we have done everything
in our power to aid their efforts, and crown
their hostile endeavors with complete suc~
cess.
The fact is, our government has done
absolutely nothing, towards carrying the
country through the tremendous crisis
which is so rapidly and so steadily settling
down upon US. 1t allows everything to
drift-to float along without guidance or
impulse of any kind. This mi ght do we'll
enough, if the Southern States were pursu-
ing the same policy. But while we are idle
they are active. While we leave every.
thing at loose ends, they make everything
tight and snug for the coming storm. Such
a course can have but one result. The
President must adopt some clear and distinct
policy in regard to secession, or the Union
will not only be severed, but the country
will be disgraced.
PRECIOUS TINE WASTED IN sQUABBLEs FOR
OFFICE.
Mr.. Lincoln was perfectly right in say
ing in Springfield that upon his shoulders
rests responsibility more weighty than has
ever fallen upon any one of his predeces.
sors. That responsibility is not met by
supervising the distribution for Office. Mr.
Lincoln should reserve his thoughts and his
strength for nobler duties than presiding
over the wranglings of hungry and selfish
hunters for patronage and place. He
wastes powers that belong to the nation,-
he squanders opportunities which millions
of gold will never bring back, for rescuing
the nation from the most fearful perils
We shall not be suspected of any but the
most friendly sentiments towards the Pres
ident of the United States, when we tell
hin, vuhof Lo l.,
upon bis favor will not dare to whis
per,-that be must go up to higher level
than be has yet reached, before be can see
and realize the high duties to which be has
been called. He has spent time and strength
in feeding rapaciOus and selfish partisans,
which should have been bestowed upon saw
ing the Union and maintaining the authori-
ty of the Constitution be has solemnly
sworn to defend. He has not done what
be was expected to do as soon as he should
assume the reins OF power-summon back
by word and act, the loyalty of the Ameri.
can people to the flag and the government
of their common country. The Union is
weaker now than it was month ago. Its
foes have gained courage, and its friends
have lost heart. Step by step the new con-
federacy marches forward towards solid and
secure foundations sand day by day the
bright hopes of the lovers Of the Union
fade and die away.
The Administration must have policy of
action,--clear and definite in the end it aims
at, wise and resolute in the means employ
ed, and proclaimed to the people as the
standard around which the people can rally.
What it should be, is not for us to say.
That is matter requiring wise and careful
elaboration on the part of those who are
responsible; but it should be decided upon
promptly, and then carried into effect with
steady and dauntless resolution.
WHAT THE PRESIDENT MUST DECIDE.