The Kenosha telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1860-1888, 1861-02-14
WASHINGTON MATTERS.

WASHINGTON, Feb
The President in a message transmitted 10
both Houses to-day, gives q correspondence
between himself and Col. Hgyne, much Of il
already published. The following is the sub
ltance Of the concluding part Of Col Haynes
etter of Jan 91st
After stating that the refusal to surrender
Fort Sumpter would ba the occasion for war,
ind stating the question TO be one ofmere prop
erty, he says If the dangers of war are to be
encountered, especially calaniteus civil war
craftsmanship would seem to require il should
be accepted as al unavoidable alternative.
This authority is derived from the peaceful Sc
ression of South CTrolina. She under the pro
visions Of the constitution Of the United States
can no more assert the right ofeminent domain
over Sumpter than Maryland can over the Dis
trict ofColumbin
The President, however relieved further ne
cessity Of pursuing this inquiry by the fact shat
he has not the constitutional power to cede or
surrender it. The question Of reinforcing Fort
Sumpter is so fully disposed Of in my letter Of
the 22d of January 10 Senator Sidell a COPY of
which accompanies this, that its discussion
need not be renewed. l then said at the pres
ent moment it is not deemed necessary to re-
inforce Major Anderson, because he makes no
such request. Should his safety, however, re-
auire reinforeemen's, every effort viii be made
b su pply tbem. / can add nothing 10 the ex-
phcitness Of his language, which still applies
to the existing difficulties.
In letter TO Senator Davis and others TO
yourself they say it is especially due from
South Carolina to our States to say nothing Of
other slayeholdiug States, that she should as
far as was consistent with her honor avoid in
itiaaiug hostilites between her and the United
States or any other power, and you now give
the president gratifying assurance that South
carolina has every disposition to preserve pub
lie peace; and since he is sincerely animated BY
the same desire, it would seem this common
and patriotic object must be Of certain attain
ment tits difficult, however, 10 reconcile this
with the declaration on your part that South
Cardinals dignity as a o7er;ignty, and the
safety Of her people, prompts her to demand
that this property be no longer used rs a mill
itaFy post by the Government she no longer &C
.knowledges.
After stating thatin case an attempt be made by
foreign powers 10 capture Charleston, the
batteries OF Fort Sumpter would be cxertcd
for her protection, he says how the presence Of
$50 small a garrison, actuated by such spirit,
can compromise the dignity or honor Of South
: Carolina, the President is alta loss TO under
stand. The attitude that The Government has
often declared, is neither menacing, defiant,
nor unfriendly IF the announcement repeat
eddy made Of the President pacific purposes
SO bilN OECA PdllO4l VI Il oib iJNLiDtcf
until the question is settled by competent au-
thoIity, has failed to impress the government
Of south Carolina with the forbearng conduct
OF his administration for the last ibree months
1t would be received as conclusive evidence Of
his sincerity.
south Carolina cannot, by her silence, sp-
pear to acqGiesce in the Imputaiion tLas sac is
guilty fan act of unproyoked aggression in
firing ON the Star Of the West. Though an IN
n rTyn ,cI 81.
men entering her territory against her
Gov. Picken 'snstructions to him accompany
Haynes letter. Secretary Holt replied, &C
knowiedging the president sreceipt Of Haynes
letter.
Ihehrst gives summary Instructions which are
{ the effect: ] do not come as military man
to demand the surrender Of a fortress, but as 4
legal officer OF the State, its Attorney General,
10 cI aim for that State the exercise Of its I'M
doubted right OF eminent domain and to pledge
the State to make good all injury to the rights
OF property which arise from the exercise of
that claim. The proposition, therefore is 10 buy
Fort Spmpter, sustained by the declaration in
effect, that il South Carolina is not permitted
TO make purchase she will seize tie Fort by
force Of arms.
lie has, however, invested the claim on
which 1t processes to be based, apart from the
declaration that accompanies it, The title of
the United States to the Fort is complete and
incontestable. Were its interest in the proper
ty, in ordinary acceptation Of the lerm,it might
probably be subjected TO the exercise of the act
ofemInent domain, that it has political relations
to it OF much higher and more imposing char
acter than mere propertyship. 1t has absolute
jurisdiction over the Fort and soil on which it
stands.
If, with all the multiplied professions Of the
rresldents anxiety for peace the authorities Of
South Carolina shall assault Fort Sumpter and
sacrifice the lives Of handful ofblaye and 10y
al men shut up within its walls,and thus
plunge our country into the horrors of civil
war, then upon them and those they represent
must rest the responsibilitY