Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1861-03-21
Fort Sumter.

Much feeling has been manifested the past
week on account Of the probable determination
Of the new Administration to withdraw the
troops from Fort Sumter. The necessity for
such course is chargablo to the neGciency
and neglect OF Mr.. Buchanan, in failing to re-
inforce Major Anderson when it could hayoI
been done with perfect case, and without the
loss of human life. Had the policy marked out
by Gen. Scott been carried out at an early day
instead Of the Forts on the Southern coasts
being now in the possession of traitors, they
would DO occupied by United States troops, the
revenue collected as usual. and secession
amongst things once talked about, but not now
existing
But the element of disunion has been suffered
to take its own course, Forts and other Govern
ment property seized, notifications and bate
ries erected, military organizations formed, the
flag Of the Uuion fired upon, and no effort has
been made to stay the progress of treason and
traitors, until we learn that the gallant Ander-
son. and the few soldiers under his command,
are hemmed in by formidable distractions on
every side, with no means Of subsistence, and
the necessary aid cannot be ur;'ished him with
out extravagant expense, n large number of
men, and much loss Of life. This is most
humatiug position for brave military officer
to occupy, and the shameful timldity and neg
lect Of the Government in not furnishing him
with men and provisions at 4 seasonable time,
IS only equalled by the like policy IN all things
pertaining to secession from is first commence
men,
1t is under these circumstances, and sur
rounded by such embarrassments, that the
Administration of President Lincoln took pos
session of the Government, if, indeed, it can
be said that wc had a Government before his
Inauguration. We had hoped and even ex-
pectcd that no further surrender would be made
to rebels after he took his oath of Office, anC
we do not now believe that any will be made
unless, IN the Judgment of the President, a
necessity exists fer such course. We believe
to execute tie laws as faithfully and efficiently
as it can be done in the rckety condition that
the Government came into their hands and
with the means provided by Congress to such
an end. We think that past events demon
srate clearly the fact that this Government is
never to be restored to its former harmony by
concessions to traitors, unless 50 much is con-
cedcd that it is not worth preserving to those
who care for the ascendancy of Freedom, and
acknowledge the right Of the majority to gov
ern.
Unless the right of secession is discarded by
the Border States, and disposition manifested
by them to support the Government and en-
force its laws, we see no object in making eff
forts for u compromise to preserve q Unior
which is liable to reconstruction as often al
dissatisfaction is manifested and secession re-
sorted to. The time must soon como when
collision will occur between the United States
and the so.callcd Southern Confederacy, arc
the right of the Government to execute tn,
laws BE- decided by force. Then the loyalty Of tn
Border States will be tested, and if, as the,
more than intimate, they are disposed to iavo
rebellion, the question of civil war or pcaceabl
separation must be settled
In all of these matters, we feel confidence il
the Judgment and efficiency of the present Ad
miuistration to settle and adjust, 50 far AZ the
have the means and power to act but if Con
grcss has failed to furnish the means, or to pas
the necessary laws to collect the revenue an
carry the Government through tho presen
difficulties, the sooner they do it the better.