The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1861-04-12
THE STATE OF THE COUNTRY

| readers some ldea OF the present state VI le
country.
The Washington correspondent OF the Trib-
une under date of April 9, 1861, says:
events are progressing. rapidly and deci-
siyely, and the country will soon learn that
there Is a Government here. Fort Pickens will
be held at every hazard, and II is by no means
improbable that that troops have been landed
there already. Whatever achievements may
be necessary to retain IL, will be sent, although
the Administration intends in that. as in all
similar demonstrations, to preserve peace
policy. II assailed, 1t will resist, but 1t will not
voluntarily attack.
No disguise is affected in regard TO the send
ing of supplies to the vessels of war and Fort
Pickens. They are ample for present and fu.
ture necessities. Instructions have also been
| forwarded which are intended to keep the squad
ron off Penracola on the alert, and prepare to
cooperate with the fort. If signal should be
given"
From the Tines correspondence:
eft Is evident here that the policy of the Ad-
ministration is rapidly crystrlizing. The power
of the Government Is to be tested, or rather
the will of the people TO sustain the laws and
enforce unity. The President has come slowly
up 10 realize the necessity Of decisive and Wig
orous action, and the Revenue laws are TO be
enforced in Louisiana as in New York, IL the
army and navy at the command Of the Govern
ment can do IL.
I am confident that in less than aweek every
port of Importance, south Of Charleston. which
has inland communication, will be blockaded.
II Is for this purpose that vessels OF war are be-
ing fitted for sea, and not for transport. as was
supposed Merchant vessels will be chartered
for transport service. Suddenly all our army
officers that were quartered in this vicinity are
missing, and the fact is ascertained that they
have left under sealed orders, to be opened at
sea-"
From the n. Y. papers Of April s. We cut
the following from the correspondence Of the
New York Times
at is generally believed here tonight that
the greater portion Of the armament of troops
and supplies fitted out at New York is destined
for Texas. The howitzers, horses and Flying
Artillery are of no available service except on
land, and there is no point at the South except
Texas where they could be simultaneously en-
ploysd. The Flying Artillery would be sent to
none NJ the Gulf forts, where simple arlllerists'
accustomed to manage heavy sea-coast guns,
would be ordered. The mounted troops will go
to Texas to replace the force there now, 1emor-
allied by Twigg's treason.
At the meeting OF the Cabinet on Friday there
was a long and earnest discussion upon our ma
tional difficulties. II is n settled fact that MIR.
Lincoln does not intend any QGeRsire demon
stration against the seeding States, But 1t is
quite "a certain. on .the other hand, that he
feels the necessity of prompt and energetic nc.
ton on his part, and has so expressed himself
to the Cabinet. From nearly oil the Northern
Governors, and from many leading men, he re-
ceiycs daily demand for action, and very many
protests against the evacuation OF Fort Sum-
ter. They urge that such course will not only
weaken his Administration and strengthen Da-
Wis & Co., but lower US in the eyes OF every ma
ton in ChristendOm.
From the Tribune's correspondence:
"Lieut. Talbot reached here yesterday morn
Ing with dispatches from Major Anderson, and
had full interviews with the President, Secre-
tary of War and General Scott. There Is no
doubt but the condition Of the garrison re.
luires relief in many respects. Various neces-
saries are nearly or quite exhausted, and must
be supplied While no official intimation was
ever communicated to Major Anderson that his
command would be withdrawn from Fort Sum-
ter, il is undoubtedly true that he received such
an impression from personal conferences which
were supposed to reflect the purposes here
They were predicated upon the belief. however,
that the withdrawal was military necessity,
which could not be avoided. Recent informa-
ton has changed that belief, and other facts
have induced course Of policy consistent with
this idea. In word, MAJOR anderson Is not
as was prefgured in my last dispatch.
Lieut.. Talbot will reach Charleston to-mor-
row afternoon, and Of course carries back the
conclusive decision Of the President. IL Is
calm, but firm, and in harmony with his for
mer declarations. The responsibility rests with
South Carolina entirely, and the country Will
SEE, when all the facts are disclosed that the ut
most forbearance and moderation have been
practised.
Rsply of the State Department TO the South
srn Com NJ issionsrs-.ueasuresf for the SVe-
tyofhe Capital.
WASHINGTON, April s.-The State Depart
ment replied to-day to the note of the Confed-
crate State Commissioners, declining to receive
them in their official capacity, but expressing
Difference for them as gentlemen. The Secre-
tary indicates peaceful policy by the gov
ernment, declaring that its purpose is to de-
fend only where il Is assaulted. IL Is not known
when the Commissioners will leave Washing
ton, but probably not for some days.
However much reports OF Southern de-
signs ON Washington may be dscredited, 1t is
certain that officers high in authority are TAX
ing preparatory measures for the safety OF the
Capitol.
NEwYSRK, April Is. - The Commercials
Washington dispatch says Lieut.. Talbot len for
Fort Sumpter to-day with instructions to MAJ
Anderson, and will undoubtedly be readmitted
TO the fort, although stringent regulations have
been apopted by the secessionists.
Large quantities Of ordnance, ammunition,
&C.. has been transported to-day from Goyer-
MRS Island TO the steamer Baltic, including
one hundred gun carriages for large Column
biads. markell for Fort Pickens. The Baltic
will undoubtedly sail tonight.
The steamship Illinois is still loading. She
takes 1000 barrels assorted stores, h'e hun.
dred cases muskets, besides large quanuty OF
ammunition and two parks Of artillery, &c. She
was ordered to sail this evening, but will not
leave until Tomorrow morning. Her crew
numbers rs men.
The following telgraphic news to the associa-
ted press, published in the n. York and Boston
papers of the 10th, seems TO be an authetic
statement OF the designs Of the administration
in making the recent military movements
WASHINGTON, APRIL o, lS6l.-lt Is persis.
tentently stated in administration quarters that
the recent preparations arc for defensive pur-
poses. and nothing is intended that is not strict
In justified by the laws, which IL is the duty OF
the President to enforce TO the extent Oh his
ability. III resistance Is made and blood sho'd
follow, the responsibility should fall on those
who provoke hostilities, and the assurance OF
tbs inaugural is repeated, that the admintstra-
ton will not be the aggressor. Various theo-
ries or reasons are given in the newspapers LOT
the present military demonstrations. Among
which is one. that they are stimulated by the
result Of certain late elections. But this Is an
error. As at the commencement Of the Admin
istration the President and Cabinet entertain
ed the idea Of reinforcing both Forts Sumpter
and Pickens, but owing to non-acquaintance
with the means at the command Of the Govern
meant. and the condition OF the country the
PROSECUTIONS Of the plans now. progressing,
ras imprac ticable-in other woads. Il was nee
essary TO ASCERTAIN the extentnof the ELECTS
beaueathed to the President by the late admin
istration II was deemed essential 10 Keep Sc
cret the objects of the military movements,
ssnecially the sailing Of vessels with sealed Or
ders. and underline late administration there
we're persons who elandes,inely communicated
its purroses 10 the secessionsts and rs frcquent-
= r-...--.l hafare the nr.lers Hera reducel to