The daily exchange. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1858-1861, 1861-02-14
BALTIMORE.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY IA. 1861

Whatever may be the ultimate consequences of
the secession of the Gulf States from the UNION
the danger to be aPprehended from rash and i'm
pusive action is unquestionably greatly lessened,
since they have organized themselves into sepa-
rate and distinct Confederacy. Whilst South
Carolina occupied an isolated position, her very
weakness as opposed to the power of the Federal
Government, precluded her from taking calm
survey of the issues she had provoked and of the
new duties she had assumed. 1t moreover en-
couraged the extreme Republicans to advocate
their avorite policy of coercion, and this menace
was naturally met by an excited people, with cor
responding taunts of defiance. If while the blood
was thus at fever heat, an attack had
been made upon Fort Sumter, however
strongly such an exhibition of mingled
courage and recklessness might have
reused popular Indignation elsewhere it would
have occasoned but little surprise. Now, how
ever, South Carolina is no longer the sole guardian
of the rights which she sought to vindicate by
seeding from the UNION. Her cause is the cause
of the new Southern Confederacy, of which she
has become member, and she can undertake no
measures that do not meet with the approval of
the States that are in league with her. 1t is easy
TO perceive that, with the conscious strength which
comes of this alliance, the fiery zeal that would
have instgated precptate measures, will be held
in check by prudent counsel. The question in re-
lation not merely to Fort Sumter, but to all the
forts and arsenals and federal property within the
limits OF the seeded States is no longer one which
each State has to solve for ITSELF 1t now devolves
upon the new Congress to say what steps shall be
taken to gain possession of them, and for the
President of the new Confederation to execute the
decree of the coordinate branch of government
Governor PIcKENs, it is reported, has already
recognized the superior authority of the Mont
gomery Congress in this matter, by transmitting
or proposing to transmit to that body through
the usual channels, the correspondence which has
recently taken place between the Secretary of War
at Washington, and the Commissioner of South
Carolina, Col. HAYNE. By the adoption of this
course, South Carolina will be at once relieved
of the terrible responsibility which she has hereto
fore assumed, and time, which at this uncture is all
Important will be gained for re-opening nego-
tiatons with the Federal Government, supported
by the whole weight OF the States that have be-
come parties to the new compact. 1t is quite pos
sible that any proposition, looking to the purchase
of these forts and arsenals and public buildings
if made to President LINCOLN, will be responded
to in terms not differing essentially from those in
which President BUCHANAN couched his answer to
South Carolina. But coming, as such PROPOSE
ton would, from an organized government
recognized by two millions and d half of
people, it could scarcely fail to meet with
respectful consideration from Congress, and
might be the means Of perfectng arrangements
for peaceful separation, or for reunion upon
more satisfactory basis. At all events, it would
allow of time for the popular sentiment of the
free States to make itself known and we do not
believe, if that sentiment were permitted to find
expression, the policy of coercion would, I'M
der existing circumstances, be sanctioned by any
but the most radical Republicans. Better, far
better, however, would it be, if the free States,
actuated by a spirit of true patriotism, were to
unite with the border slave States in adopting
such measures as would, by satisfying the latter,
enable them to their influence with the sece-
ding States for a reconciliation and a restoration
Of confidence. The Government of the new Con-
federacy is at present but PROVISIONAL and by thus
anticipating its permanent organization, the evils
tildt HOW ulVlueu rule would De avert
ed 1t remains, then, with the Republicans to say
whether this fair and fourishing country shall be
subjected to all the horrors of civil war, or
whether, animated by kindler spirit, they will
cast aside party platforms and sectional preiu-
dces, and by offering such guarantees as will re-
lieve the South from all apprehension of being
subjected hereafter to an aggressive policy, win
the seeding States back to their old al.
legiance. Ii this cannot be done; if no
guarantees worthy of the name are to be given
then one other fact must te taken into considera-
ation-and that is, the tendency of the border
slave States to gravitate Southwark. They earn
esty desire to remain in the UNION, as it was orig
inally formed, and under the Constitution which
was framed by the fathers of the Republic; but if
the adjustment they seek be denied them, the
UNION will no longer be to them what it once was;
and the Constitution, as interpreted by the dom
inant party, will fail to give them that protection
in person and property which they have an I'M
doubted right to demand