The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1862-05-11
The situation-Dur DUTY.


Tho circumstances surrounding rs, their nature and
extent must be patent TO all and need reiteraon at
this time With large and powerful federal feet before
our city demanding It's surrender the reply OF our city
authorities, dguiedy and detcrminediy refusing 10
cede 20 the demandhess and all other things connected
with our unpleasant and Illuminating condition. are
familiar to readers and prudence requires that little
be said thereof in these columns. But little shall
say we will utter in calm, determined sober and I'M
mistakabie language.
While we counsel order and discretion with our citi-
zcns-that act be committed tending to insult or TO
quietly await with unfinching spirits, the time whom
the FREQ soul may send forth its natural and
patriotic Impulses Let that day be far of, IL Is
not OF our knowledge ut this time TO say but the hope
and belief IS strong within that their triumph yet
incomplete will be OF short Duration and this city
again breathe tho pure air OF the free.
II Is with feelings Of tho deepest pride that point
the federal officers 10 the fact that Union sentiment
exists in midstthat with almost voice and with
tongue this community entirely repudates all ale
gsnce 20 the Old government and warmly and devoted
adhcre5 TO the new. And respectfully but firmly
assert that this iment, this feeling is firmly i'm
planted IL the breasts Of our people that time, chr
cunastace nochans se,r % iicoe H. or still Mr
free sos in the s'nanie for their fadepe'decc They
have suorod they may suffer unspe1ably IN the fu-
ture bat hazard nothing III saying that no sacrifice,
TO the last life will TO too much to accomplish tho
one great mighty and glorious undertaking. This
honestly believe, and while do otter oouyc-
tons vain glorious spirit, will not shrink from
their free and independent expression
TIE action Of our city authorities-the Mayor and
Common Cocnchas been such as to fill every patriotic
br asst with honest pride The answer Of the Mayor TO
the demand OF the federal commander is at able,
Courteous AMI digpfcd and will reflect imperishabe
honor In tho annals of historic time. The Council has
fuiy justified the expectations OF the people an for
veal or for woe their conduct IN this trying crisis will be
upheld and maintained by every being who can assert
the soul Ct We may be conquered not subdued"
We may be deenceoss, but the craven heart must not
BIO found among who would nslorously yield obedi-
ence to UNJUST demand. Our powerful enemy may
cy havoc and let slip the dogsof war; and generous,
brave devoted people suffer the horrors thereof and the
innocent weller ia their gore God forbid We do not
believe IT, The world would stand aghast. All Chris
tendon would wake "a from horrid dream, and retr
button, dire and terrible, be visited upon the perpe-
traitors OF the dastardy outrage. No We lriH DO
enemy he asttcct telisre them incapable Of s,c aroc
M. They are men-mlist have the souls OF men--and
however much their devotion to their cause and dag,
tho must remember and grant the rectitudo Of
psrpose and s more tho COD gwen right TO protect
our homes.
nut what viii we say for our brave garrisons and their
glorious COMMUNICATIVE Jackson and st. Pllip-for
the gallant crews and officers gunboats, all OF
whom have per osned deeds OF daring that will live in
ali comns lme The name OF Duncan will slime the
historic ra-e in bright and rnfqding glory His bold
and desru!led spirit with that Of his galalt compatr
ofs has held the forts, and sin holds them against
Tire mighty force that serAs 70 encompass them.
Their success has eeryci TO ameioratc condition
in other respects, ond inspires the hope that every
thing may vet 30 re5aiGed We will at least hope and
believe so, and seek 20 counsel our people 20 patience
and orlule in this their h1ur CT trial We have
rg from many BE confident OF the future
Palsed b. tho ard sill tho coward heart that alters
in his duty All may be lest but our honor, and
with our honor left Our deivcrance will be swift and
certain.
We have only now to remind our merchants and shop
keepers Of their duty IN this crisis Their stores should
all be open as usual. Tnoy must add the general
distress b. keeping closed doors. Tho wants and ne.
cessties o. the community must be met, and havo
hesitation in asserting that all will be found this
Tho currency should continue as II has BEEN there Is
ason for distrust. few days, By tho wise action Of
authorities aud the public, matters Uu assume their
,ooatsd course and qui and order reign oncs more IN
hese.ofcTe hoppy h1aes.