In whatever way the
question could have been presented, the consequence would have been to
relieve the Government of the charge of maintaining the fort, and to
throw it upon the State which had resolved to be independent.
Thus we see that no evil could have resulted. We have yet to learn what
evil the opposite policy may bring. Telegraphic intelligence, by the man
who occupied the seat on the right of me in the old Chamber, was never
relied on. He was the wisest statesman I ever knew--a man whose
prophetic vision foretold all the trials through which we are now
passing; whose clear intellect, elaborating everything, borrowing
nothing from anybody, seemed to dive into the future, and to unveil
those things which are hidden to other eyes. Need I say I mean Calhoun?
No other man than he would have answered this description. I say, then,
not relying upon telegraphic dispatches, we still have information
enough to notify us that we are on the verge of civil war; that civil
war is in the hands of men irresponsible, as it seems to us; their acts
unknown to us; their discretion not covered by any existing law or
usage; and we now have the responsibility thrown upon us, which
justifies us in demanding information to meet an emergency in which the
country is involved.
Is there any point of pride which prevents us from withdrawing that
garrison? I have heard it said by a gallant gentleman, to whom I make no
special reference, that the great objection was an unwillingness to
lower the flag.
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