War.

Treachery, stupidity and vacillation have marked the course of the present Administration ever since it came into power. The steps it has taken recently have increased our disgust and contempt.  The knowledge we have gained of the character of the creature whose ignorance and vulgarity disgrace the chair once filled by the most august of men, has served us in good stead.  We read him in his inaugural, and the acts he has committed since the appearance of that enigmatical paper have given us a clearer idea of the choice of a party of fanatics. We have made a fine use of his characteristic meanness and cunning.  We have not been imposed upon by one of his false avowals.  Satisfied that he intended to perpetrate the folly of coercion, we have prepared ourselves to meet force with force. The signs of the times are obvious to the most dull-eyed and cold-blooded, and the wisdom of the eourse our military authorities have pursued have been abundantly justified.

We are prepared to apply the last argument.  We are growing impatient under the delay.  It is time the matter were decided. We are sick of the subject of evacuation.  It is manifest that LINCOLN has shifted the responsibility he assumed with such an air of clownish solemnity to the shoulders of the Commandant of Fort Sumter. The man who sneaked into Washington has quailed, at the curses and threats of the party that raised him to the dignity he has made contemptible, and the demand must be made upon the soldier. We would not presume to dictate to those who have the management of affairs. They have shown admirable discretion, and we cannot praise too highly their foresight, zeal and energy.  But has not the time arrived when the next step should be taken?  Shall we submit any longer to the annoyance of impertinent and stupid messages and reports borne by persons whose coming is an insult?

We know the intention of our enemy. We have taken advantage of his enforced delay. Braver and better soldiers than now occupy our fortifications, and that are ready to march at the blast of the bugle, never drew a sword, or pulled a trigger.  The spirit of our people is fairly aroused.  The brothers of those who won imperishable glory on the plains of Mexico are at the guns. Our hearts are fired by the remembrance of grievous wrongs, and by the anticipation of greater injustice; our arms are made strong by the justness of our cause.  With implicit reliance on the God of Battles, we go forth to meet the deadly foe.  Let the strife begin—we have no fear of the issue.