"The attitude of the Administration is absolutely humiliating to the country, as well as hostile to the integrity of the Union. It is hard to believe that Mr. Buchanan is a conscious accomplice in the treason he is doing so much to aid; The Disunionists certainly could ask no more effective aid and comfort than they have received at the hands of the Administration. Not a solitary step has been taken to prepare the Federal forts, arms and munitions of war have been lavishly sent into the South and placed within easy reach of the Disunionists, and now the Government refuses to strengthen the officers whose duty it is to defend the Federal forts on Southern soil.
It is not in the power of this Administration, nor of this Congress, -- perhaps not of this generation-- to close the volume which Secession opens. Those men have read history to little purpose, -- and are profoundly ignorant of the spirit and temper of the American people, -- who look for a peaceful separation of this Union and the harmonious career of the Northern and Southern Confederacies which are to take its place. If we have Disunion, we shall have War. Mr. Buchanan is encouraging the one; -- it is not in his power to prevent the other." (New York Times editorial, December 10, 1860)
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