Chicago (IL) Tribune, “Quick, Sharp, and Decisive,” April 15, 1861

QUICK, SHARP, AND DECISIVE.

The act of the rebels has inaugurated the bloody strife. The voice of country is now for War. From all the North goes up a cry for a re-assertion of the outraged authority of the Government at any cost. The President and his advisers, moved by patriotism which has been kindled in every man’s breast, are responding to it with the earnestness which bids us hope for great results. The country, let them be warned, will be content with no half-way measures. Time for throwing turf has passed. Let the iron and leaden missives fly. Let the full power of twenty millions of men united in a common cause, be put forth. Let the money be poured out. Let the hammers resound in the armories. Let the men march forth. A quick, short, sharp but decisive contest, made by the Government with a force which nothing can resist, must re-establish its authority wherever the old flag has been wont to float. So says Pennsylvania, Ohio, Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Every other loyal State will acquiesce. Let not Illinois be behind in the patriotic work!