Boston (MA) Herald, "Disunion," December 31, 1860

DISUNION

The movements of the disunionists, and the complicity of Mr. Buchanan with the secessionists, is the only subject which occupies the public mind. Every day is bringing to light some new fact to prove the thorough organization of the Southern league to hasten on a dissolution of the Union. They have entire control of the Central Government, Mr. Buchanan, and all of the Departments, and have laid their plans broad and deep. All of the military posts at the South, according to reports, are well supplied with arms and military stores, with no men to protect them, so that they can be easily taken. Mr. Buchanan has refused to comply with the request of Major Anderson, to be reinforced, and has rejected the advice of Gen. Cass and Gen. Scott to order men to the forts in Charleston harbor. He is becoming intimidated by the indignation which his treasonable conduct is exciting throughout the country, and is fearful that Congress may impeach him, and hesitates before consenting to acquiesce in the demands of South Carolina to order Major Anderson back to Fort Moultrie. In consequence of this, the telegraph informs us that Gen. Floyd, the Secretary of War, has resigned, and Secretaries Thompson and Thomas threaten to do the same. What the result will be no one can now, with certainty, predict, because it cannot be ascertained how far the Government is committed to the disunionists. One thing, however, is evident, that South Carolina would not have dared to have taken the stand she has if a man like Gen. Jackson had been President. Public opinion should be brought to bear upon Mr. Buchanan to compel him to retrace his steps and not only sustain Major Anderson in his efforts at self-preservation, but to re-inforce him and send immediately one or more men-of-war to hold the nullifiers in check.

The people of the country will never consent to the wrongs which are being perpetrated by a wicked and vacillating Administration. Corruption of the foulest kind is practiced in high places, and the public are sick at heart as one development after another is made public. It is time the public should assemble in their strength and speech in terms not to be misunderstood and put down fanatics and traitors. – [Illegible] expected from partisan leaders [illegible] people act.

[Illegible] meeting in Boston, and throughout New England, to sustain the Union and to demand of the Administration a judicious enforcement of the laws and to instruct our Representatives in Congress to unite upon some plan of settling existing difficulties. Would it not be well for conservative Republicans to inaugurate the movement. They are coming into power on the 4th of March and can afford to be generous. By pursuing this policy they would disarm the fire-eaters, and strengthen the Union men at the South and in the Middle States. Repeal the Personal Liberty laws upon our statute books, and agree to stand by the Constitution, and if the olive branch of peace thus held out should be refused by the South, the North would then be united in forcing them into submission. Nothing would be gained by a dogged obstinacy, or by a foolish adherence to party policy. The moderate Republicans, old line Whigs and the Douglas men should come together and lay down a programme which shall be acceptable to the Middle States and to the conservative men at the South, and in this way restore peace to the country. The future prosperity and welfare of the country demands it; the great business interests of the North call for it; and thousands of Southern mechanics and laboring men have a right to expect it – and why not do it. No reform ever yet originated within the politicians. It must emanate from the people, and now is the time to begin the good work here in New England. The recent municipal elections in Massachusetts have done much good, and it should be followed up until agitators and disunionists are driven into retirement. Will it be done? We shall see.