I have reason to believe this fear is entirely groundless. South Carolina will do nothing hastily which will involve a collision with the Federal authorities. Her first move will be to send Commissioners to Washington to arrange all matters amicably if possible. They will lay before the President the application of their State to be recognized as an independent Government, on condition of paying her proportion of all public liabilities, and to have surrendered to her such public property as may be located within her territorial limits.
This proposition the President will communicate to Congress with a favorable recommendation, and the hope is entertained that Congress will authorize the President to make the surrender, and arrange with that State all the details necessary to avoid collision. Such is the present programme of the parties concerned, and one which members of the Administration believe will be successful and satisfactory.
Once again the NYTimes got it wrong.