THE NATIONAL CRISIS: Secession Speech by Senator Benjamin, of Louisiana; THE DISUNION MOVEMENT; Two War Vessels Ordered to Charleston (1/1/1861)

New York Times archives – Times Machine ^ | 1/1/1861

[Homer_J_Simpson]

WASHINGTON, Monday, Dec. 31.

The scene in the Senate to-day was the most intensely exciting that was ever witnessed in that chamber. Senator BENJAMIN, of Louisiana, who, it had been reported, would make a conciliatory speech, gave out that he would make a parting secession speech, -- an announcement which drew an immense audience. Every corner was crowded. The lobbies were full. Senator BENJAMIN spoke calmly throughout, but the character of his speech at the close opened up to everyone the new era in national affairs. His closing declaration, that the South could never be subjugated, was greeted by the galleries with disgraceful applause, screams and uproar. It was evidently the act of persons who had purposely packed the galleries. For this demonstration the galleries were promptly cleared, but as the people passed out, remarks were current among the mob such as "That's the talk " -- "Now we will have war" -- "BENJAMIN's a brick" -- "D -- n the Abolitionists" -- "ABE LINCOLN will never come here."

Senator BAKER, of Oregon, has the floor for Wednesday morning. He will make a powerful Union speech, and, if to-night's reports of an attack on Fort Sumter are true, a war speech, if necessary, in favor of punishing treason.

The scene in the House was also highly interesting.

Mr. BARKSDALE demanded a settlement at once.

Several Republicans and Northern Democrats responded spiritedly, "Let's have it, then!" Mr. MCCLERNAND, of Illinois, shook his finger at BARKSDALE and HINDMAN, vocifering loudly, "Come on! come on! now we are ready to meet you, and settle it quickly!" Great confusion prevailed, which finally subsided through the efforts of Mr. HILL, of Georgia, Mr. SHERMAN, of Ohio, and others.

[Homer_J_Simpson]

Free Republic University, Department of History presents U.S. History, 1855-1860: Seminar and Discussion Forum
Bleeding Kansas, Dred Scott, Lincoln-Douglas, Harper’s Ferry, the election of 1860, secession – all the events leading up to the Civil War, as seen through news reports of the time and later historical accounts

First session: November 21, 2015. Last date to add: Sometime in the future.
Reading: Self-assigned. Recommendations made and welcomed.

Posting history, in reverse order

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Link to previous New York Times thread

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[Homer_J_Simpson]

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[Homer_J_Simpson]

The Times evidently put out two or three editions on New Year’s Day, with some pages repeated in each. The Times did not publish on January 2. Next news will be January 3.

The National Crisis: Secession Speech by Senator Benjamin of Louisiana – 2-3
The Disunion Movement – 3-6
Extra: Symptoms of Energy at last in the Government – 6
Editorial: The Prospects at Washington – 6-7
Editorial: Let the Pacific Railroad Bill Pass– 7-8
Editorial: 1861 – 8
Mr. Lincoln’s Cabinet: Rumors in Reference to Mr. Cameron, of Pennsylvania – 8