of his official position. But the voice of public sentiment imperatively demanded that some demonstration should be made for the assistance and support of the commandment of Fort Sumter, which seemed to be in greater peril at that moment than any other of the Federal fortresses. Accordingly, a vessel named the Star of the West, was freighted with provisions and ammunition, and dispatched from New York to the port of Charleston. It was the hope of the nation that efficient relief would by this means be afforded to Major Anderson; and that he would be so far strengthened, as to be able to resist with success any attack which the Rebels might make upon him. Such, however, was not destined to be the case. As the Star of the West hove in sight off the bar of Charleston, she was greeted with a discharge of artillery from the shore. As she continued to approach the salute became warmer and more effective. At length the fire from Morris Island assumed a really dangerous vigor and fury. Then the commander of the vessel gave the order to port her helm; she turned her head; doubled upon her track; proceeded out over the bar; and thence sailed back to New York. A more miserable and abortive attempt to accomplish any purpose could not possibly be conceived. This result excited general surprise and disgust throughout the nation. People of every class and every party inquired why the Federal Government, once so powerful and so prompt in the public service, both civil and military, had suddenly become so utterly imbecile and worthless, that an armed rebellion against the Government could pursue its insulting and defiant course, could plunder public property, could declare its intention to attack and capture Federal fortresses; and yet, all that the General Government could accomplish, after three months of menace on the part of the enemy, and of deliberation on the part of the Administration, was the sending of a single unarmed vessel, with a few men and some supplies, to make, as it were, a mere dumb show of relief, snd then return again, without having accomplished anything. What the real secret of this mysterious policy may have been, the future historian and apologist of the administration of James Buchanan must explain, and, if possible, must vindicate.

Meanwhile, the establishment of the Rebel Government was progressing at its infant seat of empire. On the 15th of February the Congress at Montgomery appointed a committee to make suitable arrangements for the reception of the new President, and for the ceremonies of his inauguration. This committee performed their duties with energy and success; and Jefferson Davis was inducted into his office on the ensuing eighteenth of the month, in the capitol of the State, with as much pomp and ceremony as could be mustered for the occasion. The speech delivered by the new President was elaborated with much care, and was well adapted to the circumstances under which it was uttered.

Mr. Davis concluded his address with pious allusions to the blessings