upon the country.

Fourth. To do this we must dismiss the applicants for office. But
how? I suggest that we make the local appointments forthwith,
leaving foreign or general ones for ulterior and occasional action.

Fifth. The policy at home. I am aware that my views are singular
and perhaps not sufficiently explained My system is built upon this
idea as a ruling one, namely, that we must

CHANGE THE QUESTION BEFORE THE PUBLIC FROM ONE UPON SLAVERY, OR
ABOUT SLAVERY, for a question upon UNION OR DISUNION.

In other words, from what would be regarded as a party question, to
one of _Patriotism_ or _Union_.

The occupation or evacuation of Fort Sumter, although not in fact a
slavery or a party question, is so regarded. Witness the temper
manifested by the Republicans in the free States, and even by the
Union men in the South.

I would therefore terminate it as a safe means for changing the
issue. I deem it fortunate that the last administration created the
necessity.

For the rest, I would simultaneously defend and reinforce all the
ports in the Gulf, and have the navy recalled from foreign stations
to be prepared for a blockade. Put the island of Key West under
martial law.

This will raise distinctly the question of _Union_ or _Disunion_. I
would maintain every fort and possession in the South.

FOR FOREIGN NATIONS.

I would demand explanations from Spain and France, categorically,
at once.

I would seek explanations from Great Britain and Russia, and send
agents into Canada, Mexico, and Central America, to rouse a
vigorous continental spirit of independence on this continent
against European intervention.

And, if satisfactory explanations are not received from Spain and
France,

Would convene Congress and declare war against them.

But whatever policy we adopt, there must be an energetic
prosecution of it.

For this purpose it must be somebody's business to pursue and
direct it incessantly.

Either the President must do it himself, and be all the while
active in it, or

Devolve it on some member of his cabinet. Once adopted, debates on
it must end, and all agree and abide.

It is not in my especial province.

But I neither seek to evade nor assume responsibility.]

A month has elapsed, and the administration has neither a domestic nor a
foreign policy. The administration must at once adopt and carry out a
novel, radical, and aggressive policy. It