American union. [volume] (Morgantown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1855-1859, 1856-07-12
Thcao are seriou,. but prac...oal cues.

ncoo a.e SERIOUS, OUT pracs.cai CUES
tons, aud in order to appreciate them
fully, it is only necessary to turn the
tables upon ourselves. Suppose that
the South, having majority Of the O.
lectoral votes, should declare that they
would only have shareholders for Pres
idont and Vice President; and should
elect such by their exclusive suffrages
to rule over US at the North-do you
think we would submit to itf No, not
for moment. LApplause. And do
you believe that your Southern breth-
rem are less sensitive on this subject
than you are, or less jealous of their
rights? Tremendous cheering. If
you do, let me tell you that you are
mistaken and, therefore, you must
see that if this sectional party succeeds
it leads inevitably to the destruction of
this beautiful fabric, reared by our
forefathers, ceprented by their blood,
and bequesthed TO US az 4 priceless m
heritance.
I tell you, my friends, that I speak
warmly on this subject, for feel that
we are in danger. am determined to
make clean breast of it. / willwash
my hands of the consequences, what
everthey may be; and tell you that
we are treading upon the brink Of a
volcano, that is liable at any moment
to burst forth and overwhelm the ma
ton. 1 might, by soft words, hold out
delusive hopes and thereby win votes.
But / can never consent to be one
thing to the North and another to the
South. l should despise myself if I
could be guilty ofsuch evasion. [Tu-
multuous applause For my con-
science would still ask, with the dra-
matte poet aa"
ais there not some secret curse
Some hidden thunder red with immortal wrath.
To blast the wretch who owes his greatness
To his country's ruin Z" g [Cheers.l
In the language of the lamcnted, i'm
mortal CLAY" 1 had rather be right
than be President" Enthusiastic and
prolonged cheers.
1t seems to me impossible that those
engaged in this can have contemplated
the awful consequences Of success
If it breaks asunder the bonds of our
Union, and spreads anarchy and civil
war through the land, what is it less
than moral treason? Law and COM
mon sense hold man responsible for
the natural consequences of his acts,
and must not those whose acts lead to
the destruction of the government be
equally held responsible? Applause. ]
And let me also add, that when this
Union is dissolved, it will not be divid-
ed into two republics or two monar-
chies, but broken into fragments at war
with each other.
But fellow-citizens, I have perhaps
said all that was necessary on this sub
ject, and turn with pleasure to less
important, but more agreeable topic.
[Cheers. 1t has been my fortune,
during my travels in Europe, to wit
ness once or twice the reception of
Royalty, in all the pomp and splendor
of military array, where the music
was given to order, and the cheers at
word of command. But, for myself, I
prize the honest, spontaneous throb of
affection with which you have welcom-
ed me back to my native State above
all the pageants which royalty can dis
play. [Cheers.] Therefore, with a
heart overnowing with gratefel emo
tons, | return you thousand thanks,
and bid you adieu. prolonged APP
plause.l