The Potter journal. [volume] (Coudersport, Pa.) 1857-1872, 1860-09-20

SCHERZ, at Ferondah Hall, ST.
Louis, Aug l, 1860.
| will not compare the resources of the
South, in men aud money, 10 those of the
North, although statistical statements
would demonstrate the overwhelming su-
periority of the latter, We can afford TO
be liberal, and for argument sake, admit
that the South will equal the North in
numb bers and if they insist upon it ex-
eel us in martial spirit. Bua. it requires
very little knowledge Of military matters
to understand that, aside of uumbers,
equipment, courage and discipline, the
strength of any army consists IN its abili-
ty to concentrate IFS forces at all tlnies,
upon the decisive point Providence is
on the side of tae battalions, said Napo-
leon. That means not that victory will
always be with the most numerous army,
but with that which is always able to ap-
pear in strength where the decisive blow
is TO be struck An army that i> always
scattered over large surface, is properly
speaking. no army at all. Even by a
much less numerous, but concentrated
enemy. it will be beaten in detail, division
after division it is defeated before hay-
ing lost man. This is plain.
The South thinks of going to war for
the benefit and protection OF slavery =
But slavery is not merely an abstract
principle slavery consists materially in
the individual slaves--in SO and so many
millions OF human chattes, scattered over
so and SO many thousands of square
: miles. In order to protect slavery, it Is
) essential that the slave holders be pro
tected III the possession of their slaves.
| say, therefore, that slavery cannot be
protected in general without being pro-
tected in detail. But how can you pro
tect it in detail. By guarding fifteen
hundred niles of northern frontier and
two thousand uiles of sea coast against
an enemy who is perfectly free in MS
novemens, and aided by an extensive
railroad system, always able to concen'
trate his forces wherever he pleases 1t
is impossible +; the dullest understanding
sees it. 1t ray be said that it Will not
be necessary lndeeu, ioF TIE Iie0 1t"'es
it would not they may, in order TO con
centrate their forces, expose their Terri
tory for the damage done by an invasion
is easily repaired. The retreating inva
der cannot carry the liberties of the III
: vaded country away with him. [Cheers
Not so wrh slavery. A northern anti
t slavery army, or even small flying corps
invading holding State, wouio
: perhaps not Systematically ilberate the
slaves, but at all events it would h'.rdIJ
souander much time and health in catch
: ing the ruuaways. Applause and laugh
ter. The probability, therefore, is, tha
wherever a northern army appears, th'
/ slaves disappear, and slavery with then
: at least for the time being. Invade
j free State, ard the restoration OF liberty
l after the attack is repulsed, requires onl.
: the presence of freemen. Cheers i
But the restoration of slavery will require
: capital; that capital consisted principal,
y in the slaves the slaves have run away
3 aud with them the capital necessary TO
], the restoration of slavery. Cheers
e The slave States. therefore. cannot ex
" pose territory without leaving unprotecte'
p the institution, for the protection
which tie war was undertaken. The.