The Evansville daily journal. [volume] (Evansville, Ia. [i.e. Ind.]) 1848-1862, 1860-12-14
REMARKS of Hon. o. p. Morton

Remarks of Hon o. p. Morton
AtMe Republican ,JoMLfcqt;on Of the 22nd
NoU upon the subject Of Secession, togeth-
er acith the AnS3rers to the Questions pro-
posed 5y Gordon Tanner, Esq.
(PUBLIsuED BY REQUEST OF TIE MEETINC.)
We hear much said against the policy Of
coercing South Carolina in case she attempts
to secede.
What is coercion but the enforcement of
the laws? Is anything else intended or re-
ouired ? Secession or notification can only
be regarded by the General Government as
individual action upon individual response
bility. Those concerned in it cannot in
trench themselves behind the forms Of the
State Government so as to give their con-
duct the semblance of legality, and thus de-
volve the responsibility upon the State Gov
eminent, which of itself is irresponsible.
The Constitution and Laws of the United
States operate upon individuals, but not
upon States, and precisely as if there were
no States.
In this matter the President has no dis
cretion He has taken a solemn oath to en-
force the laws and preserve order, and to
this end he has been made commander-in-
chief of the army aud navy. How can be
be absolyed from responsibility thus devolv-
ed upon him by the Constitution aud his Of
fetal oath?
Can it be done by the resolutions Of con
ventions, the advice Of the newspapers or
even decided proponderance OF public
opinion ,--s ...
There is but one way in which the Presi-
dent can be absolved from his duty to exert
all the power renosed in his hands by the
Constitution TO enforce the laws in South
Carolina, which is by acknowledging her
independence. The Constitution provides
! that Congress may admit new States into
/ the Union, but there is no pro, sion for
( turning one out or for permitting one to go
! out. State once admitted into the Union
| becomes part OF the body of the nation,
and severance or secession is not contem-
/ plated by the Constitution us permissible or
possible.
II Congress possesses the power to aC-
knowledge the independence OF a State aud
/ thus place it without the pale of the Union,
it must result from an memorable necessity
produced Ivy n successful revolution. While
| IL State is III the Union there is no power
under the Constitution for the general and
State governments to enter into negotia-
tons aud to treat with each otter No
government possesses the constitutional
mower to disInembcr itself.
4 If the power does exist in this govern
ment to acknowledge the independence OF
! South Carolina, or any other State, il can
only be exercised by an act Of Congress
The President of himself would not possess
it, and consequently, until released from his
duty by such acknowledgement he must
exert his power to enforce the laws.
WHAT IS THE DUTY or THE GOVERNMENT ?
If an attempt at secession be made there
is but one of two courses to lie pursued.
Either to allow the seeding State
peaceahy to go and set up for herself as an
independent government, or else by the
police or military power Of the United
States compel an observance of the laws
and submission to constitutional obliga-
tions.
Let us consider what would he the con-
sequence of adopting the former course. Il
we allow State peaceably TO secede, we
thereby concede the right in the most Snb-
stantial and solemn manner. 1t would be
e sheer nonsense to allow a State, especially
4 a weak one like South Carolina, TO secede
and yet deny the right Of secession, and thai
other States may not retire in the. same
: manner whenever they see proper. We
: can not, therefore, allow South Carolina &c
a secede without conceding the right, anc
Z thereby settling the principle as 10 the re
naming States. The right of secession
: conceded the nation is dissolved. Intead o
having a nation-one mighty people-w'
: have but a collection aud combination 0
t thirty-three independent and petty States
S held together by treaty which has hith
/. erto been called Constitution, of the inirac
!. ton OF which each STATE S to be the judge
: and from which any State may withdraw a
pleasure.
e 1t would not be twelve nIcnths until !
: project of a Pacific Contederacy would b
: set on foot California and Oregon, bein!
c each sovereign and independent woul'
: have a right to withdraw from their preSen
partnership and. form new one, or torn
i two separate nations. In doing SO tue.
d would act with far greater show OF reaso
is and far better prospects ofsuccess than Sout
d Carolina. They are. separated from tn
IT other States by thousands Of miles OF barre
: plains and snow clad mountains. Thel
a commerce is naturally with the East Indie
r and the isles of the Pacific ocean. The Il
lie of commercial interests between them an
rs the other States is weaker than that whic
v binds together any other sections OF the Re
public. -s.s .-.-T.sg
e. The right Of secession conceded, and th
DC way to do it having been shown to be SAT
u and easy-the- prestige of the RcpubiI
gone--the National pride extingushed Wit
en- the National idea secession would becOm
Id the remedy ior every State and sections