The Ashland union. [volume] (Ashland, Ashland County, Ohio) 1854-1868, 1860-11-28

CO. [z-F -
If, in the mean time, any act shall be perpe-
tratcd which shall violate or impair the rights
of any eitizen or State, or ishall endanger the
peace and safety of any portion of our people
for which the Constitution and laws shall fail
to provide adequate and efficient remedies, tho
time will then have arrived for those who
thin K the Constitution has been ~disregarded
and the Federal power perverted to purposes
inconsistent with their safety, honor and equali-
ty, to consult and deliberate upon the nature,
extent and mode of redress. ~
ir I do not anticipate, nor do l deem it posi-
BILE in tho present condition of the country,
that, under the Administration of Mr.. Lincoln,
any act can be perpetratcd, that would destroy
or imgair- the Constitutional rights of the eiti-
zens, OF invade the reserved rights of the
States upon the subject of slavery but, if 1
should find myself painfully mistaken on this
poiRt, / have no hesitation in expressing my
deliberate conviction that such an outrage
would not only make the Southern people q
unit, but would arouse and consolidate all tie
conservative. elemeuts of the. North IN firm
and determined resistance, by overwhelming
In such an event, the, South would occupy
an impregnable position. With her own peo-
pie united and animated by one sentiment
the unfaltering resolve to maintain their rights
and liberties as won by the blood of their
fathers and guaranteed by the Constitution of
their, country they could safely rely upon the
Justice OF tAeir cause, and confidently expect
the sympathy Of the civilized world and the
choicest blessing of Divine Providence while
struggling for the right. Under these circum-
stances, 1 can perceive no just cause, no .reas-
onablc greand for such rash and Irecipitatc
action as would plunge into the horrors of rev.
~olution, anarchy and bal K ruptcy, tia happiest
people, the most prosperous country, and the
best Governmet the sun of Heaven ever shed
his genial rays upon y on - -
To those, if any such there may be, who
look upan d,sUnfeR assd a Southern Cenfeder.
aev as a thing desirable In itself, and are Only
I waiting for an opportunity to accomplish that
which had been previously resolved upon
the election of Lincoln may furnish a pretext
for prccipitating the Southern States intorevo-
luton. But te those who regard the Union
under the Consultation as our fathers made it,
the most precious legacy ever bequeathed to a
free people by a patriotic ancestry, and are de-
termi1ed to maintain it as their rights and
liberties, equality and honor, are protected by
it, the election of Mr.. Lincoln, in my humble
opinion, presents no just cause, no reasonable
excuse, fur disun:on. .. s
j. Having discussed all the questions at Issue
freely ana elaborotely in my address to the
people during the recent canvass, [ do not per-
eeive that any patriotic, objection can be ad-
vanced by any further public discussions on
my part prior to r~esuming my seat in the Sen
ate. That the passions and animosities en-
rendered Big recent contests may soon give
place TO reason and patriotism; that calm and
wise counsels, may prevail, and fraternal feel
ing be restored; that the Constitution may be
preserved insiolate, and the Union maintain
ed forever, is the ardeat hope end ferYent
prayer of your friend and fellow citizen,
:, ~ e.. -. - ~ S.1A. DOUGLAS.
New Orleans, November Is, 1860. H.l