Cincinnati daily press. [volume] (Cincinnati [Ohio]) 1860-1862, 1860-12-25

They desire 10 dsseuN w bh0 PiOPOsi'iOhi 'ii'''
the secession Of one or more States destroys |
the integrity of the "United States of Amer
ican as a government, When they come to |
give that question practical determination,
they will probably ascertain that secession
from, and dissolution of, the Union, are two |
very different things. Dissolution is not a
necessary consequence of disiutegration,
even if tho latter were practicable under
the Constitution. The integrity Of this |
nation as the "United States of America"
does not depend upon its being composed of
any given number of States. So long as t'oo |
or more States remain loyal to the Constitu-
ton and the laws made in pursuance thereof
Just so long will it remain the "United
States of America; y, and its dissolution or
destruction will depend simply upon its in
ability 10 maintain the one and enforce the
Other against nullifers and traitors within,
and invaders from without. The States pro-
posing to secede have an immense interest
in confounding the terms secession and dis
solution. IT. by the former, they could Sc
cure the latter, then might they come in for
an equitable allotment of their undivided
interest in the territory and other property
of the Government held by them while par
ties to the Union.
But, as secession is an act of usurpation,
unprovided for under the Constitution, they
can have no lawful redress; for the Govern
ment itself has neither authority nor power
to authorize a State to secede; in other
words, to be party to its own disintegra-
tion. The authority exists no where, by
which State or States, or the Federal Gov
ernment itself, can lessen the boundary of the
Federal domain; and this disability must
continue until the Constitution, in accord
ance with its provisions, shall have been so
amended or altered as to permit the exercise
of such power. But, while thus denying
the rioht of any State to secede, we hold to
The opinion that the loyal citizens OF these
United States will consult their best interests
by throwing no coercive obstruction in the
way of those persons who may desire to re-
anoue Themselves from under the fostering care
and protection of the Federal Government
Let the General Government continue to
exercise its functions as heretofore. Let it
maintain its defenses, collect its revenues
and enforce its laws against all who may
seek TO invade the first, obstruct the second
or resist the latter. The Notifications and
defenses Of the nation are intended for its
protection throughout its entire boundary,
and no State or States can be permitted to
cut section out of that Gordon, by which a
door will be opened for invasion. from
. without.
If the governmental postal arrangements
within State are unacceptable to the in-
habitants thereof, let them be discontinued.
The facilities thus afforded are probably of
as much interest to them as to the Govern
ment; and if they will not attend to the
distribution of mail matter, it would be
gratuitous to send the matter there. The
Federal Courts are established within the
States as a medium of redress for the citi-
Iens of said States. If the citizens of either
of the States indicate the non n-necessity Of
their continuance, by failing to supply the
necessary officers for their maintenance, the
citizens at large may find their redress by 9
redistrctiDg of those Courts by Congress
As 20 the collection of the revenues of the
General Government that is a matter tha
concerns citizens in general. Receivers o
customs are but agents of the Government
stationed at different points. If no ont
within the limits of particular State car
be found, willing to perform this Office, ii il
only necessary for the Government to senC
those who are willing to perform such serv
ice; and the citizens at large, when cale'
.,-S. - A. onnof;tuffouoI authnritiaa vii
see to it, that they are promptly and eff
cientIy sustained in the prosecution of
necessary and constitutional duty. . N
State will be permitted to serve as channG
through which importations may escape th
duties thereon imposed. The forts of th
Government, and revenue-cutters statione
at the forts Of entry, will well subserve th
purposes Of abandoned custom-houses.
If, then, while in the exercise of its legt
mate functions, the Government should
assailed or obstrueted, does any man in h
senses suppose for a moment, that it wou
not be cheerfully, heartily and Efficient
sustained by all RsedfuI meaps, by every tn
and loyal citizen2 By thus adopting
defensive but effective policy, the free Stat
ana tno DOlueT oldNc DthbO9 NOuAo hhN "
little pretext for the exercise of their syI
pathes in behalf of those States that are
insaDely bent upon the ruin of this great a
glorious nation.
"A, in pursuance of such policy on
part Of the Government, the refractory Sta
or States can obtain any substantial g
Vsntsges by secession, or can thereby seeu
to themselves any glory or reputation
wisdom; then win the result be mutua
satisfactory.
The inhabitants Of the North are neitl
O braggArt nor menacing people, and
the past, have proven themselves eminen
patient and forbearing, in the face of insu
wrongs and outrages that would b
aroused, long ere this, the rebellious sp
OF Others, less discreet and less wise.
The time has come, however, when earn
warning may not Be out of place. IL in
couTse Of events, il should become manii
that the dearest interests of the people arr
be pusillanimonsly sacrificed or wantO
betrayed By those in authority, then '
that people arise in the majesty of th
strength, and buFl from place aud fl
power those who may thus dare 70 disho
and betray the sacred trust reposed in d