Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1853-1862, 1860-11-27
COl'nUNTCATTON.
Thought. ON the present crisis.

Thoughts ON the Present Crisis.
+" We in the midst Of a Revolution" were tn
opening words of an able speech delivered by
Great American Statesman on memorable Occa
sion, and whatever their applicability when used
they areInow uuquestonably true of our whole coun
try. 1t is measuraby useless on an occasion like the
present absolutely injurious to attempt any minute
analysis of the causes productive of this result. W.
can all agree that the constant bitter warfare main
tanned by the Republicans against the institution Of
slavery, is the evil the side and secession 10y
some Of the Southern States, causing disruption
of the Union, is the danger the other. What car
be done to prevent further aggression the part Of
the North andHuietrritation at thief out' are living
present questions of gigantic importance and requir
ing immediate solution
In order to meet the requirements of our position
it is absolutely necessary that we should free our
selves as faras bossibe,from the trammels Party
and this publication is an exceedingly Difficult ope
ration. 1t not only requires that should constant
ly examine ourselves and destroy the poison in
own bosoms, but that we should exercise the great
est lenityl and forbarance in critcisng the acts
opinions and conduct Of former political opponents
We ought to feel towards our former party names
and associations in this crisis as we would towards
a friendlor enemy who was dead. His history il
closed his map rolled up he is in the hands of hii
Greater and is no longer an object of hate and love
1t may not be possible Immediately 10 ATTAIN this
state of mind and to regulate our action according
ly, but unless we strive earnestly to approximate
such condition, we can never act in unison, and
our efforts will be divided and feeble. The proper
result may be greatly accelerated or altogether re
Judgment shown by the Press of the South Their re-
spOnsbliy is great at all times, but is preeminently
50 while the South is attempting 10 harmonic and
unite.
There are two classes Of opinion existent in the
South widely variant, and to a considerable extent
dependent on the geographical position of those en-
pertaining and expressing them. The border South
ern States have never in the main felt expressed
as lively an apprehension of the anti-slavery senti-
meut Of the North, or as much willingness to break
up the Union. as those bordering on the Ocean and
Gulf Whatever views or opinions may have been
cuunciated in Congress- party Conventions, or on
the nustings, as to the dangers Of RcpubEcansm or
the rights Of the South must be admitted that in
Delaware, Maryland, Missouri, Kentucky, Virginia,
North Carolina and Tennessee the idea of disunion
has never been practically before their minds unit
within the last few months. Statesmen and philoso
pliers have from tine 10 time given warning Of our
approach to disruption, but it fell upon the ears
our people like those Of the preacher to his congre
CATION when IN the enjoyment of health and pros
perity; we gave to it our formal assent but it work
ell no conviction our minds or change in our
course.
The idea Of disunion being thus practically new
10 rs. and rs unwelcome IS new, very many of our
people are disposed to utterly refuse it any consd-
oratiop-to deny the existence Of any positive evil
at present and promise themselves that if aggres.
sions arc continued, they viii in the future take
copnizance of the matter. Such persons suggest
that we ought to do nothing-take no steps for Sc
curity-rely on the fact that we have present ma
ioritv in both Houses of Congress, and on the Su-
preme Bench of the United States, and rest assured
that the Republican party will soon be broken up,
anil our old friendly relations restored
These views are in my opinion deceptive, and II
there were no other Southern States in the Union
except those mentioned above, and their people