Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1860-12-21
DIsunfOn from a Love of Disu-
nfOn--DisunfOh by Reason Of q
Failure to Correct the Breach
es of the Constitution.


es of the Constitution.
Passing by as number too few even to
merit classification, those citizens of the
South who are liable to Che reproach OF
"Submissionists," two parties do actually
exist in the South impelled in their action
by different motives, and animated with
different emotions in the position which they
occupy in regard to the present political
crisis, and the future destiny of the Union
and the States of the Union. There does
exist in the South party of men who are
disunionists per se-not disunionists alone
because Of failure on the part of the North
ern people to fulfill the obligations which
they, through their State sovereignties, as
sumed in the Federal Constitution-not
from any dark spot which might tarnsh the
bright escutcheon of their honor, by virtue
of their utilization with the North-but DIS
unionists, believing that the Cotton States
will be advanced in the scale of wealth,
prosperity, happiness and glory to an inf
nitcly higher degree, if separated from. the
States of the North and coufederated in
government of their own, than if they are
members of the present Federal Union. even
if all tae provisions of the Federal Constitu-
ton are fully complied with, and every right
and guarantee contained in the government
is honestly adhered to. We do not think
we would he hazarding too much when we
express the opinion that South Carolina en-
tertains this sentiment, and all those of the
South who are willing to secede from the
Union, notwithstanding satisfactory assu-
RANGES and perfect guarantees are given by
the North that hereafter our privileges and
our property shall sustain no damage from
Northern legislation, and ample indemnifi-
cation is provided for every attack on indi-
vidual rights and interests by fanatical mobs
and abandoned outlaws.
There does exist in the South party
bold, brave, conservative party-which
does not only act for the protection of their
present interests, and the vindication of their
honor, but are melted in their purposes by
the purest motives of philanthropy and pa
triotism which ever actuated any body of
men striking for the freedom oftheir coun-
try and the safety aud integrity Of their
household affairs. That party is the one
which agrees to remain 10 the Union, am
pie satisfaction being given by notorious
deed and legitimate method, that abolition
fanaticism shall no more triumph over and
trample upon Southern interests and South
ern property. To condense in few words:
we have disunionists through love Of dis
union. and we have disunionists through q
hatred to usurpation and tyranny. We
have no word of disrespect for South Caro-
lima and other Southern States which see
proper to leave the Union. They are Sow
ereign States, entitled to judge and act fol-
themselves, and to weigh the consequence
of their acts. There have been grievoul
breaches Of the federal bond, we know, anC
it affords them favorable occasion to hois
that banner of Secession, with no alterna
tive of change. But whilst we concede t.
these States the power to determine thei
own destiny, we, without the slightest hes
itancY, attach ourselves to that party which
believes that the Federal Government, i
legitimately administered and honestly ad
hered to, is the best adapted to the condi
ton and the hopes Of the people of the U
nited States of North America, of any 9th
err species of government we have ever reae
of or ever heard of.
We are for continuation of the Fedora
Union, if the Northern people repudiate anc
abandon their unjust course, and afford us
sufficient security that they mean to deal
honestly with the South in this regard. We
ore for secession on the part of Virginia,
the border States and the South, and prop
err division Of the common property, if this
security is not given.
After secession, new Considerations, we
have no doubt, will be formed. We trust,
sincerely trust, that every Southern State
will be member of common Confedera-
ton if this necessity-which Heaven forbid
is forced upon us.
We hope that those true friends of Jus
tice in the North who have stood by us in
the darkest hour Of our peril. will either
make their homes in this Southern Repub-
lie, Or correct public opinion and control
public sentiment in their own States suffi
GENTLY to justify the South in receiving them
into any future alliance which they may a.
dept. We are determined to unite with
no State which does not admit Virginia.
equality with her-does not eschew every
badge of royalty, and every idea of arlstoc-
racy, monarchy and caste. We must have
Confederacy of free States, under free
government, with written Constitution -
If Virginia cannot get this, let Virginia
stand alone or fall. 4.