The weekly Mississippian. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1859-1864, 1860-01-25

peaceably, and that be Is in Ayor OF psaessois
secession.
Mr. Singleton. Yes sir.
Mr. Kilgore. Ec follows up that deeIara,
ton, however, by saying that the South VIII
not permit the Inauguration OF Black nc
publican President | ask him how II can
prevent that, peaceably?
Mr.. Singleton. Why sir, by seve1lng our
connection with you. You may mike MN
President of the Northern States, but you can
not make him President of this Republic. l
do claim the right Of peaceable Sc es'ion. l
say that the STAT s have the right TO Judge oil
the time and manner Of secession; and l
should ike to know of the gentleman whether
he would undertake to prevent our going out,
or to bring US back again forcibly, If we do go
out? VIII you answer that question!
Mr.. Kileore. | am rot 10 answer for any
body but myself.
Mr. Singleton. Then I want you to an
swer for yourself.
Mr.. Kilcore So far as am concerned, |
should regret exceedingly to see disunIon. L
represent portion of the great West we
arc a conservative people. We are disposed
to hold this Union together, peaceably IL we
can; and we are in favor Of administering a
Little chastisement on those who would at
tempt to resort to force TO overthrow the Gov-
eminent
Mr. Singleton. Then you would attempt
TO force US back?
Mr.. Kilgore. Yes: by all legal and legiti-
mate means. If men commit treason, anu
levy war against the Government they must
suffer for il.
MIR. Singleton We DO not intend to carry
on war against the Government while We live
under it; but we do claim right to sever all
connection with you. We were originally
thirteen sovereign States, recognized as such
by Great Britain, and these sovcreignties made
the Constitution which binds us together.
W hen we leave you, we expect to occupy pre-
c'Seiy the same position that we did before we
came into the confederation Of States
thank the gentleman for the word chas-
tisement." That is a thing which we do not
submit to in the South.
Mr. hilgore. / did not use the word in an
offensive sense. l merely speak of the legal
cnastlsement OF those who violate the laws or
commit Treason. | meant no other chastise-
ment.
Sir. Singleton. am glad to hear the gen
deman explain it in that way; because there
are very few white people in the South who
would submit to anything of the kind; and
accept the gentleman's explanation. When
ever gentlemen undertake to play that game
with us, they will find US ready for them.
There is not boy ten years old in the State
OF Mississippi who does not know how TO
handle the shot gun and rifle. Whenever you
undertake to speak of chastisement, just let
Us know what you mean, and we will engage
to take care Ct ourselves.
Mr.. Nlsore. | repeat that | did not use
the word in an offensive sense but permit ne
to say to the gentleman, that an acquaintance
with the use Of the shot gun and rifle is mol
restricted to the South. They were the toys
Of nay childhood, and tools Of my trade, with
which |, in part earned my living in after
days.
Mr., Singleton. Well; hope that; when
the times comes round, and you undertake tc
ci2stise Us, you will come down with your
shotgun. would advise you. however, moi
to cucumber yourself too much; because, IN
your fight, You might want to get rid of al
UNNECESSARY articles.
Mr.. kilgore. | would say to the gentle
il&u, am not one Of the artillery that file:
from danger.
Mr Singleton Well: we will see when
you come down South. We will then be able
20 test you.
Mr, Kilgore But am not going South
laughter,
Mr.. Singleton. Docs the gentleman pre-
tead to say that there is no time, in the histo-
~ Of the Government, when State may be-
come the judge Of the mode and manner oil
redress against the grievances Of the General
Government?
Mr.. kigoae. | say to the gentleman, en-
phatieal!y, that any State of the Confederacy,
if impropcrli infringed upon by the powers OF
the General Government, would have a right
10 seceds after exhausting all legal and consti-
tuti1naI means for redress, though it might
amount to revolution.
Mr. Singleton. Then, if State has the
right TO seceie, how can the gentleman claim
the right for the remaining States to coerce us D.?
II q State has the right of secession from the
Union, It is surely most illogical and unphilo-
SoPhical to claim that there is an antagonistic
ri ht existing in the General Government, or
in the other States, to coerce her to stay in, or
attempt to bring her back against her will.
We claim this right, and whenever the time
comes, we mean to exercise it.
V it'll my apologies to the House for this
very rambling speech, have done.