Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1860-10-25
A Sensible Alabamian.

Weciip the following IRON the mooSs9
Advertiser, to which IL is communicated by
a writer who may undoubtedly be regarded
as fairly representing the prevalent good
sense of the people, even In the Cult States:
LikcoLSs SOUTHERN orrfcERs.
The probable election Of Lincoln has
educed many projects, declarations and CO n
lectures upon the policy, duty, and probsb le
decision and action of the South, should
that event occur. The ultra party declares
for immediate disunion; more timid party
proposes only a srllen and negative resist.
ance--the refusal TO hold office under him.
and the tarring and featherng of any who
dare acce ,t office under him; a third and
more moderate party declare that the mere
election If any man. in a constitutional
manner, is no cause for disunion or other re-
sistsnce. They say. let him be inaugurated
and let US wait for some overt act Of ag-
gressiop, and stand prepared to resist it,
Without Recommending the pclicy. Of either
the immediate boilers or the watch and
walters, propose to show that the plan OF
the middle party--those who will not hold
office, nor let Others hold it, Is utterly puer-
lie and futile. Let Us test the working OF
their project in A ALBANIA. Say Lincoln Is
eIected-is inaugurated. and instantly all
Federal officers in Alabama resign. None
dare accept, snd the Offices remain vacant.
This may seem very spirited and patriotic,
but ask cut bono. what's the good TO result
r. ;t1 c,.,. L.. 4.
of Federal officeholders in Alabama, to wit:
the officers of the Federal Courts, Land
Officers, Postmasters, and Collectors Of the
Customs. The Judges Of the Courts hold
office Tor life. aad therefore do not hold Of
fee under any administration. Suppose
that there be no Marshals or District Attor-
neys in the Federal Courts. Suppose even
that the Courts be shut up, what good will
that accomplish! What would Lincoln care
if the Courts were closed! How would it
interfere with his administration Next
come the Land Offi,ers. Suppose the land
Offices were closed, who would be injured
or annoyed by It, Lincoln or our own peo.
pie! The Government derives a paltry
pittance from the sale Of its bit an-ncre land
which it can spare without inconve nience.
Ii the Offices were closed. our own people
who want the land could not gs: it. Next
the Postmssters. Suppose the mails are
stopped, who will be Injured, Lincoln, or
our people! The mails are given to US as a
boon, at an expense to the Government. and
are an indispensable necessity to US. What
would Lincoln care if we stole the mails'--
Not fig. And last of all, the Custom
House Officers. From the receipts of our
Custom House, Government derives about a
million dollars per anuum. This Is the only
department of the Federal Government the
obstruction Of which would injurs or annoy
the Administration. But we have no means
OF obslructing the collection Of customs
Suppose none Of our people dare accept
Custom House offices, then Lincoln will find
Northern men who will accept them. Sup
pose they dare not land upon our soil, then
they can remain on shipboard, and collect
customs on board revenue cutter. And,
If need be, Congress can abolish Mobile as
a port of entry. What good would that do
the business and commerce Of Mobilel
think that have demonstrated the folly
and futili'y of the project proposed by the
party who would by terror, OF violence, or
public odium, prevent persons from holding
effice under Lincoln. They would deprive
us of the mails, an indispensable necessity;
they would close the Land Offices and the
Courts, which would be matter of indif
ference to the Administration; and the at
tempt to prevent the collection sof Customs
would be ridiculous failure. Away, then
with such triing. Let us take more man.
" course. If Lincoln should be elected, a
Convention Of the people of Alabama IL
already provided for by law. That Conven.
tion must determine whether the election
Of Lincoln justifes withdrawal from the
Union. if so, very well. Let us pack up
and 60. II. however, the people, in Con
vention, determine that it does not justify
dsunion, and they prefer to remain in thu
Union, then let the legitimate operations o
the Government 60 on as before. Let III
try no childish whms which will annoy non,
but ourselves. BEN LANE.
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