Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1853-1862, 1861-07-07
rhe Neutrality: of Kentucky


There Is one point in the message of the Northern
usurper that is calculated to open the eyes of ALL
who have advocated neutrality in either of the
Southern States. 1t is particularly adapted to the
condition of Kentucky. Many Of the people of that
State have advocated strict neutrality between the
North and the South, believing that they would be
enabled to keep themselves free from the contrc-
Yersy, and save their State from the horrors of
war.
The Legislature of the State adopted resolutions,
declaring that Kentucky would remain neutral in
Che contest, and would not permit the passage of
sroops over her soil from either party. The Gov
ernor, in accordance with these resolutions issued
3 P olamation warning both parties from violating
hi neutrality Inasmueha all of LIScoLNs acts were
gross usurpatons of power and clearly in derogation
of the constitution Kentucky had perfect right
to assume this position because any allegiance she
owes to the Federal Government Is under and by
virtue Of the constitution and when that is violated
and disregarded, she is at perfect liberty to refuse
obedience TO an unconstitutional authority.
Butt was delusion to suppose that the usurper
would respect this neutrality. Assuming that while
State remains in the Union it is bound to obey all
his edicts no matter how arbitrary or unconstitu-
tionRl he claims perfect allegiance and demands the
right to prosecute hostilites against the Southern
States, across Kentucky soil He says that this
neutrality is impossible and would site the hands Of
Unionists and feed the insurrectionists."
The objection to it, thus stated is that it will
prevent LINCOLN from carrying on war of inva.
sion against States which lie beyond the neutral
territory. He says it recognizes ne fidelity to
the Constitution and no obligation to maintain the
Union" The truth is that neutrality in this war
simply brands LNcOLN's acts as usurpations, and
the Union which he upholds as a despotism.
But his acts being usurpatiOns, and his Union a
despotism, neutrality to it is not enough. Armed
hostility to 1t can alone a State from its en-
eroachments and preserve the liberties and rights of
the States and Of the people. LINCOLN will not re-
cognize such neutrality. Nothing will do but alb
ect obedience to his tyranny and submission to his
usurpatons. VIII Kentucky obey, like a slave,
thia last decree of the uIurper9 Win she eringe
and crouch at his feet and be driven by his scourge
into internecine war upon her Southern sisters
VIII she allow her soil to be made the theatre of
hostlities forced upon her unwillingly by this
tyrant, without srousing her ancient man
hood and chivalry and resisting an uncon-
stitutional tyranny, carried on under the mock
cry of unfolding free Government upon the
earth? viii she adopt all of LIxCoLN's sophisms,
and approve his perjured acts, by which he has
overturned the Constitution and would now make
slaves of the whole South The issue is fairly made
up by the usurper. and Kentucky must now choose
her course. 1t remains to be seen how she will
act. Her glory or her shame depends upon the re-
Spouse she may give.