Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1861-03-21


from the White house would save many froE
ruin.
Ons word from the White house would glad
den every part Of the land. Let that word be
spoken, and let the word be peace, and there
/ will be such a shout Of ioY resounding through
this country as has not been heard since the
Declaration Of Independence. There were
other reasons why this important word should
be spoken, and IN this connection be mem
toned the fact that The elections are coming
on, and in choosing members OF Congress the
people have a right to know whether the poll
cY IL peace or war. The States In whose lin
its the forts are located are entitled 70 hold
them, unless there Is something peculiar which
requires them 20 be possessed FOR national pur-
poses. It 90 happens as to the latter with the
forts at Tortugas. They ars essential, With
out reference to the seeded States.
Il was idle 10 endeayor to arrive at the ques-
ton. Il Is no longer ~ TO the collection Of
the revenue, or taking care Of public property.
The question is whether we are going to re-
duee the Southern CoDfederacy TO subsection
or not. He presumed Senators are convinced
By this tins that th It means war. We cannot
deny that there is a Southern ConfedeTscy De
facto in existence, with lts capital At Mont
gomsry. We might regret 1t. He did most
profoundly but be could net deny she fact,
painfully notifying as 1t Is. But IL the Re-
publieans, after meeting in caucus, could not
silence others, they kept silent themselves, as
they were divided into c~ompromisers and non
compromises, disunior and Union Republic
caDs-war and peace Republicans.
Mr.. Fessenden inquired whether the Senator
meant that the Republicans had in caucus re-
solved to keep silent.
Mr.. Douglas replied that he did not mean to
intimate. He said frankly be heard It rumorsd
and supposed it to be true.
Mr.. Fessenden said It wss untrue from be-
ginning to end.
Mr.. Douglas. But it comes from your side
Of the house. At any rate, you are silent over
wrecked on a Misrepresentation as to the policy
Of the Administration
He desired to know whether the Administra-
ton meant peace or war. II war was designed
II will require a large army. Rumor says that
estimates have already been made that two
hundred and fifty thousand men would be
required, which will require an expenditure OF
s316,G00,0G0 annually. Remember, the men
to be called for in the eighteen free States are
to fight those in the fifteen slave States. Are
we prepared for this line OF policy?
Silence is criminal when we are on the eve
Of events like these. His opinion was, We
must ehooVe promptly one Of three lines Of
policy. First, the restoration and preservation
Of the Union by such amendment to the Con-
~stitution as will insure domest tranquility,
safety and the equality Of all the States, and
thus restore peace, unity and fraternity to the
whole country.
Seeendly-A peaceful dissolution o. the
Union by Recognizing the Independence Of
these States, as they refuse to remain In the
Union without such constitutional amendments
as will secure their rights, and the establish
ment OF q liberal system Of commerce and social
intercourse with them by treaties OF com
merce and amity.
Thirdly-War, With a view to their subjuga-
ton and military occupation OF those States
which have seeded and may seeede from the
Union. The sooner the choice Is made the
better for you and for every friend sf liberty
and constitutional government throughout the
world. The first proposition is the best and the
last lie the worst.
Mr.. Douglas proceeded to argue in favor OF
the first proposition, saying that If proper
amendments be made to the Constitution the
border States will remain with US, and the gulf
States will return. He congratulated the Re-
publieans that, in organizing governments
for Nevada, Colorado and Daeotsh, they
omitted the Wilmot proViso. II thus abandon
ing their aggressive policy in the Territories
they had come over 10 him. /, be said, receive
you with kindness. daughter.
/ welcome you-I forgive you all acts Of IN
kindness, and insults, and ISLANDERS heaped on
my devoted head. I forgive you ali for this
one act Of devotion to your country. II is our
duty to adopt such amendments TO the Consti-
tuition as viii insure domestic tranquility and
give equality to all the States Of the Union.
Do this, and the Union will be restored and
preserved to all generations.