The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1861-05-25
Sukjugation Of the South.

This term is made use of by the leaders
OF the Southern reSolution 10 arouse the
masses OF the people TO take up arms
against the Federal Government Think
ing men can not be deceived BY such .
cry as this, however much it may influence
the oaser passions of tie ignorant The
simple explanation Of this whole matter 10
that the United States Government,
whether headed 10y Abraham Lincoln,
John {. breckenridge or Stephen A. Dous.
las, exercises, by virtue Of the constitu.
ton, supreme authority over every State
and Territory; and every Governor Of
e!ery State, and every Federal and State
Judge, when about to enter upon the du-
ties OF Office, are required 10 support and
uphold, under oath, the constitution Of
the United States The very organization
OF the Federal government was based upon
tn idea, and all the State govern u,ents
and all State couIts, and held in suit ordi-
nation to this supreme power. Were this
not so, State at any time could arrest
the execution of the Federal laws, and tire
government would be comparatively At
the mercy OF Il State convention or State
legislature. lf, on the theory Of sscNo.
sion, State may withdraw at pleasure,
thsn there could be no possibility OF max
ing and faithfully carrying out treaties
with foreign powers, protecting citizens in
foreign lands, borrowia: money for suy
purpose, and exercising those functions
that alone belong to general government
No; IT was tne intention of the States
when the coneti ution was adopted to
form a perfect tn,on and furthermore, to
clothe the government with power to exc
cute tho laws Of Congress against all vio-
iators. This is all that the Federal gov
eminent is now trying 10 do. 1t says to
the Southern people, Obey the laws, and
you shall have, as heret,f,i Q, all the pro-
lection To life and property that you de-
sire. The government could do no less;
/ II seeks TO do no more; and ali this talk
about subjugat:on is mere claptrap. II
, South Carolina Will but obey the laws, a.
the great States of New York and Penn
syiyanIa are now doing, not a single right
bt!onS'nE to her people would be with
held. She Will have Governor Of her
I own choice, two Senators in Congress and
/ her proper quota OF representatives. Fed
ersi judges VIII execute the laws, the
mail. will be carried as usual, her slave
property respected. and iusurrectieR sup
. pressed, if need be, by the Federal covsra-
inent. Could anything be more reasona-
bic? Could reasonable people ask for
anything more? Is not the Federal gov.
. ernmen, Just as good as the government Of
the Co.-f de.a e >t,Ie,? Wha. advantage
does that government Possess over the
/ 90 we LOW have? We cannot discover
the Ugh est gain, but we do zee clearly
IN the monI. 1t State secedeS, that roo
! n.eit confidence IN her future behaviour
Ceases peaceful citizens feeling a sense Of
insecurity, either flee or rush to arms, bu-
sIness stops, property Of all kinds sinks in
value, the State bonds become almost
/ worthless, ararch aud confusion prevail,
and q permanent injury is iafiic ted upon
ali the Interests OF the State In short,
secession Is ruin; and We venture tho as
sert,oI that 10 -, c d-d State can ever
ENJOY the same amount Of prosperity and
secu ity under any attempted d new gov
G nnvut; be-ide<, the very theory upon
/ which the Confederate Statss have organ
ized a provisional cove nment is de.truc-
tive OF every principe OF pernanence. and
10 maintain themselves u power to be
respected at home and abroad the people
must undertake 10 support civil, military
AID naval power capable OF commanding
respect Il oin powerful nations This will
necessarily entail a heavy system Of taxa.
ton, and iastead Of teelin. relieved by
reason Of secession. the burdens Of the
people will be augmented, and their abil:.
ties to resist oppression will, in great
measure. be swallowed up.