New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1861-01-29
WHAT SHALL BE DONE WITH The
sLAVRHOLDRRs' REBELLION

L.
If the present programme of the Revolutionlsts
is carried out, Slavery will have done its worst.
II has bred race of rebels who will have de-
stroyed the Government They have held pos
session Of that Government from the earliest
period of it's history; they have welded its au-
thority and influence for the spread and perpetu-
alton of Slavery; they have tried hard at last to
nationalize the institution and establish its right
to invade the Territories AS well as the Free
States; and having at length, under the forms of
the Constitution beeen called upon to lay down
their power, they revolt, hoist the standard Of
that they have only exercised their rights, and
demand that they be allowed to sail away with
half the nations territory, over which to set up
a Government exclusively their own
Such is the proposition in substance, in its
simplest FORM now before the people Of the
United States. They are commanded, at mo-
ment's notice, to consent TO the overthrow Of
the Republic, the disgrace of its flag, the hu-
initiation of the national character and the pros
tration of the most deeply cherished hopes Of
mankind fragrant revolution is flung in their
faces without warning, and they are ordered 10
accept it at the point Of the bayonet and at the
muzzle Of cannon, bristling from the very fortif-
cations which were reared for the NATIONAL
defense.
No other class of men on earth, except class
bred, and nurtured, and matured, in the exer-
else Of despotc power, arrogant in spirit, and
audacious in action, would have dared 10 precp-
itate such revolution for such cause, and defy
the gage of battle with power and people of
three times their strength, and ten times their
resources. The answer which the regular Gov
eminent of the United States should make, aud
will make, to this demasd, is a matter Of
mOmentOus import, fraught with consequences
which may shape the great historic events Of
coming centuries. What shall that answer be
This is question that is Of sufficient conse-
welfare of all mankind.
We have been in the habit Of considering the
territory covered by the United States indiysibe.
We bought Florida because il was geographical
necessity. We bought the Louisiana territory
for the same reason. The Colonies which
natural and necessary complement Of their ma
tional Independence was only TO be found in the
possession Of the mouths Of the Mississippi, and
in the control Of right Of way into the Gulf
of Mexico. Our Statesmen have been born,
have been educated, and have died in this belief.
Is it all a delusiOn Are the convictions of
three quarters of a century, and the deliberate
4 a,c, 10
for nothing Have we no geographical necessi-
ties in the Mississippi Valley Is there no need
of protected right of way into the Gulf of
Mexico Are our national existence and power
as secure with the amputation of the Southern
half of the national territory, including these
great and valuable acquisitions, as they are with
their possession These are inquiries antece-
dent TO the main one of how the shareholders
rebellion shall be treated.
There are others of broader nature. How is
that rebellion to affect the working Of political
power on this continent! Are we to be split up
and then made the easy prey of foreign nations
through our own quarrels IL it to be the road
to war on Mexico and Central America for the
spread of Slavery! Is it TO be the harbnger Of
the reopening of the savetrade! Is it TO result
in the establishment of a Southern military gov
eminent seeking alliance with foreign States, to
circumscribe the growth of liberal institutions
These, and other topics of equal moment,
must be fully considered by every statesman, be-
fore he can determine how the Shareholders re-
belliOn shall be met.
IL liz then n broad eyeutful, historical problem