Indiana State sentinel. (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1861-1865, 1861-01-16


constitutional rights The history of that great
party shows the utter gr0undlessness of these
charges. A remote cause of the present hos
tile attitude of South Carolina may be found in
the reasonable doctrines taught in 1892 and 1888
by the leaders Of the notification movement.
These doctrines we're temporarily crushed out by
the frmness and patriotism Of President Jackson.
and By the almost universal disposition shown in
all parts of the country TO support lim in the ex
ecuiion of the laws, and in the preservation Of
the Union. But in evil hour for the Repub-
lie. under weak and wicked administration of
the General Government similar doctrines have
again found utterance and support But the i'm
mediate cause of the present crisis the repeal
of the Missouri compromise That act of bad
faith and worse statesmlnship, that sin against
the cause Of freedom and the cause OF peace.
rase1 the storm which now threatens 10 destroy
the freest, happiesi and grandet government upon
the earth Another cause which has contributed
largely 20 the present state Of things in the South
Is this: Appeals are made by speeches and papers
sent from the North, and freely circulated in the
Southern States, conveying false impression as
TO the objects, aims and doctrines of the great
body of the Northerh people. The answer to
these incendary and reasonable appeals Is never
suffered 70 reach the Southern States, and hence
many honestly believe that large and organized
party exists the North, banded together to make
ndA upon the Interests am INSTITUTIONS OF the
Southern people, when every intelligent man here
knows that 40 such party does OF can exist. Ii
secession in South Carolina be treason. and no
onedOubts but that IL is 10 aid and abet secession in
other parts OF the Republic is no less treason. II
the South has her peculiar grievances, the North
also has many and just causes of complaint
Many Of Eer citizens have been deprived of pro
perty, liberty and life without evidence, without
trial without crime. Mob violence has perpe-
would lead inevitably 70 a state of war if con-
mittei BY the subjects OF a foreign power. If
permanent pence Is 10 be restored 70 our unhappy
and distracted country, IL must be done by the
removal OF all real causes Of Oiense, North or
South
The doctrine Of secession, pelceible or forci-
bic, nov or at any other time. is a dangerous
heresy, fraught with all the terrible consequences
Of civil war and bloOdshed and leading directly
to the utter ruin of all our free institutions This
heresy has not Yet poisoned the public sentiment
OF Indiana, and NAV God in his kind providence
put afar of the evil day which shall witness its
prevalence amongst us. / most sincerely believe
and am proud to declare that the people of Indiana
OF all parties true 10 the Constitution and Oval
to the Union; and that they will always be in the
future as they have shown themselves TO have been
in the past, willing to Weld ready and cheerful
obedience 20 all the requirements of the Consttu-
ton and laws of the Uaited States, and to
maintain and uphold at all times, under all
circumstances, and at every hazard, the glori-
Gus form of free government, under which we
live. The people of our noble State, with very
few exceptions, are, think, resolved TO support
the President of the United States in the free ex-
ercise of his constitutional powers, with the man.
illness and courage worthy OF free people. The
people of Indiana fully appreciate the importance
OF the Union, and all the blessings which il con
fers upon US as a nation. They do not believe
that secession or notification can furnish remedy
for any political evil, present, past or % come:
they are resolved TO transmit TO the coming ages
undiminished. the rich inheritance of freedom.
civilization and glory, bought for us by the blood
OF the Fathers The light of no single star which
blazes on our national flag shall ever be dimmed
by the unconstitutional action of either the people
or Legislature of our noble commonwealth.
voluntary and prompt repeal of all State leg
islaion, (either by Northern or Southern States,)
contrary to the letter spirit of the Constitution
and intended to defeat the execution of any of the
laws of Congress, would be peace-Oiiering worthy
of great intelligent and free people, and would
be hailed with joy by every patriot in the land.
Indiana has not now, and never had, any such
legislation upon her statute books.
Whatever may be the condition of public senti-
ment in other sections of the Union, the people of
our State would favor am amicable settlement of
the existing difficulties between the different parts
OF the Republic; but such settlement, 20 be per
manent and final, must be based upon measures
equal and just in their operation, and alike hon
orable to all portions of our common country.
In all the official relations of Indiana with her
sister States, L hope her conduct will be charac-
terzed by courtesy and raternal feeling. and that
we shall cheerfully and promptly yield TO them
all their just rights equals under the Constitu-
ton, and that in all actions as a State or as
individuals, We shall be governed by high sense
of justice, and by sincere desire TO advance the
peace and prosperity of the people of all the
States in the Confederaey. While we are pre-
pared TO respect and observe all the just rights
of the citizens of all other Strtes, we should
be careful TO assert, maintain and protect all
the rights Of our own citizens at home and
abroad. Standing as the main pillars which
support our noble Christian civilization and
our boosted freedom, there are certain inesti
mable rights which belong to every citizen Of the
/ United States by the laws ofGOd and man. These
rights rise in importance immeasurably above all
party tTiumphs and party creeds, all local laws
and false political theories. The liberty of
speech, the freedom of the press, the freedom of
religious worship under just and reasonable laws
must and will be maintained and perpetuated by
the people of these United States, in defiance of
all opposition, and even by the free use of the
sword, if all other means should fail.
In conclusion, Senators and Representatives, /
rest in the firm belief that you will labor dill
gently and successfully in the discharge of your
difficult and important duties; and that the results
of our legislation will promote the general welfare
of the State, and improve the condition Of the
various public and private interests confded TO
your care by the people of Indiana; and to that
end may all your deliberations be guided by '.that
wisdom which cOmeth down from on high
HESRT ). LANE.