The star of the north. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1849-1866, 1861-05-08
The Question of Allegiance.

A remarkable instance of the painful emo
tions which are produced by mental excite
ment, in regard to real or supposed con-
fiict of duty, occurred in this city on Friday
a commander of the United States Navy
committed suicide at the Merchants Hotel.
He was native of the State of Georgia, but
has resided near Bristol, Pa, when not en-
gagged in active service. II is supposed The
motive which prompted this fearful act, was
an aversion 10 acting either in hostility TO
his native State or the Federal Government
whose commission he held However
much we may deplore his sad fate, and
pity the deusion which led him TO become
the victim of the demoralizing doctrines of
the apostles of Secession, his resolution not
20 employ the ability which had been edu-
>ca'ed by the General Government against
its authority, was that'of brave, honorable
and conscientious man.
It is easy for Us to imagine the system of
sophistry which those officers of Southern
nativity adop: when they throw up their
commissions, and range themselves under
the banner OF rebellion. 1t results from
that pernicious theory of State allegianc g,
which has been taught 10 the two last gen
eralions of Sontherners-a theory which 10
obtain force must admit a position fatal TO
tie integrity of the Republic, and eventu-
ally subversive of every law but that OF a
mere township, town, or municipality 1t
were to discriminate too nicely for to
draw the parallel between State allegi-
ance and National allegiance, to show
where The citizens of Pennsylvania
States But we think that no positions of
social life or national service present
clearer path of duty than those of the army
and navy. They are national institutions
TO every intent and purpose. They exist
by the will of the General Government, and
whoever enters, them becomes its servant.
The General Government educates, protects
and provides for its soldiers, and they swear
to it in return, life. ability, and obedience.
The military and naval institutions are SO
peculiarly national, and the duty they en-
join is so distinct from that required by
mere State, that nothing but the most absurd
reasoning can create resemblance.
This theory of State allegiance, like most
of the Secession theories, indeed, is pecu-
liarly Southern, and has been almost fatally
Indulged by our good mother the nation -
We make military obedience in America
question OF honor-other nations make 1t
question of treason II province OF France
rebeled against the empire, it would be
equivalent to a drum head court-martlal for
a general 10 refuse obedience TO the Emper-
or's order, because he happened to be
native of the rebellious district. Nor do we
think that The British Government would
have any hesitation in hanging al the yard
arm a captain who refused 10 blockade
port in one of the Irish provinces, because
he happened TO have been born in Cork or
Londonderry. The concession once made
is fatal TO all military effectiveness, and 10
all law; order, and discipline in govern
ment. We have partly recognized it in the
United States, ana the demoralized conci-
lion of our army and navy shows how ter
rible in lis effects The recognition has
proved.
The melancholy instance cited in the
opening paragraph is an exception to the
general rule which has prevailed among
those officers who have abandoned our flag
on grounds of State allegiance. The case
OF General TwTeGs shows how closely thess
e L Ill ~ ,Ha, -
other civilized nation on the globe calls
treachery. II honor compels an officer 10
spurn his allegiance 10 the Government, it
surely does not compel him TO remain at
State and nation has arisen; to obtain every
secret which confidence can procure ;
to paralyze the hand which has nartured
him 10 draw his salary from the ''tyran-
parent allegiance until the moment of ac-
tion arrives, and then cross over the Poto-
mac and draw the sword of a traitor. So
long as many of these officers are permit.
ted to live on half-pay without service, they
are willing TO receive their pay and waive
the immediate question of allegiance, but
when the command OF du:y comes, they col
leci the arrears of their salary up to date,
plead their duty 10 their State, send in a
resignation, and next appear at Fort Pick
ems or Fort Sumpter, trying TO steal Gov
ernmeu. for with stolen cannon and piIfer-
ed powder.
We certainly do no. condemn a native of
South Carolina for loving that Stale, any
more than we censure ourselves for cher
ishing fondness towards dear old Pennsyl-
vania. Bot the soldier is the son OF the ma
tion She is his military molher-and he
owes her his life and sword. The rule re-
cognizes no exception and can admit of
no deviation. To abandon the nation in