Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-03-12
I.incoln,s Inaugural.

Lincoln's Inaugural.
On the first page of this paper will be found
correct copy of the Inaugural Address OF the
President. We know that it will be read with
great interest by all of our readers. We hope
that all will read it carefully and form their
own opinions with reference to its character
We think that he expresses the same views in
reference to the Constitutional obligations of the
Executive that Mr.. Buchanan did. The Consti-
tuition invests the Executive with no discretion
airy powers in regard to the enforcement of the
laws, but, on the contrary, makes it his impera-
tive and sworn duty to see that they be faithfully
executed 1t is for the very reason that it ia the
duty of the Executive to have the laws enforced,
and the duty of the people to yield obedience to
them, that we have several times recommended
the call of National Convention for the pur-
pose of obtaining the consent OF three-fourths of
the States to the peaceful withdrawal of the Sc
ceded States, and the release of the Executive
from his obligations to enforce the laws in them.
We believe that the same power which can Con-
stitutionaly change the character of our Gov
eminent, can Consttutionally release the citizens
of the seeded States from their obligations of
obedience to the laws, and consequently relieve
the Executive from his obligations to enforce
them. We believe that this policy must be
be adopted, or that civil war, the direst OF all
calamities, will ultimately be the result We
regret that the President did not express de-
sire to be relieved, il the mode suggested, from
his obligations to perform duty which threat
ems such direfnl consequences. As the Execu-
tive has no power to recognize the independence
of the seeded States, and no power to release
the citizens thereof from their obligations of obe-
dience to the laws, we hope that National
Convention will be called for these pusposes.-
To involve the country in civil war, as long as
there remains any means to avoid it, would be
more than folly and madness-it would be in the
HIGHEST degree criminal. We cannot believe
that any President would willingly involve the
country in civil war.
The Inaugural Address is understood by some
| to indicate purpose to enforce the laws at all
hazards, and by others that the laws will be en-
forced only SO far as it can be done peacefully
It cannot be known certainly which is the proper
construction, till the policy of the administration
shall be more clearly indicated by its acts If il
shall. in reckless disregard OF the peace of the
country, persist in enforcing the laws where il
must result in conflict, the inevitable result
will be that the whole South will be united il
armed opposition to such policy.
In the Senate, in Extra-Session, on Wednes-
day last, on motion to print the usual number
of copies of the Inaugural, Mr.. Clingman, Sc
cesson Senator from North Carolina, opposed
the policy of the Inaugural as he understood it
and said if it was carried out that it would leai
inevitably to war; The Hon. Stephen A. Doug
las dissented from the construction put upon the
Inaugural by Senator Clingman, and spoke al
follows:
| Mr.. Douglas said that he could not consen
that the Senator's remarks should go out unan
swered. He had read the Inaugural carefully
with view of understanding what the policy
of the Administration is to be-, as therein indi
Gated. 1t is characterized by great ability ant
with great distinctDess on certain points.
critical analysis is necessary to arrive at the true
construction He had partially made an analy-
sis, and had come to the conclusion that lit wa
peace rather than war message. He had ex
amined it candidly and critically, and he though
there was no foundation for different opinion
On the contrary, there is a distinct pledge tina
the policy of the Administration shall be con
Quoted exclusively with reference to peaceful
solution of our national difficulties. 1t is true
the President indicates certain line of policy
so to be conducted as to lead to peaceful solu
:. - Int; pnf YnIi off ho n
las) desired. He then quoted from the Inaugu-
raj in support of his positions, saying that unless
the means be furnished the President cannot ex
ecute the laws. He thought the President il
his remarks on the subject was referring to fu
ture action of Congress giving power to enforc'
obedience to them.
| The President must have been aware that il
1882 a law was passed to enable General Jack
son to enforce the revenue laws in the port o
Charleston. The act expired in two years.
| Was it to be supposed that Mr.. Lincoln thought
he had more power without than General Jack
son had with the aid of legislation He repeat
ed that when the President pledges himself to
collect the revenue and enforce the laws, unless
Congress withhold the requisite means, is he no
to be understood that his act is dependent OF
the further course of Congress-
| He thought that was the proper construction
VI tu0 ioA oho Ai00'"oAo eoy Ao oti1'
perform his dnty $50 far as practicable, unless
his rightfnl masters, the American people, shall
/ withhold the requisite means or in some author
itative manner direct to the contrary"
| The President further says:
| "The power confded to me will be used te
hold, occupy and possess the property and place:
belonging to the Government, and to collect the
duties on imports, but beyond what may be ne
cessary for these objects, there will be no inva-
sion, no using of force against or among the peo
pie anywhere"
The President does not say be will take and
hold, occupy and possess them. This was equiv
ocal language, but he did not condemn the Pres
ident for it. "Beyond what may be necessary
for these objects, there will be no irritation, nc
using of force among the people anywhere. Ii
is the duty of the President to enforce the reve-
nue. laws. It is his duty to enforce the other
laws. 1t cannot be justified that the revenue
laws be enforced, and all other laws which afford
protection as a compensation for taxes shall not
be enforced.
He thought that there were two forms IN
which they could find solution of these doubts.
The President says: "Where hostility to the u
nted States, in any interior locality shall be SO
great and so universal as to prevent competent
resident citizens from holding the Federal offices,
there will be no attempt to force obnoxious
strangers among the people, for that object. =
The President draws distictiOn between the
exterior and interior. If he has power in one
case, he has power in the other. If it is his du-
l-xr s,h d1fxJ