The constitutional union., 1861-03-08
LINCOLNS LNA UG TRAL.

The following synopsis of Mir. Lincoln's address, upon the occasion of his inaugura- ton last Monday, at Washington, has reached us by telegraph. Whether it is correct in every particular remains to be confirmed:
 "There has never been reasonable cause for apprehension that Southern property, peace and security would be invaded, or be endangered by the accession of Republican administration. He quotes his speeches, de- claring it not his purpose to interfere d. rectly or indirectly with slavery in the States. He does not mean to cOnstrue the COnstitu- tion by hypocritical rules He holds that by universal law and the Constitution, the union of the States is perpetual. If the United States be not government proper, but an as- sociatiOn of States, in the nature of con- tract, can that contract be peaceably annulled, without the consent of all the contracting parties? l consider the Union unbroken, and shall take care, to the extent of my abili- ty, as the Constitution expressly enjoins, that the Federal laws be faithfully executed in all the States. In doing this, there need be no bloodshed, or violence, and there shall be no bloodshed, unless 1t be forced upon the National authority. The power confded to me will be used to hold, occupy and possess the property and places belonging to the gov ernment-to collect duties on imports, but beyond what may be necessary for these ob- jects, there will be no using force against or among the people anywhere. The mails, un- less repelled, will continue to be furnished. The conrse here indicated will be followed, nnless current events shall show modifca- ton or change to be proper, The Constitu- ton does not expressly say whether fugitives shall be surrendered, by National or State au- thority. It does not expressly say, that Con- gross may prohibit slavery in the Territories, nor expressly say Congress must protect sla- very in the Territories. On these questions the majority or minority must govern or gov ernment must cease. Tbe central idea of se- cession is the essence of anarchy. The rule of the minority is wholly nadmisable
 | do not forget the position assumed by some that the Supreme Court is to decide these Constitutional questions, nor that such decisions must be binding upon the litigants While such decisions are entitled to very high respect and consideration, in all parallel cases by all other departments of government, one section believes slavery is right, and ought to be extended, another section believes 1t to be wrong, and ought not to be extended-on separation one section would ultimately re- viye the slave trade, the other would refuse to surrender fugitive slaves. The different sections cannot separate. Intercourse, amica- ble or hostile, must continue. Suppose you go to war, you cannot fight always; when fighting ceases, the old identical questions as to terms of intercourse are again upon you. This country and its institutions belong to the people. They can amend 1t constitutions ally or overthrow it by revolution. He has no objection to the amendment proposed by Congress prohibiting the government from ever interfering with slavery in the States, including that of persons held to service ex- press and irrevocable No authority is con- ferTed on the Executive to fix terms for sep aration of the States. His duty is to pre- serve the Government, and transmit it to his successor unimpaired. No Administration can very seriously injure the Government in four years. He conjures his countrymon to think calmly on the whole subject. The Constitution Is unimpaired, and the laws are of your own framing under 1t, and there is no SllSIe SOOu IettSOh Tor precIpiuaJe actlon. Ih- telligence, patriotism, christianity, and a firm reliance on Providence, are competent to ad- just our present difficulties. In your hands, my dissatisfied countrymen, not ill mine, is the momentous issue of civil war Tho env- ernment will not assalI you. You can have no conflict without being the aggressor. You have taken no oath to destroy the Govern ment 1 shall now take most solemn one, in your presence, to protect and defend it. We are not enemies, but friends"