The Van Buren press., 1861-02-01
From the ST. Louis Republican,
Secession and Coexcion----N6r.
Douglas Position.

ate, on the 3d inst. in relation to our ma
tioual troubles, has already been given in
full in these columns But as there are
many, doubtless, who have not had leisure
to read it in extens0, it will not be improper
for us to recapitulate. as faithfully as may
be, the material portions OF the distin-
guish.d Senator's views upon the questions
of Secession and Coercion.
Mr.. Douglas. after tracing the origin and
history Of the slavery agitation, and re-
viewing the causes which have brought the
country to its present state of distraction,
proclaims himself in favor of vindicating
the authority OF the Government. prcsery-
ing the Union, putting down rebellion, sup
pressing Instructions, and enforcing the
laws-using all the powers conferred by
the Constitution. but no other for these
purposes.
Instructions and re6eiiions, says the
Senator. frequently become successful revo-
lutions. The obligations of revoted States
or provinces to the authority rebclled
against. may still remain but the enforce
ment OF the obngations is war. and govern
ed by the rules of war. 81 first view this
conclusion might not seem wholly warrant
ed by the premise, but Mr.. Douglas proves
1t with great force of logic. Great Britain
undertook to reduce the American colonies
to obedience, but had no other way to do il.
than by military coercion. the enforcement
of statutory laws being entirely out OF the
question. Captives taken in battle were
held as prisoners of war, and not executed
as traitors. The government of fact, in
other words. was recognized, although the
colonies were not recognized as govern
iacnt OF right.
South Carolina is at least government
de Jacto. and has besides military force
to sustain it. The people there unanimous
~ recognize this new authority, and deny
allegiance to the United Stats. The 1evo-
luton is complete. SO that the resistance
cannot be punished as treason by the oper-
alton OF the laws. there being none WHO
feel bound to execute them-no courts. no
Jurles. no marshals. no officers whatever.
Mr. Douglas argument is doubtless here
based upon article sixth of the amrn IN IN Is
to the Constitution. though he does no:
quote it. This article IS AS follows
! In all criminal prosecutions the accused shall
ENJOY the right TO SPEEDY and public trial by an
impartial jury Of the Sat. aaJ Dlstric. wherein
the crime sInll have been committed which dis
trict shall have been previously nscartained bv
I cal
the accusation To be confronted with the with cs-
scs against him to have compulsory process for
obtaining witnesses in hts favor and to have the
assistance cf counsel for his defe.se"
Armies and navie~. though they may
make war, cannot enforce laws We quote
the remain Ter Of this point in argument in
| the Senator's own words
| The laws can be enforced only by the civil au-
strr,. toll Al
tus, when resisted N executing judicial process
Who is to issue the ju lica process in Sta:e where
there Is no Judge, no court, judicial functona-
ry? Who is to perform the duties OF marshal! in
executing the process, where will or dar,
| accept office Who to serve on iuries while
every citizen is partieeps cr;rnns with the accused
How are you going to comply with the Cons.itu
ton IN resrcc; to jury trial, where there
men qualified to serve on the jury
Concerning secession. Mr. Douglas re-
CARDS it as wrong. unlawful, uncon stitu.
tionAl. criminal" He thinks the General
Government possesses the right to use all
the force necessary to regain possession in
order that the Constitution aud laws NAV
be enforced upon the resisting inhabitants
But the question occurs, How shall we
regain possession ?" This may be done by
arms or by a peacrable adjustment of the
matters in controversy.
Mr. Douglas is not prepared. in his heart
for war-he vii! not tolerate the thought
until every effort at peace ,ble adjustment
shall have been exhausted, and the last ray
of hope shall have deserted the patriot $
breast" In his opinion war is disunion
inevitable and irrevocable. He is for peace
to save the Union.
The Senator. though in favor Of peace,
does not sympathize with the apprehensions
and misgivings expressed about coercion.
There can be no government without coer.
cion. 1t must be used in all governments
what their form or principles. Yet it must
always be used according to the Constitu-
ton and laws. The proposition to reduce
the de facto foreign government Of South
Carolina involves the question whether we
will war on State which has withdrawn
her allegiance with tho view of enforcinp
our laws within her limits.
But what Is to be gained by military co.
ercion Nj. Douglas gives it as his opin.
| ion that If war comes, whether it lasts one
seven or thirty years. its termination will
be followed by a final separation and q
treaty recognizing the independence of each
section. 1t must either result so or in ex-
termination or subjugation ; and this view
is sustained by the experiences OF the world
There is no alternative but fair comprom-
Use, founded on the basis of concessions on
both sides alike honorable and beneficial to
the parties.
| The foregoing is a fair statement of the
views of Mr.. Douglas upon the question OF
coercion. OF his argument against tho
right Of secession, we are afraid we cannot
do the Senator justice in any synopsis OF
his remarks. But we may condsnse some
of his illustrations which present the mat.
; ter forcibly. Example is mado Of Louis.
lara, for the purchase Of which Sl5, 5,OOO,.
|, coo was paid with national treasure. Mach
more than this SUN was expendeded in ex.
tinguishine Indian titles. surveying lands
and erection oil Federal buildings ami v works
Now we are called on to acknowledge tn,
right OF Louisiana to withdraw from tn,
Union. seize the public property, and, j
: may be. re-anuex herself to France Fiori
da is also mentioned. for which, and in bo
half of which the Federal Government la
expended untold millions. els il not ,
asks Mr.. Douglas. IS an extraordinary spec
!: tacls to see that State which has cost Us g
/; r.uch blood and treasure, turn her lack o,
!; tho Union which has fostered and protecte
her when she WAS too feeble to prntcct her
, self and ssize the light. houses, navy Yards