Cincinnati daily press. [volume] (Cincinnati [Ohio]) 1860-1862, 1861-09-06
Governor MagOfln's Message.

is very lengthy. That relating exclu-
sively to State affairs is not Of general
interest," and is, therefore, omitted. The fol-
lowing is the whole in reference to the
present war and the position of Kentucky:
FEDERAL RELATIONS.
Looking to the Constitution Of the United
States, the nature of our institutions, the
philosophy of their construction, and the
causes of this war, I think Kentucky has q
right to assume a neutral position. Ken
tucky had no agency in the organization and
fostering of that sectional party in the free
States which has proven so disastrous to the
Union, nor did she approve the separate
action and secession of the Southern States
at the time. We are not responsible for the
war, and ought not to be invoked by either
section to involve her people or the State in
the struggle, Moreover, our relations are
such as to leave to the State no other po-
sition. The Presidents of the United States
and the Confederate States are her children,
both natives of Kentucky. Many of the
chief actors on both sides are Kentuckians
Our people have tins and again manifested
and proven their love for, and loyalty TO, the
Union; but it can not be controverted that
their sympathies and trade, their associa
tions, and ties of blood and friendship, their
institutions and interests, are mainly identi-
fed with the South. The North western
and Southern States are peopled with our
kindred. Neither party ought to expect
Kentucky at this time to abandon her chosen
position of neutrality, and engage in the war
against her brethren and friends and in vio-
lence to the sympathies, feelings and convic-
tions of her people. Especially ought not
this to be asked or expected when it is mani
fest that, owing to the division among the
people of Kentucky, while beneftting neither
n b.. 81,
war, the very acme of all social or political
calamities. Let us, then, labor to avert the
impending ruin. Let us preserve our posi-
ton OF neutrality as the only anchor of peace,
Of hope and of safety. Thus may we avert
civil war, and save our soil from the desola
ton of the conflict of hostile armies.
Until recently, the neutrality of Kentucky
has not been seriously aggressed upon by
either of the belligerent powers. Lawless
raids upon our soil have been suffered from
both sides, private property has been seized,
our commerce interrupted and our trade de-
Etroyed. These wrongs have been borne by
our citizens with great patience, and repara-
ton obtained in all cases where it was possi-
bic. But recently a military force has been
organized, equipped and enCamped in the
central portion of the State, the officers are
commissioned by, and act under, the authority
of the President of the United States, and
eral service. The authorities of the State
were not consulted in this movement. 1t
was done but q short time before the assem-
bling of a Legislature fresh from the people,
and into whose hands and keeping has been
committed the policy and destinies of the
Commonwealth. Under what provision of
the Constitution, by what laws of Congress
or this State, the Federal Government has
proceeded to raise volunteers in Kentucky,
in I do ~
know.
For what purpose their army is encamped
in our State, what good is expected to re-
suit from its presence, and what the plea of
policy or necessity which has induced the
President and his advisers to disregard the
thrice chosen position of neutrality on the
part of our people, l am not advised. Is any
protection needed in Kentucky which the
representatives of the people can not afford
Do majority of the citizens of the State de-
sire the presence of a Federal army in the
State2 think not. Is there larger force
needed2 Increase it. Is the present law
defective2 Alter it amend it give it
efficiency. Place a sufficient army in the
field, if need be, to make our position re-
spected; but let it be done under the laws
and Constitution of Kentucky. | recommend
that the law of last spring be so amended as
to enable the Military Board to borrow a suf-
and munitions of war for defense.
Soon after the organization and encamp-
ment of this force in the State commits
stoned two gentlemen of Lexington, Messrs
W. A. Dudley and f. X. Hunt, to proceed
to Washington City, and urge upon the
President either the disbanding of this force
or its removal from the State. | also COM
missioned Mr.. George W. Johnson, of Scott
County, to proceed 10 Richmond, Virginia,
ord nro,a Ynnn tho pracidanf Of tho Nnn fad
crate States continued observance of our
position. The report of the commissioners
with the entire correspondence upon the
subject, is herewith submitted. In this con-
nection, submit correspondence between
the Governor of Tennessee and myself upon
the same subject
| In his response to my communication, the
| President of the United States says he ha;
"acted upon the urgent bic tation of many
| Kentuckians," and in accordance with what
he believed to he the wish OF q majority u
of our people, and that "he does not believe
it to be the popular wish of Kentucky that
the force shall be removed" Thus impressed
as to the wish of the people Of Kentucky, he
respectfully declined to comply with my re
quest. The inference seems TO be fair, thai
if advised of the wish of the people of Ken
lucky for the removal of this force, the Pres
| ident would comply with it.
| Believing that large majority OF the peo
pie of Kentucky, including majority of The
Union men, never desired the Establishment
of these camps, and now desire their re
moyal, that the presence Of this military
force in our midst is without the sanction o.
the people or the authority of the Constitu
ton, and that unless removed our people viii
be sooner or later embroiled in the war,
recommend that you pass resolutions re
questing the disbanding, OF removal from
the State, of any and all military bodies no
under the authority of the State. The toni
of the letter of the President indicates tina
he will respect your will in shaping the policy
of the State; and if duly advised by yol
through resolutions, | can not doubt tina
this most alarming cause of excitement anl
danger to the peace of the Commonwealth
will be removed. Kentucky is, believe, a.
this time, the only State in the Union where
the Constitution and laws OF the country
both State and National, are respected. w
yet enjoy the freedom of speech and OF tn
press. Our state is yet safe retreat from
the expressions of both sections Let us clinl
to our position and policy as the only hop
of peace and safety.
The continued introduction of Fedora
guns into the State, and their distribution I
private citizens, unwarranted by law
another source of constant irritation, and
fruitful cause of violence and trouble. YoV
could in no way more effectually contribut
to the maintenance of peace within tn
State than by artesting this prolific sourc
of excitement, irritiop, and violence.
Numerous cases of aggression upon pri
vate rights, by both the belligerent Govern
ments, have been reported to me, but i
| Il had Av.f .ioenk -.