Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1861-01-18

trust, left by our revolutionary fathers
for their descendants, and never did any
other people inherit so rich legacy. 1t
has rendered US prosperous and triumph
ant in war. The national flag has float
ed in glory over every sea, and under
its shadow American citizens have
found protection and respect in all lands
beneath the sun. IF we descend to con-
siderationS of purely material interest,
when in the history of all time has con-
federacy been bound together by such
strong ties of mutual interest? Each
portion OF it is dependent upon all, and
all upon each portion, for property and
domestic security. Free trade through
out the whole supplies the wants of one
portion from the productions of another,
and scatters wealth everywhere. The
great planting and farming states require
the aid of the commercial and nayiga-
ting States to send their productions to
domestic and foreign markets, and fur
nish the naval power to render transport
tation secure against all hostile attacks.
Should the Union perish in the midst
of the present excitement, we have al
ready had a sad foretaste of the univer-
sal suffering which would result from its
destruction. The calamity would be Sc
we're in every portion of the Union, and
would be quite as great, to say the least
in the Southern as in the Northern
States.
The greatest agsravation Of the evil
and that would place US in the most un-
favorable light, both before the world and
posterity, is, as l am firmly convinced,
that the secession movement has been
chiefly based upon misapprehension at
the South of the sentiments OF the ma
jority in several Of the Northern States,
Let the question be answered from the
political assemblies to the baIIct-box, and
the people themselves would speedily re-
dress the serious grievances which the
South have suffered. But in Heavens
name let the trial be made before we
plunge into armed conflict upon the
mere assumption that there is no alterna-
tive. Time is q great conservative pow
err Let US pause at the momentous
point, and afford the people, both of the
North and South, an opportunity for re-
fection. Would that South Carolina
had been convinced Of this truth before
her precipitate action. ! therefore ap-
peal through You 10 the peop'a Of the
country, to declare IN their might tia;
the Union must and shall he prcferyed
by all constitutional means. | most ear
ncstly recommend that you devote your
selves TO the question how this can be ac-
complished in peace. All other questions, ,
when compared with this, sink into insig
niGcance. The present is no time for
palIiatives. Prompt action is required. |
A delay in Congress to prescribe Or re-
commend a distinct and practical propo-
sition for Cancellation, may drive US to a .
point fromwhch it will be almost impos-
sibIe to recede, A common ground, on
which Cancellation and harmony may be
produced, is surely not unattainabe.
The proposition to compromise, by
citing the north have exclusive control
Of the territory above a certain line, and
70 give southern institutions protection
below that line, ought to receive uuiyer-
sal appreciation. In itself, indeed, it may
not be entirely satisfactory, but when
he alternative is between reasonable
on both sides, and the destruc-
ion of the Union, it is an imputation on
he patriotism of Congress to assert that
is members will hesitate moment
Even now the danger is upon Us. In
everal states which have not yet seeded
he forts, arsenals and magazines of the
]. 5. have been seized. This is by
ar the most serious step which has been
AIKEN since the commencement of the
roubles. This public property has long
'een left without garrisons and troops
or its protection, because no person
doubted its security under the flag of the
ountry in any state Of tho Union. Be
ides our small army have scarcely been {
efficient to guard our remote frontiers
ganst Indian incursions. The seizure I
{ this property, from all appearances, {
as been purely aggressive, and not in
to any attempt to coerce a Z
tate or states to remain in the Union. {
It the beginning of these unhappy troub-
IS, | determined that no act of mine ,
hould increase the excitement in either
ection of the country. If the political !
onAict were to end in civil war, it was 6
" determined purpose not to commence ;
, nor to furnish an excuse for it by any =,
ct of this government.