Clarksville chronicle. (Clarksville, Tenn.) 1857-1865, 1861-03-01
"Let us Hear before we Strike .

The Hon. W. A. GRAHAM has published a letter
contradcting the rumor that be had been offered
seat in Mr.. Lincolns Cabinet. He says no such Of.
fer has been made and would be declined II made.
He adds:
The person now elected (President) has no claim
upon our section Of the Union, except that he hae,
been elected according to the provisonso of the Con-
stituton that is sufficient to entitle him to induction
into Office, and 10 the exercise of its legal func-
ns--acquiescence in the decision Of majorites,"
says Jefferson, ION the questions committed TO ma
jorities) "is the vital principle Of republics from
which there Is no appeal but to force the vital prin4
ciple and immediate parent of despo,ism.H Lethim
then be installed into office according to the requires
ments OF the government under which he was eises
ted, and giveto the nation summary of bis bolicy
The speeches on the hustings are not always the
guides in the political administration Of the govs
ernment. Let us hear before we strike; there will
be no abatement of manly spirit TO vindicate cur
rights after this ensues, from what existed before
The real grievances Of which the South has
right to complainant as TO which none are more
earnest in desiring redress than mysel-are not the
result of Presidential usurpation they spring from
disregard of the obligations Of the Constitution,
among sarge portion OF the people Of the non-slases
holdirg States favored 10 many instances by the
action Of their State governments. The remedies
for them, II the present Congress fail to agree upon
them should, in my opinion, be sought by calm
aogeal to the people through Convention of all
the States. Such body has never been assembled
since the adoption Of the Federal Constitution. Il
would probably be free from the asperites which
have characterized the deliberations Of Congress
and upon carid confession Of opinions eur DIFF
ferences should be found to be irreconcilabls, 10
could provide for that peaceabe separation so much
to be desired IL il must come, and which is hardly
possible in any other mode. This may be too da-
tory to accommodate the views of mose ardent ma
lures, but 1t may be tried in far less time than our
fathers spent in efforts for reconciliation with their
brethren beyond tho Atlantic, before the final sea
erance. Is not the preservation of the government
Of our ancestors, hallowed by their wisdom, aud
consecrated to us through thousand recollections
OF national greatness prosperity and repowr, wor-
thy OF such an experiment and thus much delay p
In endeavorlng to study and understand 1t by th0
light Of the history of the past it has seemed to me
that 1t was government made for this people, and
the people for the government. Let preserve aaa
regulate it, if possible-not destroy II. have but
little hope of seeing another securing us so much
freedom. prosperity and safety. have still less from
a reconstruction, which is the favorite idea of its
destroyers. TWAS difficult to procure its adoption
by ninete States amid circumstances Of the most
pressing necessity.
1t will be still more difficult to obtain the ratifis
cation of new system by fifteen, with the diverse
theories OF government, interest and safety which
pervade them. All these risks Of the future.
shall, trust be as ready as other men to encoun-
ter, if tie public interest safety or honor shall
quire it. But would have North Carolina to sign
alize her devotion TO that Constitution, which her
people have loved well, and whose covenants che
has 80 faithfully kept, by moderation, abstinencc
and fo7bcarance from precpitate actlon-to prevent
the disintegration Of the Confederacy, at least
iii its different members shall have sufficient Tins
and opportunity, in canpor and spirit Of justice to
understand the positions and ideas Of each other.-
When this shall have been done, do not despair Of
seeing return Of peace, amity and union. lfnot,
and the destruction Of the government becomes .
necessity, shall at least have the consolation 70
know that best efforts were not wanting for its
preservation.
Very respectfully yours
Il w. A. GRAHAM