The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1861-04-05
Ultimatums.


has been in session some weeks ; and within
this period an indefinite amount OF gas
and gasconade has been let of by the
speakers on all sides of the question Of
secession. The secessionists. pure and simple, |
who seem to be ia minority, have made, and
are making, great efforts to pass an ordinance
OF secession. Thus far, their efforts have been
unavailing The convention has been occupied
with discussing propositions and counter prop
ositons, respecting secession. All Of them,
whether originating from the immediate or
contingent. seeessionists, proceed on the idea
tina, the present constitution Of the United
States must be changed so as to give to slavery |
further rights and additional guarantees. The
Union men. as they are called. somewhat i'm
properly, IL they are sincere In their demands,
areiOr postponing secession at least till trial is
male to obtain further privileges for slavery
by reconstruction ofthe government through
a National Convention.
TO that convention they propose TO submit
an ultimatum, presenting the terms on which
Virginia viii consent to remain in the Union.
This ultimatum, in its'eharaoter, is similar to
the Crittenden plan Of settlement, but contain
ing other propositions in regard to slaves in
transit, &C., still more Objectionable. The
Convention will probably adjourn without
passing the secession ordinance, but before adj
journing 1t will probably adopt the ultima
tum. Now, If all this talk about ul,ma'ums
among the so-callel Union men Of the Border
Slave States as is alleged by some, is to gain
time, TO allow public sentiment in the Border
Slave States In favor Of the union to be concen-
trated; and to complete plans, by which the
country may be extricated from its difficulties
IL il perhaps excuslble II not justifable, or
even il male in the hope Of gaining advantages
By Bullying and threats, il may be pardoned. IL
however, made in sincerity, and with deter
mination TO take Virginia out, II the ultima
tum is not complied with, we see little or no
difference between the secessionists (immediate)
and those ultimatsts who are ready TO take
Virginia out If their demands are not complied
with.
Indeed the secessionists are most honest be-
cause they 90 straight forward in the work of
anarchy and public plumber, while the ultima
tumists seek to bring disgrace and dishonor on
the Free States, before commencing the work Of
anarhcy. Such ultimatums as these men pro-
pose will never be accepted BY the Free States,
and il would be dishonor and disgrace to
tho people of the Free States should they con-
sent to meet the Border Slave States in Con-
yention, after ultimatums had been offered.
There is just one and only one sensible way OF
preserving the Union. 1t is for men to settle
down on the idea that the union as our fathers
formed il Is good enough, that the Constitu-
ton as they framed IL is broad enough and
wide enough to protect all in their rights, and
that loyalty to ii will restore things to their
wunted channels, and forGll who feel sore be-
cause the parties TO which they are attached
were defeated in the presidential election to
recognize the principle Of the peopl's s1ver-
eighty fully, by being obedient to the laws.and
submitting 10 the constitutionally elected rul-
ers. The ultimatumists Of Virginia and of the
other border Slave States. II they really mean
Union at all, should dismiss, as unwise, their
ultimatums. and INSTEAD Of talking about terms,
should express at once their willingness
20 meet their brethren Of the free
States in Convention to talk pleasantly over
real or imaginary grievances, and to abide by
the results obtained whatever they may be.
On no other terms ought the people Of the
Free States to meet the Slave States. prop
osition to hold Convention made under such
circumstances. would no doubt be amieab;y re-
eeived, and lift should appear that the people
OF the Free States or the people Of the Slave
States had disregarlei either the spirit or the
letter Of the present Constitution. measures
might be adopted to prevent any such dlsre-
gard hereafter.
This talk Of ultimatums, and demand for a
reconstruction Of the government on basis
more favorable to slavery than now exists, Is
producing sentiment among the people OF
the Free States OF dissatisfaction with the priv
ileges given to slavery under the present Con-
s,tution. II Is giving rise to enquiry whether
this perpetual agitation and disturbance OF the
public peace by the Southern oligsrchs To Oh
tain political power, and this unwillingness TO
accept the consequences Of political dsfrat
mas Its compensation In the benefits which the
free States receive by being members Of a I'm
Ion having within itself Antagonistic elements,
and ifthese claims are still further pushed, IL
win elicit Investigation a. to the pecuniary
benefit which the people OF the free State. re-
eeive by their connection with the Slave State.
aud whether It is not in fact hin,lranee 20
their progress in the path Of prOsperity One
thing, ultimatists, seceSsionisis. and every b0dy
else IN the Border Slave States may be assured
OF. and il is. that there will be no further guar
antics for slavery accepted BY the people ofthe
Free States. The people ofihe Free States are
willing to stand Is the Constitution as il Is and
will do 50. bu, further they cannot be eOmpell-
cd to 80 They know that the Constitution was