The Jeffersonian. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1853-1911, 1861-02-21
SPEECH OF
SPEECH OF
Hon. AND'W. JOHNSON, of Tennessee
Delivered in the Senate of the United
States Feb 3

placed himself on the Constitution, with
the fathers, a0d against the doctrine oil
publication and secession which he con
sidered to be national heresy. As fal
back as 1898 be had planted himself on
the same principles, aud believed the
doctrine of secession to be an enemy
which, if sustained, would lead to the de-
struction of the Government; and be op.
posed this doctrine TO day for the same
reasons He believed that it would be
the destruction also of any Government
which might be formed subsequently
He looked upon this doctrine as a prolif-
10 Northern polical sin, as production
OF anarchy. which was the next step to
despotism. But once, when he made
a speech on the 10Th of January, he
bad been attacked and denounced /;
but be vas inspired with a confidence
that he had struck treason blow, and
men who we're engaged in being traitors
felt the blow. His object now was to
meet attacks. On yesterday we bad quite
scene: piece we'll played, gotten up to
order, and the pieces we'll nemorized.-
Whether anxious mourners we're prepared
for the occa-iou he could not say. The
Senstor from Louisiana Mr.. Benjamin.
bad argued that bis State bad violated
no Obligation, as she was not bought for
a price, but bad her sovereignty simply
handed over 10 trust He (Mr. Johnson)
then read from the first article Of the
treaty of cession of Louisiana, claimin,
that it was explicit that by the convey
snce of absolute jurisdiction and control
to the United States of the property ami
so9ereignty, both we're conveyed to the
people of the United States. 1t was not
as represented by the Senator of Loui--
ana, auy good sil OF the French, but the
United States bought this sovereignty for
20 many million dollars. Then the SEN
stor from Louisiana portrayed the eDor-
nifty OF the wrongs done to Louisiana till
be (Mr. Johuson) almost thought Marc
Anthony came back, and expected to hear
the Senator exclsim. IF you have tears to
she'd, prepare to shed them now" What
are these dreadful wroUgsl The United
States bought her, paid for her sixty mil
lions of francs, and then admitted her to
the Union. Was any oppression and
wrong there Was there any wrong
when at the battle of New Orleans, Ken
tucky, who, thanks to God, stands firm
to day, and Tennessee, who, he hoped,
will stand with Kentucky, went to the
belp and saved that city from Packen-
hanl How much protection has she
had for sugar! Is this another wrongi
Then whore are the wrongs which just
fy Louisiana to-day in leaving the Gov
ernmeDt, in violation of the rights OF all
the States OF the Union Without con-
sultiDg even Kentucky aud Tennessee,
who defended her, she has taken the forts,
arsenals, and mint Of the United States
He said this reminded hin of the fable
of the frogs aud their King Log, who got
dissatisfied with the wrongs they received,
and took King Stotk, who began to de-
your them, that South Carolina got King
Stork now, and Louisiana will have him
when they make heavy appropriations for
war. Is it not an outrage on the Gov
erDmentl There was large portion Of
the people who think that there have
been sggress;ons, aud that something
ought to be done; bat there vas another
part Sbo are afraid that something may
be done, being for reconciliation. Tie
referred to a speech Of the Senator from
Louiriosa, when be said, since the elec-
ton Of Lincoln, are those who prate of dis
union like silly savages who shoot al the
suH, but the sun still runs on. What
changed the Senator'S mind SO soon =
He claimed that the Senator from Virgin
ia (Mr. Hunter) was forced to the con.
cusion, after careful thought, that seces.
zion was not right given By the Consti-
tuition, and that he would be willing to
regulate it so that no oue State shall 60
out of the Union without the consent of
the rest But when Jefferson, under the
confederation of said States, had the right
to compel the obedience OF State, be
{ Mr.. Jobnson) would as sooG take the o.
pinions OF the Old Dominic earlier states
men, as the latter ones. He argued at
some some length the question OF coercion,
cl laIaing a great difference between the
enforcement of the laws, and what vas
called the coeroiou OF States. He quoted
The Richmond Enquirer Of 1914 refer
ring to the Hartford Convention. and
ga wing that no State bad right to with.
draw from the Union, and that resistance
against the laws was treason. calling on
the Government to arrest the traitors. for
the Union must be saved at all hazards.
Mr.. johnson said be subscribed fully to
those opinions. But what is treason
The Constitution says treason consists
iu levyiog war against the Uoited States,
or adheriDg to an enemy and giving him
aid and comfort" Does it need any
search to 6Dd men levyiDg war, aud Civ
ing aid and comfort to enemies against
the United States Treason ought to be
pushed, North and South, and if there
are traitors, they should be entitled to
traitors reward. [Applause.I lie SAID
that South Carolina early had prejudice
aooinst n Government by the people, aud