Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1861-03-15
DOUGLAsAND CLINGMAN ONTHE
INAUaURAL.

The motion in Senate, March 6, to print
the usual number of copies of the Presi-
lent's inaugural address, led to remarks
from Mr.. Douglas and Mr. Clingman, as
follows
Mr. Clingman (dem., n. c. said, in voting for
the resolution, he did not wish 20 be under
stood as indorsing the position Of the inaugural,
if he understood it correctly, for all in it was
dark. The purpose which seemed to stand out
clearly and directly, If carried out, would lead to
war against the Confederate States. The Presi-
dent expressly declares that he intends to treat
the States as if they were all in the Union, and
regards the acts of secession a. mere nullities.-
Certain States claim to be independent. and if the
President acts as he enunciates, there can be no
result except collision between hem and the Fed
eral government. 1t is plain aud unmistakable
that be intends to hold, occupy and possess the
forts arsenals etc. in those seeded states, when
We know this be done only by dispossessfng the
State authorities The collection of the revenue
therein must also lead TO collision Of arms. AZ
ter we declared cur independence Of Great Brit
ain, nobody supposed the colonies would pay
taxes.
Mr.. Douglas (dem. lll.) would Lot consent that
the senator's remarks should 60 out unanswered.
He had read the Inaugural carefully, with the
view of understanding what the policy of the ad-
ministraton is 20 be as therein indicated. 1t Is
characterized by great ability. He had partially
made an analysis, ard had come to the conclusion
tha. it was peace rather than war message
lie had examined it carefully and critically, and
thought there was no foundation for dlferen,
opinion. lie then quoted from the inaugural IN
support of his position, saying unless the means
be furnished, the President cannot execute the
laws. Tue President must have been aware that
| in 1892 law was passed to enable President
f,r sbar lou in n n
Charleston. The act expired in two years. Was 1t
| to be supposed that Mr.. Lincoln thought he mad
| more mower without than General jackson had
with the aid of legislation? He repeated, when the
| President pledges himself TO collect the revenue
| and enforce the laws, unless Congress withhoids
the requisite means, Is he not TO be understood
tha, his act is dependent on the future course OF
| Congress? The President further says "Ihe
power confded to me will be used to hold, occupy
| and possess the property and places belonging 70
| the government and to collect the duties and i'm
| ports; but beyond what may be necessary for
these objects, there will te no invasion no USING
| of force against among the people anywhere
The President does not say he will take possession
of tho forts, but that he will hold, occupy and
| possess them. This was equivocal language, but
| he did not condemn the President for 1t. Beyond
what may be necessary for these objects, there Will
be no INVASION no using of force anywhere. lfit Is
is the duty of the President to enforce the revenue
| laws, ID is his duty to enforce the other laws.
Mr.. u. thought the declaration Of the President,
| that no would be guided by circumstances, as they
| should arise, taken in connection with what ne
says about the collection of revenue de-, Implied
that if the collection of the will lead to
peaceful solution then it will be collected. 1t the
abandonment of that collection will have that Ell.
feet Ihen it will be abandoned. So of the forts and
arsenals in the seeding States. He will recapture
or not recapture them, and will reinforce or moi
Lad IN