St. Mary's beacon., 1861-01-24
Gen. Jackson On Unisn and Coercion.


! tinn, the opinions and declarations Of the
wise aud great statesmen Of an earlier
period Of the Republic are naturally
looked to rs lights for the guidance of
the present generation. The opinions of
no one have been oftcncr quoted than
those Of Gen. Jackson. tits appropriate.
therefore. when We hear Union of force
advocated in high places aud advocated
even in the name Of Jackson, to quote
from the Farewell Address Of that great
man q pertinent passage. applying di-
rectly on this poiat. (Statesman's
Manual, vol. 2, PIP. 95l, 952)
IF such struggle is once begun,
and the citizens Of one section cf the
country arrayed in arms against those Of
another, in doubtful conflict, let the bat
tie result as it may, there will be an end
Of the Union. and with it an end of the
hopes of freedom The vicsnry of the
injured would not secure to them the
blessings Of liberty; it would avengc their
wrongs, but they would themselves share
in the common ruin.
But the Constitution cannot be MAIN
tanned, nor the Union preserved, in op-
position to public feeling by the mere
exertion Of the coercive powers con6ded
to the general government. The founda-
tions must be laid in the affections of the
people; in the security it gives to life.
liberty. character, and property. in every
quarter Of the country; and in the frater-
nal attachments which the citizens of she
&katn
members Of one political family, mutually
contributing to promote the happiness Of
each other Hence the citizens Of every
State should studiously avoid everything
calculated to wound the sensibility or Of,
fend the just pride Of the people Of other
States; and they should frown upon any
proceedings within their own borders like
ly to disturb the tranquility Of their po-
litical brethren in other portions of the
Unisn. In country go extensive az the
United States, and with pursuits 30
varied, the internal regulations of The
several States must frequently differ from
one another in important partieulars; aad
this difference is snavoidably increased by
the varying principles upon which the
American colonies we're originally planted;
principles which bad taken deep root in
their social relations before the revolx xtion.
ard therefore. Of necessity, influencing
their policy since they became free and
independent States. But each State has
the unquestionsble right to regulate it's
own internal concerns according to its
own pleasure; and while it does not inter
ferc With the rights Of the people Of other
States. or the rights Of the Union, every
State must be the sole judge of the mea-
sures proper to secure the safety Of its
citizens aud pre:nose their happiness; and
all efforts on the part Of the people Of
other States te cast odium upon their
institution. and all measures calculated to
disturb their rights of property. or to put
in jeopardy their peace and internal
tranquility, arc in direct opposition to the
spirit in which she Union was formed, and
must ei,canger its safety. Motives of
philanthroPhy may be assigned for. this
unwsrrantable interference; aud weak uen
may persuade themselves for . moment
thar they are lsboriug in the cause Of hu-
manisy. and asserting the rights of ths
human race; but every one. upon sober
reflection. will see that sothing but mis-
chief can come from these improper as
saults upon the feelings and rights Of 9th
ers. Rest ASSURED. that the lneu found
busy in this work Of discard are not wor-
thy Of your cnn6denee. and deserve ysur
strongest repubation."
Amos Kendall aud Others labor TO sus-
tain the despotic doctrine Of military coer-
cion by treating qualification" and .'se-
cession" ss one and the same doctrine,
and eits Gen. Jackson's opinion - au-
,hari.y again-, seccssiou. bccanse It was
adverse to nuiiGca.ion. The latter is re.
xisisas. u lAM wIza.s The Union, whsrs