The daily exchange. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1858-1861, 1861-02-07

consequences to himself No personal sacrifice can
De TOO great to preserve and perpetuate the only
model on earth of free representative govern
ment. The question is presented to US, and we are
brought to the issue, Shall the Union be dissolved?
We can neither avoid it nor evade it if we would
Each and every man in this country must take his
position. Each has his part to play in this great
DRAMA fear tragedy-of human affairs | have
never had any hesitation to the part, however
humble, should play. | shall use every exerton
in my power to preserve this government. | am for
the Union even now, bleeding, torn shattered as it
is. The calGmities attending and following a dis
souhon OF the Union, bear equally on both sec
tionI and to each they boundless. 1t is the
duty OF both sections to contemplate the horrors
attending disruption of this goverement. When
we look at the peculiar character of our govern.
ment, its varied interests its immense amount of
public property, its vast extent of territory, he
must be but an indifferent observer of public events
who thinks all these questions can be adjusted
without resort to the arbitration of the sword
The MON divided, there would be more govern
ments than two. New England would either set
up tor herself or be required to do so. The middle
North States another. The great Northwest an
other. The Pacific States another and Texas in
time would resume her independence In the South
ern contederacy, he feared the tariff protection d.
rect tax, the African slave trade would become ele-
ments of disc0rd He said Virginia has a peculiar
interest and feeling in preserving the peace and
harmony OF this country. No county of any State
IN the great Northwest but contains some of her
sons. Her sturdy yeomanry had gone by thous
andS TO seek their homes in that inviting region
Ia the event ofa conflict between the sections the
horrible spectacle would be presented OF brother
meeting brother and father meeting son upon the
held OF battle. God grant the time may never
come when the gallant of the Old d D0minion in
the tar West will exclaim: 81 am become stranp-
er unto my brethren and an alien unto nv mo-
Tiers children" When we are invited to take
step involving such fearful consequences, it
Is our duty to inquire into the causes which
lmpel US to this last resort, and to remove them.
OF the republican party, by coming forward like
men and rendering justice to the South, can pre-
vent any further rupture in the government, until
the border States, by firm and cOnciliatory
course can adjust with you all the pending difficult
ties. This being done, those States would return
The Union would then be on a more permanent
basis than ever before and the GLORIOUS flag
OF the stars and stripes, with its cred white and
blue, would once more float in triumph from our
Capitol 1t is said all the States should 90
out with view to reconstruction. Reconstruct!
reconstruct! AS well try to reconstruct the
shattered vase reconstruct the earth after it shall
have been consumed by fire, to attempt to recon
struct this government after it shall have been di-
Vlded by Mason Dixon's line Let the friends of
adjustment and the Union stand firm, and all our
troubles will yet be settled He urged upon the
Republicans the acceptance of Crlttenden's propo-
stion-to do as Webster did in 1850, come forward
in behalf of his country and save it from total de-
ing the laws, 'let slip the dogs of war;" If you
fail to do the former and do the latter he had no
threats prophecies to make. | only ask YOU to |
remember "that the race is not ALWAYS to |
the swift nor the battle to the strong. -
Adjourned