Daily Ohio statesman. [volume] (Columbus, Ohio) 1855-1870, 1861-05-10
VOL. VII. NO. 2SS. NEW SERIES. C0LUA
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Policy vs. Sentiment.

Eulluy Vbs ooutiIhvub'
In both parts of the country, these two are
to certain extent, antagonistic to each other.
True policy at the South would have arrested
the precipitate steps which have hurried seven
States into open rebellion, and have left the
rest in condition, to say the least, OF hesita-
ting disloyalty. The sentiment OF the whole
South has recently tended to sympathy with
accession; but this was owing not to original
and absolute dissatisfaction with the Union, but
to want of confidence in the North. resulting
from misapprehension and misguided passion.
AT the North, on the other hand, recent events
have had no little influence 80 to modify the
course of sentiment, as to affect injuri0usy the
policy best to be observed for the benefit Of the
whole. We sincerely trust that the course of
feeling to which we refer is less active and
powerful than many imagine; we have that con
hdence in the right reason of our fellow.citi.
zens, to believe that they will soon see how
imperative is the obligation upon them to carry
on this conflict with the intelligent and high
principled sobriety becoming freemen and men
capable Of self-government.
The misapprehension at the South has grown
out Of an idea zealously inculcated by the pro-
moters of the rebellion, that their local institu
lions, and with them their very peace and per-
the North has arisen from just belief that the
seceders, without sufficient cause Of grievance,
have begun revolution, fatal, If not repress-
ed, to all that is comprehended In the sacred
name of country. On this impregnable ground
we stand against them. But now, as ever be-
fore, it is our duty as Christians and as men, to
disabuse the minds Of misguided fellowci.tizens
of every mistaken impression which has led
them to commit this great error and wrong;
and to convince them, If possible, that we seek,
not their harm, but the common good. The diff.
ference between carrying on this great conflict
in the right spirit and the wrong, is that be-
tween an honorable, happy and constitutional
settlement of controversy full of our own fate
and that of coming generations of mankind, on
the one part-and on the other, irrepressible
anarchy, fatal to both parties-fatal to civil
governmental gulf Of wo and misery in
which all our hopes and interests are only too
certain to be sunk and overwhelmed.
In word, the force necessary to be employed
must be guided by reason, justice, and law
We seek our own rights-we must not deny
them TO others. We contend for the Constitu-
tion-the contest must proceed upon Constitu.
tional grounds. We fight for the honor of the
hag-and as men Of honor we must see to il,
that it is still the Stag OF the Free" and un-
sullied by any perversion OF that glorious sym.
bol of our Union 10 purposes OF injustice or
cruelty.
Respect for the laws, reverence for the Con,
stitution, undying love for the Union-these are
our guiding stars to a final triumph, whether
gained in peace or war, surprising any other in
the history of the Republic, if we are only true
20 the principles by which they appeal to every
noble conviction of our hearts and minds.
The policy adopted by the Administration
will lead popular sentiment right. We refer
our readers to the letter of Garrett Davis, late o
member of Congress from Kentucky, detailing
his recent conversation with Mr.. Lincoln. The
President ia resolved to perform his constitu-
tional duty; and in the discharge of this, he
will have every patriotic heart and hand in the
North at his service. The language of the
President, as given by Mr.. Davis, deserves to be
pondered and dwelt upon. 1t is well calculated
70 give assurance to the South that the fears cf
interference with their domestic ussgcs are
groundess, and that he intends to take no
measures but those required of him by the
Constitution, the laws and his oath of Office
On the contrary, it furnishes his pledge that he
will defend their rights, and thus holds out to
them the strongest inducements to dismiss their
apprehensions on this score, and since these are
groundless, to return to their allegiance. He
said
"That he intended to make no attack direct or ndi.
rect upon the Institutions property Of any sate but
on the contrary, would defend them to the full extent
with which the Constitution and laws Of Congress have
vested the President with the power. And that he did
not intend to invade with armed force, make any
military or naval movement against any State, unless
she or her people should make 1t necessary by formi
dabe resistance Of the authority and laws Of the United
States"
And this declaration, so distinct and unquali.
fed, is of the utmost consequence in another
point of view, since 1t is totally counter to the
harsh and vindictlve spirit whicha certain class
at the North 10 disposed to indulge and encour-
age. We have never supposed the Admlnistra-
tion could have any sympathy with that spirit,
which, If carried out, could only be fatal to the
Union cause.
ain alluding to the hesitation of Kentucky to
furnish troops, according to the requisition up
on her, Mr.. Lincoln based his regrets upon
broad foundation, well adapted before long to
call into efficient action the reviving spirit OF
LOYALTY in the Border States. He told Mr.. Da-
Wis be greatly regretted that Kentucky
"Had not acted up to the principle her great states
man now no more and for which she cast her vote in the
late election, 'the Union the Constitution
and the Enforcement Of the Laws
For these grand objects, therefore. Mr.. Lin
coin, and with him his administration, are tC
carry on the government. More than this w
cannot ask; and they are amply enough to stil
the whole national heart. It's unquestionably
in response to this ennobling principle, tina,
hearts and arms have so readily obeyed the cal
Of the government. There is in this no subju-
CATION Of the South, no reduction of their States
to the condition Of conquered provinces, no ex-
termination Of their inhabitants by fire ant
sword, no interference with their domestic in
stitutions--but the protection of all their right
and privileges under the Constitution and tb
Union, and an invitation to them to lay dow
their rebelious weapons and bid their countr,
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