Indiana State sentinel. (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1861-1865, 1861-03-27
Ir. Brecl1inridge on tine inaugural.

Mr.. Breckenridge on the inaugural.
The following is synopsis Of the remarks of
Mr.. BREcLINRlDeE in the Senate on Monday. Civ
ing his Interpretation of the sentiments expounded
by Mr.. LINCOLN in his inaugural address:
Mr.. Breckinbridge said, in the present anxious.
distressed condition OF the country, the Senate
should not adjourn without expressing opinion
on the present state of affairs. and giving some
advice tending to allsy publ: apprehension
Opinions seemed divided as to the me ming of the
Inaugural He was free to confess. and gratificd
TO do so, that its general expressions are Tor hIr
mOny and the prevention OF blOOdshed; but the
policy which the President says he deems it his
duty to pursue must result in blOOdshed unless
essentially modified
The leading idea of the inaugural, very
clearly put forth, is the President does not re
cOgnze, in any sense, the existence of another
ConieDleracy, but that he regards all proceedings
and acts in the seeding States either insurrec-
tionary orrevOlutiOndry and thati is his purpose.
TO the extent of his power, to enforce laws in all
the States, including those which have with
drawn. The inference was irresistible, to what
ever extent force or invasion is necessary to col
lect duties on imports, and to maintain, posses,
aud occupy the forts, force be employed by con-
STRUNG it to be his constitutional duty. Tis true,
the President has qualified his declaration by say
ing the course here indicated will be followed
unless current events and experience shall show
modification or change to be proper, and in every
ease and exigency my best discretion will be ex-
ercised, according to circumstances actually ex-
listing, and with view to the peaceful solution OF
our national troubles and the restoration of fra
ternal sympathes and affections"
He (Breckinridge) took his qualification to
mean he will not undertake to execute the laws
to hold the forts, and other places in the with
drawing States, excepting where circumstances
show his ability TO do so. and that he will not un
dertake to force those functions. because it would
be irritating and make the hopes of peaceful
solution more doubtful, then the policy would be
that which would prevent irritation and bloodshed.
The President conceived it his duty to hold, pos
sesS and occupy the forts. and collect the duties
on imports, to be modified according to the ne
cessites of the case, which may surround him,
otherwise his policy would be simple and easy.
Looking at Fort Sumter, what were the reasons
for the rumored evacuation? Not political. but
military; not because in the opinion of the Adj
ministration the fort would irritate the public
mind and render Cancellation and harmony doubt
FIJI but because the military and naval power does
not exist to penetrate to that point. Unless the
purpose OF the President was 10 use force far rs
was necessary. he would. if his object purely
concilitory withdraw the troops for political and
not military reasons. then he thought he was JUS
tilted in constituting the inaugural 10 mean the
IreSluent viii nOiu the tOTtS ana Otnef places
within the Confederate States and collect the du-
ties on imports to the extent OF his power, and if
there Is any modification it will be because he
would be willing to withdraw the troops for the
purpose Of Cancellation and pence in the public
mind.
The character of the Cib;net was not such as
to induce the BELIEF that force would not be used.
Every member, except one.s unde~stOo4 to favor
coercion, If it becomes necessary to reduce the
South to subjuSation. The very organic ition
or the Senate, and opinions cautiously expressed
by Republicans here, show Their purpose is to
maintain the authority of the Federal Govern
melt over the withdrawn States by force if nee
esslry. In the forming of standing committees
there was scarcely chiirman whose known opn-
ion was not in favor of this policy.
The country should not be deceived. What
was me mt by peace and Cancellation? How was
it be maintained? He desired to know it as
sincerely as he desired the union of al the States.
He had seeI no measure OF practical policy which
tends to produce the result. We are in constant
danger of collision and bloodShel For the sake
of the political and material interests of the coun
try, the support of the credit and the general
prosperity, let us establish some leading princ
pie. fla peace policy Was not to prevail, let us
get ready for The conflict.