The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1863-02-21
Why the People Cannot Consent to
DiSuniOn.

4 writer, in recent number of the Revue
Rationale of Paris, discusses at length the
American question, and in which he gives
some powerful reasons why the people OF The
United States cannot consent to diSunion.-
The article is very lng, but the following
extract is full OF import:
Now suppose that the separation should
be accomplished, and that the new Conicder-
alton should comprise all the slave States.
the North.wou!d lose. in one day, its power
and its institutions. The Republic would be
stabbed to the heart. There would be in
America two nations face TO face two pco-
pies, rivals, and ever on the eve ofquarreling
with each other. Peace, in fine, will not
eradicate hatreds; you cannot ctface the
recollection of greatness passed away, of the
Union destroyed; the South victorious,
would undoubtedly be none the less the
friend of slavery, nor less in love of domina-
ton. The enemies of slavery, now undis-
putcd masters of their policy, would not
assurcdly bc softencd by the scparation.-
What will the Confederation of the South be
to the North foreign power established
in America, with frontier of fifteen hundred
miles. frontier open ON all Sides and conse-
qnrntly, always menacing and menaced.
This power, hostile owing to its very vicin-
ity, and still more so through ITS Institutions,
will possess some of the most considerable
portions of the New World it will hold half
the seacoast of the Union; it will command
the Gull OF Mexico, an interior sea onc-third
the size Of the Mediterranean it will be mis-
trcss of the mouths of the Mississippi, and
may. at its pleasure, ruin the population OF
the West. Thus, the remnant OF the Union
would have to be ever in readiness to defend
itself against its rivals. Questions of custom
houses aud frontiers. rivaliics, jealousics-all
the annoyancirs of Europe would ovcrwhe I'm
America together. 1t would be necessary to
establish custom houses along space Of five
hundred leagues, construct and arm fortifica-
tions along the same immense frontier, keep
up considerable standing armies, maintain a
navy on war footing-in other woids, aban-
don the old Constitution, weaken mnnic pal
independence, and concentrate power.
Adicu, then, to their former glorious liber-
ty Adieu to those institutions which made
America the common country of all who
could moi find air to breathe in Europe. The
work of Washington would be destroyed, and
the situation would be one full of difficulty
and peril. That such a prospect gratifies
those who cannot forgive America her pros
p"rlty and her greatness, can understand -
History is full Of these dark jcalousies. That
a people habiluated to liberty shopld risk
their last man aad their last cent in order to
preserve the heritage of their fathers, still
better understand and approve. What l do
not comprehend is that should be found in
Europe men who consider themselves Lib.
| erals while approaching the North with her
generous resistance, and advising shameful
rcinq hishment of her rights. War is fright
tul evil, but out OF war may spring a lasting
peace; the South may grow tired of slrug
gle that exhausts her; the old Union may
rise again the future may be saved. But
what can come from separation but an inter.
J minable war and countless miseliey -