The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1863-01-21


toned. 1t is sanctioned. in the National
Covenant, has been protected by Congress
ional provision for its recovery, and So
lemnly adjudicatel by the Supreme Court.
Kentucky held it liable to the incidents of
the states, and bore with much patrience
the losses sustained by those who were
fugitives from labor. She lost annually
from this cause more than any State in
the Union; yet she never attempted vio-
lence in its recovery. Although she had
much complaint against fanatic citizens OF
of the distinction between irresponsible in
dividuals and the acts of those great Com
monwealths. She therefore did not consid-
er these vexations interferences from her
neighbors as just cause for her to break up
the fraternity of sister States, or to seek
redress outside the Constitution of the
Constitution of the United States. She
was aware that that instrument, faithfully
administered, constituted her best safe
guard for her slave and every other spe-
cies of property, andwhen an attempt was
made to seduce her from allegiance she
crowned Indignantly" upon the first Sc
the antecedent pretexts and preparations
for the rebellion she took no part.
As an abstract question, and one of
bat little practical value, she looked on
with Indifference upon the Kansas en-
broglie-regarding it as more speculative
than of real Importance, considering that
according to the conceded rights of the
States each Territory, on becoming State
would settle the question according to
the view it took of its own interests
And hence in the Presidential election,
while she choose for her own candidate
one who maintained the abstract view of
the Southern question, she was glad to
see the Northern side enunciating in their
Chicago Platform distinct disavowal Of
of any right or purpose to interfere with
slavery in the States where it already ex-
listed by law. To this position the sue
cessful candidate was, unmistakably COM
mitted, and hence it was, that while Ken
tucky was disappointed by the defeat of
her own candidate. she felt hopeful that
no impossible barrier had been presented
to peaceful adjustment of all pending
difficulties. She never allowed herself for
one moment to stop to discuss the value
of the Union. In her estimation nothing
could compare with it in value, or com
pensate- for loss; and hence, when the
southern politicians made bare their trea-
sonable purposes, regardless of the dis
ruption it made in her own social fabric,
and the utter arrangement and ruin of
her commercial interests, she took her
stand on the side of the Union and has
maintained it with her treasure and her
blood. The Constitution of the Union
has not yet been changed, and, with her
consent, never shall be.
But since the commencement Of this
civil war there has suddenly grown up a
theory outside of and above the Consti-
tuition, and a new doctrine has been intro
duced into practical lexhibition-that mill
tarysaeccssity is not to be measured by
constitutional limits, but must be the Judge
of the extent of its powers. As an off
shoot from this political heresy there have
appeared among us not only Anti slavery
propagandists. but men who have actually
presumed to override our own State laws
and turn regiments brought here ostensi-
bly, for our protection into cities of refuge
dor runaway slaves. To such an extent
has this been carried, that not only have
our citizens been driven from the camps
where they have traced their property into
the possession Of the soldiers, but the
civil officers have been prevented from
serving any process for their recovery
This high handed and iniquitous conduct
is dailyand hourly weakening the cause
OF the Union and paraly zing the efforts to
suppress the rebellion. And, in addition
| to all this, it is putting the State to i'm.
minent peril. 1t is asking too much OF
the citizen to expect him to fold his arms
in quiet submission when his property il
ftaken from him in his very presence, and
to be rudely thrust aside at the point o
the bayonet when he~attempts to reclaim
it. Your State laws are already ample fol
redress Of offenses against the property
the citizen, as the same have becnordina-
rily committed; but ! suggest to you tn,
propriety Of other and more stringen
laws against the infamous practice of Alb
clifton soldiers in this particular, and tt
do this effectually there should be sol
smn reafirmation of the great truth tha
in all free Governments the military il
and must be subject to the civil authority
!, and by proper Legislation give it practi
cal meaning by providing for its m,intsn
ance at all hazards.
1t is but just to add that this accuse
ton does not apply indiscriminately t.
all the regiments that have been quarter
F ed in Kentucky. The commanders o
F many of them oppose the practice so fa
as they can do SO consistently withwha
they believe to be their duty as subjec
to the rulers and articles Of war and Il
proclamation Of the President of the Uni
ted States, issued on the 22d of Sertem
Der last. To that proclamation / Woul
now call your especial attention.
/ While am willing to believe that tn
/ President thought that his proclamatio
would have a beneficial effect in exp.dit
fling the close of the war, it is now apps
] rent that he has lent too facils an ear
: the schemes of Abolition partisan leader
; who have practicod upon his patriot
a heart, blinded his better Judgment, alain
e ed his fears, and induced him to publish
: manifesto from which nothing but e,i