The Daily state journal. [volume] (Alexandria, Va.) 1868-1874, 1872-06-15
Gilmer versus Greeley,
RICHMOND, June 10, 1872.

ouhV lVy lOfSs
n, tn. Editor Of TIE State Journal:
In the Tribune of the 18th instant, there
is over column devoted to the considera-
ton of my letter, published in your paper
of the Sth instant. In the editorial, the
following language is used, which is the
only reference to my statements made in
my letter:
and improve upon a stale calumny, by as
serting that Mr.. Greeley not only favored
secession in 1S60--61, but urged Mr.. Davis
and his southern friends to secede.' Thus,
you see, lie, being suffered to pass uncon-
tradicted, not only endures but expands
and grows. Let us impale this one, so as
at least to preclude its further enlarge
ment."
Such is the evasive, heterogeneous and
unpublished denial of the Tribune, couched
in rude language as characteristic OF high
passion as it is destitute of gentlemanly
courtesy. The article does not admit or
deny. the correctness OF my citations from
the Tribune. l now give you the full ex-
tracts taken from the elaborate defence of
"Buchanan's Administration" written by
President buchanan. himself, and published
in 1866. This controversy has been pro-
that Mr.. Greeley knew nothing of the ar
ticle. until he saw it in print. | give the
full citations of President Buchanan, pages
90. 81, and respectfully challenge the con-
sideration of the Tribune to them.
sit, (the Iribune), on the 9th Of No
vember, but three days after Mr.. Lincoln's
election, announced such sentiments as
these: If the Cotton States shall have
become satisfied that they can do better
out of the Union than in it, we insist on
telling them go-in peace The right to
secedc is revolutionary one, but 1t exists
nevertheless. We must ever resist the
right of any State to remain in the Union
and nullify or defy the laws thereof. 70
vithdro,o from the Union is quite another
matter; and whenever considerable section
of our Union shall deliberately resolve to
go out, WE SHALL RESIST ALL CoER-
SIyE MEASURES DESIGNED TO KEEP
TIN. We hope never to live in Repub-
lie aohereof one section Is bound TO another
by boyonets.o Does the Tribune, or will
Mr.. Greeley deny the precision and accuracy
of this citation?
Mr.. Buchanan procceds-"And again,
on the 18th of December, three days be-
fore the secession of South Carolina, If it
1.-THE Declaration of Independence justifies
the secession from the British empire OF
three millions of colonists in 1776, zoe do
mot see auty 1t acould not justify the seces-
sion of fire millions of Somhrons from the
Federal Union IN 1861. II ace are mistd-
ken in this point, aohy does not some one
attenpt to show Uhe,en and a1hy? For on
oon port, ,cl,ile pe deny the right Of staue-
holders TO hold slaUes against the acH q
The latter, WE CAN NOT SEE HOW TWEEN
Try MILLIONS oFPEoPLE CAN RIGHTFU.
LY HOLD TEN OR EVEN FIVE IN A DE.
TESTED UNION WITH THEM BY MILL
TARY FORCE. IF secen or eight coratlgm
Gus States shall present themselves anthem
tically at Washington, saying: WE HATE
THE FEDERAL UNION; WE HAVE WITH
DRAWN FROM IT; WE GIVE YOU THE
CHOICE BETWEEN ACQUIESCING IN QUIZ
SECESSION AND ARRANGING AMIGA
BLY, ALL INCIDENTAL QUESTIONS ON
THE ONE HAND, AND ATTEMPTING
TO sUBDUE US ON THE oTHER; 1D'
could not stand up for coerston, for subju
gotion: for zoe do not think ii aoould be Just
We hold the right Of se!f-gore,7sment epen
aclte,a iaroked IN behalf Of those scho dens
1t to Others. SO much for the question o
principle.'
will not repeat the other quotations
cited in my letter of the 9th instant, it is
needless. The Tribune, and presume Mr.
GREELEY, has read them. Does the 1ri
bune, or will Mr.. Greeley, deny the fal
authenticity of these citations ? Has Mr.
Greeley ever denied them except in tn
Tribune in the summer of 1869 and it
issue of the 18th instant? | regret tn
Hammered and mean turn mot to us
palmer terms,) in which the Tribune stamps
its own forcible language. If there is
"LIE" in this matter, let, Mr.. Greete
settle the delicate question, WITH Hi
CONSCIENCE, HIS COUNTRY, AND HI
GOD. Respectfully.
JOHN III. GILMER.