The climax. [volume] (Richmond, Madison County, Ky.) 1887-1897, 1889-12-11

nave strange SOUND now. In letter ac-
knowledging an invitation to join in a Boston
celebration Of the birthday of Daniel Web
ster, in january, 1859, he wrotei
II send you my cordial greetings to the
friends of the constitution, and ask to be en-
rolled among those whose mission Is, by fra
ternity and good faith TO every constitu-
tiOnal obligation, to insure that, from the
Aroostook to San Diego, from Key West TO
Puget sound, the grand arch of our political
temple shall stand mistaken"
DID WAR BEGIN IN 1882
An event was at hand, however, which was
to precipitate the conflict namely, the en-
terprise of John Brown A million southern
men and women, who had laughed at the idea
of danger from northern aggression" were
suddenly converted, saying, as one of them
expressed it, I'VE can no longer live in peace
with the north; our allies have become our
enemies, and we must seek release from tho
connection while we can do so with safetyn
The feelings Of jefferson Davis for the next
fifteen months may be gathered from the fol-
lowing letter, written at the close Of the dis
cussion TO his long time friend, ex-President
Pierce;
WASHINGTON, D. C., Jan 90 1861
Nv DEAR FRIEND-I have often and sadly turned
through which we have been passing, and now
come 10 the hard task OF announcing to you that
the hour is at hand which closes my connection
with the United States, for the Independence and
union OF which my father toied and in the service
Of which have sought to emulate the example
he set for my guidance. Mississippi not as
matter Of choice but Of necessity has resolved to
enter on the trial Of secession. Those who have
driven her this alternative threaten to deprive
her OF the right 70 require thar her government
shall rest on the consent Of the governed, to sub
stitute foreign force for domestic support to re-
duce a state to the condition from which the col
ony rose. In the attempt to avoid the issue which
had been Joined by the country, the present ad
ministratiOn has complicated and precipitated
the question Even now, If the duty ito preserve
the public property was nationally regarded, the
probable collision at Charleston would be avoided
Security far better than any which the Federal
troops can give might be obtained In considera-
ton Of the little garrison CT Fort Sumter. II the
| disavOwal Of any purpose to coerce South Caro-
lima be sincere, the possession Of a work TO com
mand the harbor is worse than useless
When Lincoln comes in he viii have but 10 con
tinue in the path Of his predecessor TO inaugurate
civil war, and leave sOi-disant Democratic ad-
ministration responsible for the fact. Gen. Cush-
| ing was here last week. and when he parted It
seemed like taking a last leave Of a brother.
leave Immediately for Mississippi, and know
] not what may devolve upon me after my return.
/ civil war has only horror Tor me, but whatever
! circumstances may demand shall be met as a
duty, and / trust be so discharged that you viii
not be ashamed of our former connection or cease
| to be my friend.
Mrs. Davis joins me In kind remembrance to
Mrs. Pierce, and the expression Of the hope that
we may yet have you both at our country home.
/ Do me the favor to write to me often Address
| Hurricane P. O., Warren county, Miss.
May God bless you, is ever the prayer OF your
/ friend. JEFF'N DAVIS.
/ President T. Pierce
In that fifteen months events had moved
| rapidly towards the dread elimination. In
| the first Democratic convention of 1860, Mr..
/ Davis received some votes, Benjamin F.
| Butler voting for him 81 times. In the
subsequent election the two northern candi-
/ dates as Mr.. Blaine styles them, received all
the votes of the northern states save a mere
handful, less than 10000, while Breckin.
ridge and Bell received the almost solid vote
of the southern states. "In truth as well as
In appearance adds Mr.. Blaine, 'it was a
sectional contest, in which the north support
ed northern candidates and the south south
| ern candidates 'Disunion was already
completed in the hearts of the people" says
Tourgee, "the sections simply fell apart be
cause there was no cohesion These opinions
of philosOphic observers long after the strug-
gle have their value