The Lake Charles echo. [volume] (Lake Charles, Parish of Calcasieu, La.) 1876-1898, 1890-01-17
NO46

led the so-ea1led "Lecompton party in con-
gress in opposition 70 Senator Douglas, and
In debate with the latter propounded the once
celebrated queries and propositions which
drew from the Illinois senator bis famous
theory as to the right Of a territorial legisla-
tlre to adopt 'unfriendly legislation against
slavery, and his article in Harper's Magazine,
which set forth the creed Of the douglas
Democrats The breach was now complete.
Meantime, in the summer Of 1858, he made
tour for health and pleasure through the
eastern states, delivering several addresses,
in which the warmest attachment to the
union was avowed-always, however, with
proviso, expressed or Implied, that aggres-
sions upon the south would certainly be met
with resistance, Some Of these addresses
have strange sound now. In a letter 40
knowledging an invitation to Join IN Boston
celebration Of the birthday Of Daniel Web
ster, In January, 1850 be wrote;
~ send you my cordial greetings 70 the
friends Of the constitution, and ask 10 DO en-
rolled among those whose mission is, BY fra
ternity and good faith to every coustitU-
tional obligation, to insure that, from the
Aroostook to San Diego, from Key West 70
Puget sound, the grand arch of our political
temple shall stand unshaken"
DID WAR BEGIN IN 1891
An event was at hand, however, which was
to precipitats 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 IL, 1--WE can no longer live In peace
with the north; our allies have become our
enemies and we must seek release from the
connection while We can do 30 with saeety.n
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. O., Jan, 90 1851.
MY DEAR FRIESD--I have often and sadly turned
my thoughts 10 you during tho troublous tinnes
through which we have been passing, and now !
come to the hard task Of announcing 70 you that
the hour Is at hand which closes my connection
with the United States for the Independence and
union of which my father toiled and IN the servica
of which have sought to emulate the example
he set for my guidance Mississippi not as a
matter Of choice but Of necessity has resolved to
enter on the trial of secession Those who have
driven her to this alternative threaten 10 deprive
her Of the right to require that her government
Hhall rest on tho consent Of the governed, to sub
sttute foreign force for domestic support, to re-
duoa a state 70 the condition from which the col
Ony rose, In the attempt to avoid the issue which
had been Joined by the country tho present I'D.
mlnistration has complicated and preeipltated
the question, Even now, Il the duty TO 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 he obtained In eonsidera-
tion Of tho little garrison Of Fort snmter. II the
dlsaVowpl Of any purpose 70 coeroe South Caro-
lima be sincere, the possession OF o work 70 COM
mand tho harhor Ia worse than uselesa
When Lincoln comes In he viii have but 70 cor-
tinue In the path Of his predecessor to inauguEata
q civil war and leave q soi-disant Democratic ad.
minIstratlon responsible for the feet, Gen. Cusb-
Ing was here last week, and when he parted Il
seemed like taking o last leave OF q brother.
leave Immediately for Mississippi and know
not what may deyolVs upon me after my return,
Civil war has only horror for me- but whatever
circumstances may demand shall DO met as q
duty, and l trust be so discharged that you win
not be asbamed OF our former connection or cease
10 be my friend
Mrs, Davis joins me Ia 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, ia ever the prayer Of your
friend, JEFFR DAvTR
President f. Pierce.
In that fifteen months events had moved
rapidly towards the dread culmination. In
the first Democratic convention Of 1860, Mr..
Davis received some votes, benjamin r.
Butler voting for him 81 times. In the
subsequent election the two northern candi-
dates as MIR. Blaine styles them, received all
the votes Of the northern states save mere
handful, less than 100000, while Breckin'
ridge and Bell received the almost solid vote
Of tue southern states. "In truth as well as
in appearance" adds Mr., Blaine, sit was
sectional contest, in which the north support.
ed northern candidates and the south south.
ern candidates. "Disunion was already
completed in tho hearts OF the people, |" snys
Tourgee, "the sections simply fell apart boz
cause there was no cohesion" These opinions
Of philosophio observers long after the strug-
gle have their value,