Year: 1861

Ine response


From all sections of the State we are begin
ming 20 receive responses to the articles which
we have thought it our duty, and which suited
our inclination, to address to the people of Mis-
souri, These responses are very gratifying to
US, for they show that the People are in temper
to receive suggestions from any quarter, to give
them deliberate reflection, and to decide under
standingly. More than this could not be desired.
When, Just after the capture of Fort Sumter by
the army of the Confederate States, President
Lincoln took upon himself to call for 75,0OO vol
unteers from States vet remaining in the Union,
including in that call a quota from each of the
slave States, it not surprising that there was
resentment and indignation expressed through
out the State. But that paroXysm of passion
subsdsd. Missouri content to leave to the
Governor proper response to the official requl-
sition and that answer has been endorsed ev
erywhere. Time, the condition of affairs in
the State, the want of military organization and
preparation, have served to convince the people
that, with that answer, it became them to look
carefully to the next step before involving them
selves in sea of troubles. They have done so.
Demagogues everywhere have been repulsed
when they have sought to commit the people to
Immediate secession" and in no instance has it
been better exemplfed than in the defeat of
Thomas. L. Anderson, who was put forward,
in Marion county, as the peculiar representa-
tive Of the secessiOnists, and who was fairly
beaten on the issue presented by them. That
county formed part of the District represented
by Judge Redd, who, if he was not a seces-
sionst in the Conv ention, soon proclaimed him
self one after he returned home, backed by
Anderson and others, and having the advan-
tage of all the excitement created by Lincoln s
proclamation. This election gives food of
light as TO the real sentiments of the people of this
State. If that county could not be carried by
secession under the pressure brought to bear upon
it, there is not county in the State that can be
relied upon in support of disunion. 1t is for this
reason that we attach unusual significance to this
election, and beg the people to bear it in mind
when discussing the chances of secession.


All our information, public and private. is to
the same effect. Whenever the issue is made
even under most unfavorabe circumstances, ,seces-
sion is beaten out Of sight. 1t cannot stand inves-
tigatiOn. If advocated at all, it is by demagogues
who have nothing to lose, and who are satisfied
that nothing they can say or do can render their
projects more desperate. The public voice is
settling down under the conviction that the first
duty of the State is to organize the militia fOr
self-defense, and to arm them in good style, 80
that they NAV do effective servcs-and then
await the conflict. We hope the people of each
county in the State will avail themselves of every
occasion to make known their wishes, and their
commands, to their servants. Secession in ouI
present condition, 10 an evidence of madness, Of
folly of disregard of all the best interests Of th<
State, which is not to be tolerated in any man
and least of all any man who, from his position
seeks to direct public opinion. Neutrality calm
waiting of events, the protection of the public
credit, the outstanding of all the resources of tn,
State, closer and better understanding of th'
wishes of the people, so as to bind them togethe
as unit in any line of policy this course will dt
more to sustain Missouri and to relieve her of he
present disabilities than any attempt to connec
our destiny with that of either of the rival Gov
srnments, with one of which-the North-we cal
never have any sympathy or cooperation.





The message of Governor jackson is so brie
that it is not necessary to attempt an analysis
it. In the present temper of the people every on
will read it, AS will be seen, it contains but on
recommendation, in the following words:


In the meantime, in my judgment. it is indis
pensabe to our safety that we should emulate tn
policy of all the other States in arming our pee
pie and placing our State in proper attitude fo
defense.


The militia law should be revised and rendsre
more efficient. A good system of drill and di.
ciplins should also be adopted, in order to plac
ourselves in position where our rights can
defended with strong arms and willing hearts.
Missouri has, at this time, no war to prosecute
| 1t is not her policy to make aggressions on an
| State or people; but, in the present state of th
country, she would be fathless to her honor an
recreant in her duty were she to hesitate mC
ment in making the most ample preparation fc
the protection of her people against the aggrs


sions of all assailants


therefore respectfully recommend the apprt
priation of q sufficient sum of money to place th
State at the earliest practicable moment in a con
plete state of defense