t in greater danger than the solitary secession of South
Carolina. But the movement becomes imposing when we are assured
that several powerful states will very soon follow in the lead of
South Carolina; and when we know that other states, still more
powerful, sympathize with the seceding states, to the extent of
opposing, and perhaps resisting, the execution of the laws in the
seceding states.

"In this view of the present condition of public affairs, it becomes
the people of the United States seriously to consider whether the
government shall be arrested, in the execution of its undisputed
powers, by the citizens of one or more states, or whether we shall
test the power of the government to defend itself against dissolution.
Can a separation take place without war? If so, where will be the
line? Who shall possess this magnificent capital, with all its
evidences of progress and civilization? Shall the mouth of the
Mississippi be separated from its sources? Who shall possess the
territories? Suppose these difficulties to be overcome; suppose
that in peace we should huckster and divide up our nationality,
our flag, our history, all the recollections of the past; suppose
all these difficulties overcome, how can two rival republics of
the same race of men, divided only by a line of a river for thousands
of miles, and with all the present difficulties aggravated by
separation, avoid forays, disputes, and war? How can we travel on
our future march of progress in Mexico, or on the high seas, or on
the Pacific slope, without collision? It is impossible. To
peacefully accomplish such results we must change the nature of
man. Disunion is war! God knows, I do not threaten it, for I will
seek to prevent it in every way possible. I speak but the logic
of facts, which we should not conceal from each other. It is either
hostilities between the government and the seceding states; or, if
separation is yielded peaceably, it is a war of factions--a rivalry
of insignificant communities, hating each other, and contemned by
the civilized world. If war results, what a war it will be!
Contemplate the north and south, in hostile array against each
other. If these sections do not know each other _now_ they will
_then_.

"We are a nation of miliary men, naturally turbulent because we
are free, accustomed to arms, ingenious, energetic, brave and
strong. The same qualities that have enabled a single generation
of men to develop