[405]
This had a full application in our experience. We found our enemies had become those of our own household. They attempted to break up our Government, to overthrow our Union, to destroy our prosperity, and wind up our history as a first-class Power. The Government of the United States had never deviated from the accomplishment of its legitimate objects. It was made for all, and it had protected all. No State could claim that it had been wronged in any measure, without instantly having its wrong adjusted by the supreme legislative, judicial, or executive power.
And thus, without any infraction of law or any invasion of prerogative, one section of the country was arrayed in hostility against the other; and suddenly we found ourselves threatened with the choice of two evils, —a struggle to the death, if necessary, against dismemberment, if not indeed against total destruction; or to submit tamely to inevitable ruin.
This was a new spectacle for the nations of Europe to look on; and, as might be expected, it gave them a good chance for showing how truly they had rejoiced in our prosperity, or how glad they would be in our misfortune.
