Mr. Lincoln for coercion.
The Indianapolis speech of Mr. Lincoln is everywhere understood as clearly indicating his purpose to enforce the execution of the United States laws throughout the boundaries of every State which has adopted an ordinance of secession from the Union; which, of course, means, in two words, and in plain English--civil war.To render its meaning doubly plain, we transfer the following articles, copied by the New York Express from Mr. Lincoln's home organ, the Springfield Journal, edited by his nephew, and in whose sanctum he has spent most of his leisure hours of late. They were published, as will be perceived, on the eve of his departure for Washington:
Compromise not to be thought of.
[From the Springfield (Iii.) Journal, 6th.]
We want concession. We want the Southern States, which are clamoring about concession and compromise, to concede that ours is a Government proper, and not compact between States. We want them to concede that a State cannot dissolve its connection with this Union at will. We want them to concede that this Government has a right to enforce its laws and protect its property, even if it becomes necessary to hang or shoot every traitor in the United States to do it. We want them to concede that it is the duty of this Government to retake from Southern traitors its stolen forts, arsenals, etc. We want them to concede that Abraham Lincoln, having been constitutionally elected President of the United States of America, has a right to take his seat without any opposition from any quarter whatever; and that it armed opposition is offered, it is the duty of the Government to put down or overcome such opposition at every hazard. We want the South to concede that after Abraham Lincoln has taken an oath to support the Constitution of the United States, it is his duty to observe it. We want them to concede that the seceding States have violated the Constitution — that they are in rebellion against the Federal Government, and that it is the duty of this Government to put down rebellion. We want them to concede that the taking of Federal forts and firing upon the Star of the West, are insults that should be atoned for.--We ask them to concede that Northern creditors have a right to sue for and collect their demands in Southern Courts. We ask them to concede that slavery is the creature of local law.
In all this we do not ask the South to concede a single thing that is not demanded by the Constitution of the United States. Until they do concede all this, they ought not to expect that the North has any concession to make. The flag of our country, the glorious stars and stripes, has been insulted by traitors — our laws have been set at defiance — our forts and arsenals have been seized by traitors — our vessels have been fired into — the free navigation of the Mississippi has been interrupted — and to-day a large army of traitors lies in wait to take Fort Pickens. We are in hourly expectation of the sad news that some brave defenders of the American flag — the flag of Washington — have been struck down in death in the effort to uphold it on American soil. The telegraph tells us to-day that South Carolina has determined to attack the noble Anderson, if Government does not surrender Fort Sumter to the traitors! Away with compromises at an hour like this! Let us first establish the fact that we have a Government — a Government able to protect itself and punish treason. We should not talk about compromise while the flag of the traitors floats over an American fort, and the flag of our country trails in the dust. The flag that a Washington and his war-worn, weary soldiery kept flying at Valley Forge — the flag that Jasper replaced on the walls of Fort Moultrie at the cost of his life — the flag that our heroic Revolutionary fathers carried triumphantly through the war for Independence — the flag that is honored the wide world over, has been torn from American forts, arsenals and navy-yards at home — has been trampled under foot by traitors in our own land, on American soil! Until that flag is unfurled over Moultrie, and every other stolen fort, arsenal, custom-house and navy- yard — until the laws of this government are obeyed and its authority recognized, let us never talk about compromise. Concession! Yes, we want concession. We ask no man to yield up his conscience, his manhood nor his honor. The border States tell us that they are devoted to the Union and the Constitution. We ask them, then, to concede that the one shall stand and the other be obeyed. We are asked to concede that slavery shall go into the Territories by authority of this Government. Before we talk of such a thing, we want it settled that we have a Government. Before compromise of any kind is made or even talked about, on the subject of slavery, we want to see the rightful authority of this Government recognized and respected. Let the stolen forts, arsenals and navy-yards be restored to the rightful owner — tear down your rattlesnake and politician flag, and run up the ever glorious stars and stripes — disperse your traitorous mobs, and let every man return to his duty. Then come to us with your list of grievance, and whatever manhood, honor or patriotism can yield, shall be fully accorded.
the forts must be Re-taken — the Revolution
must be Checked!
[From another Article in the same paper.]
It is the duty of this Government to retake its stolen forts and other property wrongfully withheld. In the performance of it no more force will be used than is necessary. Forcible residence will be met, and, if possible, overcome. The Government will collect its revenues, using just so much force as may be necessary for that purpose.
We assume that this will be the action of the Government, because it is the duty of the Government, and because an Administration is just going into power that will fearlessly and faithfully perform its whole duty.
If individuals attack the Government in the discharge of its duty, and lose their lives thereby, can it be charged that the Government has wantonly shed ‘"fraternal blood? "’ Will any one pretend that the Government can do less than this?--When the President takes a solemn oath to support the Constitution, and the Constitution declares that no shall see that the laws are faithfully executed, can he disregard that oath, and suffer the laws to be trampled under foot? If treason and rebellion make it necessary to use force to execute these laws, is he not justified in using it? Is it coercing South Carolina to defend Fort Sumter against the attacks of a mob collected from South Carolina, Georgia and other States? Is it coercing Florida to hold Fort Pickens against the mob collected to steal it? Is it coercing any of the States of this Union for the Government to take and hold possession of all its property within them? Is it coercing a State to enforce the national revenue laws? Will it be coercing South Carolina to take possession of the United States Custom-House, armory, and other property belonging to the Federal Government? Is it coercing a State to abolish Post- Offices where men cannot be found who are willing to hold them, or who will not honestly account to the Government for postage received? Coercion of a State! He who invented the expression did a good work for traitors. He raised a screen behind which sympathizers with treason might have a temporary hiding place. Republicans, favor no such doctrine.
