"Now, as these two sections must continue to exist, side by side, they
will go on to repel each other until either slavery ceases, or a change
of feeling takes place in the non-slaveholding section. Secession and
permanent division will not cure the trouble, but will increase it.
Moreover, the contrariety of feeling between people in the
non-slaveholding States, made intense by the departure of the Southern
section, may inaugurate hostilities among ourselves more fearful than
those which drive away the Southern people.
"Perhaps we are to be two nations. I cannot but regard this as the
greatest calamity which will have happened to the cause of human
improvement. Nor do I see how it will help Northern philanthropy, nor
the negro; but it may be greatly for his injury. The truth is, we must
live together for self-defence against each other, if from no other
consideration. Israel began its downfall in secession, which was
compelled by Rehoboam.
"But," said I, "let us contemplate a different issue. Let us think what
a result it will be if such a government as ours, whose speedy ruin has
been so often predicted and is still confidently looked for, shall pass
through these trials and dangers without bloodshed, and we become again
a united people.
Pages:
326
327
328
329
330
331
332
333
334
335
336
337
338
339
340
341
342
343
344
345
346
347
348
349
350