..... People in southern states seem to worry that their property, stable life and personal safety will be threatened if * * * and the Party are in power. This kind of worry is never justified. To tell the truth, the best evidence of not worrying has always been objective and has been publicly reviewed by them. This can be found in almost all the speeches of people who are talking to you now. I'll quote one of them now to announce:
I have no intention to directly or indirectly interfere with the slavery system in states where slavery exists. I believe I have no legal right to do so, and I have no intention of doing so. ……
In 72 years, for the first time, a president was inaugurated according to the national constitution. In 72 years, there were 15 outstanding citizens who managed the administrative department of this government. They led the government through many difficulties and achieved great success on the whole. But ... despite this precedent, I undertook the same task and served as president for a short period of four years under great and particularly difficult circumstances. Splitting the Federation, which used to be just a threat, has now become a daunting action.
Considering the general law and our constitution, I think the federation composed of these states is permanent. In the basic laws of all governments, even if it is not expressly stated that it is permanent, it always contains this meaning. We can assert that no formal government has ever stipulated a clause in its organic law that will make it disappear. As long as we continue to implement all the explicit provisions in the national constitution, this Federation will exist forever, and we can't destroy it unless we take some actions other than constitutional laws and regulations.
Besides, even if the United States is not a formal government, but a combination of contracts between States, can a few people, not all contractors, cancel it without controversy? A party to a contract can violate it-or break it, but doesn't it need to be legally terminated by all contractors? ……
From these viewpoints, it can be inferred that no state can legally secede from the union by its own motion; Resolutions and decrees in this regard are legally invalid; As for the rebellion against the US government in any state or several states, it is necessary to determine whether it is a rebellion or a revolution according to the situation.
Therefore, I believe that according to the Constitution and laws, the Federation is inseparable; I will do my best to ensure that federal laws are faithfully implemented in all States, which is clearly stipulated in the Constitution itself. I think it is only my own responsibility to do so; And I will try my best to fulfill this responsibility unless my legitimate owner, the American people, stops using these necessary means or gives instructions to the contrary through some authoritative way. I don't think this statement should be regarded as a threat, but only the clearly stated goal of the Federation, that is, it should protect and defend itself according to the Constitution.
To do this, there must be no bloodshed and violence, as long as it is not the authority imposed on the country, even if it is not at all. The power entrusted to me will be used to preserve, occupy and control the property and places belonging to the government, and collect taxes and customs duties. However, apart from the necessary means to achieve these goals, I can't invade people anywhere, use force against people anywhere, or use force among people anywhere. ...
It is said that in this or that area, some people try their best to destroy the Federation and even use various excuses to achieve this goal. I'm not sure and I don't deny it. But in that case, I don't need to speak to these people. But, for those who really love the union, can I remain silent?
Isn't it wise to find out our intentions before things are serious enough to destroy our national organization and all its interests, history and hopes? If the disaster you want to avoid may not actually exist, in this case, do you still have to take risks? If the disaster you are about to encounter is deeper than all the actual disasters you want to escape, do you still need to take risks and make terrible mistakes?
If all the rights stipulated in the constitution can be guaranteed, everyone will be satisfied with staying in the Federation. So, which of the rights stipulated in the Constitution has really been denied? I don't think so ...
Up to now, there has never been a fundamental law, and there are special provisions to regulate any problems that may arise in all actual administrative management; No prophet can predict what will happen, and no simple and gentle document clearly stipulates that the terms are sufficient to deal with all possible problems. Will the federal and state governments hand over fugitive slaves? There is no explicit provision in the constitution. Can Congress ban slavery in this area? There is no explicit provision in the constitution. Must Congress maintain slavery in the region? There is no explicit provision in the constitution.
It is from this kind of question that all our debates about the constitution are triggered, and we can divide the debaters into the majority and the minority. Even if a few people are unwilling to support the government, most people must support it, otherwise the government must stop working. There is no other choice; In order for the government to continue to exist, it must be supported by a political party. In this case, if a minority does not support the government and wants to leave the Federation, then they will set a precedent, which will inevitably lead to internal division and ruin them, because when their own internal majority refuses to be controlled by this minority, this minority will leave them again. For example, just as some states in the federation have already declared secession, won't some new confederacy in the south be arbitrarily seceded within a year or two? At present, all people who are obsessed with division are accepting this kind of thinking.
Are the interests of these states that want to form a new federation exactly the same, enough to live in harmony with each other and avoid re-division?
Obviously, the core idea of division is the essence of anarchy. A majority that is bound by the coercive force and norms of the Constitution and can adapt to the prudent changes of public opinion and public feelings is the only true ruler of the free people. Whoever denies it will inevitably move towards anarchy or autocracy. Exactly the same is impossible. Minority rule, as a permanent arrangement, is totally unacceptable. Therefore, if the majority principle is rejected, what remains is some form of anarchy or autocracy. ...
Some people in our country think that slavery is right and should be continued, while others think it is wrong and should not be continued. This is the only substantive dispute. ...
Geographically, we are inseparable. We can't move areas from each other's positions, nor can we build an insurmountable wall between them. Husband and wife can divorce, never see each other again, never find each other, but this is impossible between different regions of our country. They have to face each other and communicate with each other, whether friendly or hostile, and this situation will certainly continue between them. So, is it possible to make contact with each other more favorable or satisfactory after the split? Is it easier to sign contracts with outsiders than to make laws with friends? Will treaties be implemented more faithfully among foreigners than laws among friends? If you want to fight, you can't always fight. After both sides suffered heavy casualties and no one gained anything, when you stop fighting, some old questions about the conditions of communication will be placed in front of you again. ...
Why can't we wait patiently and confidently for the people's final judgment? Is there any better or comparable hope? Don't both sides have confidence that they are on the right side in our current differences? If the Almighty God, who represents eternal truth and justice, stands in your north or in your south, then truth and justice will surely shine all over the world after the great court of the American people decides.
Judging from the organizational structure of our government, smart people will not give their public servants too much power to fool around, and they are also prepared to use the same wisdom to take back that power into their own hands in a short time. As long as the people remain moral and vigilant, no administrator, no matter how evil or stupid, can do serious harm to this government in just four years.
Fellow citizens, each of you should think about this problem calmly. It won't cost anything valuable to spend some time. If something really drives any of you to take a step that you would never take in a cautious and calm situation, you can beat it by taking some time to think. Nothing good will be frustrated by you doing this. It seems that you are not satisfied now, but you still have an undamaged old constitution to follow. On sensitive issues, you still have your own laws to follow, and the new administrative authorities have no direct power even if they want to change the constitution or these laws. Even if people think you disgruntled people are right in the argument, there is not enough reason to take hasty action. With our wisdom, patriotism, Christian faith and firm trust in God, we still have enough ability to solve all the difficulties we encounter in the best way. God never gave up this land bathed in divine grace.
Dear discontented compatriots, the main problem of the civil war is not in my hands, but in your hands. The government will not attack you. As long as it is not an aggressor, there will be no conflict. You didn't swear to heaven to destroy the government, but we made the most solemn oath "to preserve, protect and defend the government".
I hate ending my speech. We are not enemies. The emotional bond between us may be strained by emotions, but it must not be broken. Those incredible strings of memories extend from every battlefield and patriot's grave to every vibrant heart and family in this vast land. As long as the good thoughts in our nature are aroused again, we will eventually play a resounding federal concerto again.