EEMAEK8 ON THE GOVERNMENT TAX. 119 
government which we once loved. Never would the South 
have tho>ught of adopting the painful alternative of seces- 
sion, or of abandoning the Union^ had they not been 
alienated in their affections from it by the violation of the 
constitutional cotnpact, as they believed, by the majority 
who controlled the government. They had a firm convic- 
tion that there was a determination on the part of that 
majority to wrong and oppress them. The consequence 
was, secession of eleven States, and a long, bloody, and 
disastrous war. 
The South never desired more of the North than a 
faithful observance of the constitutional compact. And 
now, after all that has passed, give them their constitu- 
tional rights, and they will again be the most devoted 
friends and defenders of the Union. Continue to deny 
them these, seek to humble and degrade them, impose on 
them unequal burdens, tax them without allowing them a 
voice in the government, and you will again rouse the spirit 
of "76. You will keep alive and fan their resentments to a 
flame. They will be led to despise the government which 
they once loved, and, Hke oppressed Ireland, will watch 
with sleepless vigilance for a favorable opportunity to 
throw off the oppressor's yoke. 
The United States will be fortunate indeed should 
they escape var in the future with one or more of the 
great nations of the earth ; and should such war come, it 
will be much safer to have the good will of a brave people 
than their enmity. 
The South would not complain of a moderate tax on 
cotton, one which they could pay, provided the agricultural 
products of the North were taxed in the same proportion ; 
but they are unwilling that the rich North shall enjoy an 
exemption, which, in their impoverished condition, strug- 
