of the South by permitting it at
last to live to its liking, to obey its genius, and to serve its
interests, has hitherto resulted in little, save the singing of the
_Marseillaise, (the Marseillaise of Slavery!)_ and the striking down of
the Federal colors before the flag of the pelican and the rattlesnake. A
great many blue ribbons and Colt's revolvers are sold; and busts of
Calhoun, the first theorist of secession, axe carried about
ostentatiously. Next, to present a good mien to the eyes of Europe, a
Constitution is voted in haste, a government is formed, an army is
decreed; but the revolutionary basis is remaining, and we perceive but
too quickly how great disorder prevails in minds and things.

At the present hour, the democracy of the South is about to degenerate
into demagogism and dictatorship. But the North presents quite a
different spectacle. Mark what is passing there; pierce beneath
appearances, beneath inevitable mistakes, beneath the no less inevitable
wavering of a _debut_ so well prepared for by the preceding
Administration, and you will find the firm resolution of a people
uprising. Who speaks of the end of the United States? This end seemed
approaching but lately, in the hour of prosperity; then, honor was
compromised, esteem for the country was lowered, institutions were
becoming corrupted apace; the moment seemed approaching when the
Confederation, tainted by slavery, could not but perish with it. Now,
every thing has changed aspect; the friends of America should take
confidence, for its greatness is inseparable, thank God! from the cause
of justice.

_Justice cannot do wrong_; I like to recall this maxim when I consider
the present state of America. In escaping a sudden and shameful death,
it will not, assuredly, escape struggles and difficulties; in returning
to life, it will encounter battle and danger longer than it imagines;
life is composed of this. To live is a laborious vocation, and nations
who wish to keep their place here below, who wish to act and not to
sleep, must know that they will have their share of suffering. Perhaps
it enters into the plans of God that the United States should endure for
a time some diminution of their greatness; let them be sure,
notwithstanding, that their flag will be neither less respected nor less
glorious, if it shall thus lose a few of its stars. Those which it loses
will reappear on it some day, and how many others, meanwhile, will come
to increase the