mpt to compel them to remain, by force, would be contrary to the
principles of the Declaration of Independence and to the fundamental
ideas upon which human liberty is based"; and that, "if the Declaration
of Independence justified the secession from the British Empire of three
millions of subjects in 1776, it was not seen why it would not justify
the secession of five millions of Southerners from the Union in 1861."
Again, it was said by the same journal that, "sooner than compromise
with the South and abandon the Chicago platform," they would "let the
Union slide." Taunting expressions were freely used--as, for example,
"If the Southern people wish to leave the Union, we will do our best to
forward their views."

All this, it must be admitted, was quite consistent with the
oft-repeated declaration that the Constitution was a "covenant with
hell," which stood as the caption of a leading abolitionist paper of
Boston. That signs of coming danger so visible, evidences of hostility
so unmistakable, disregard of constitutional obligations so wanton,
taunts and jeers so bitter and insulting, should serve to increase
excitement in the South, was a consequence flowing as much from reason
and patriotism as from sentiment. He must have been ignorant of human
nature who did not expect such a tree to bear fruits of discord and
division.

[Footnote 17: May 19, 1860.]

[Footnote 18: Horace Greeley, "The American Conflict," vol. i, p. 322.]

CHAPTER VIII.

Conference with the Governor of Mississippi.--The Author
censured as "too slow."--Summons to Washington.--Interview with
the President.--His Message.--Movements in Congress.--The
Triumphant Majority.--The Crittenden Proposition.--Speech of the
Author on Mr. Green's Resolution.--The Committee of
Thirteen.--Failure to agree.--The "Republicans" responsible for
the Failure.--Proceedings in the House of
Representatives.--Futility of Efforts for an Adjustment.--The
Old Year closes in Clouds.

In November, 1860, after the result of the Presidential election was
known, the Governor of Mississippi, having issued his proclamation
convoking a special session of the Legislature to consider the propriety
of calling a convention, invited the Senators and Representatives of the
State in Congress, to meet him for consultation as to the character of
the message he should send to the Legislature when assembled.

While holding, in common with my