therefore consider that, in view of the Constitution and the laws,
the Union is unbroken, and to the extent of my ability I shall take
care, as the Constitution itself expressly enjoins upon me, that
the laws of the Union be faithfully executed in all the States.
Doing this I deem to be only a simple duty on my part; and I shall
perform it, so far as practicable, unless my rightful masters, the
American people, shall withhold the requisite means, or, in some
authoritative manner, direct the contrary. I trust this will not be
regarded as a menace, but only as the declared purpose of the Union
that it will constitutionally defend and maintain itself. In doing
this, there need be no bloodshed or violence; and there shall be
none, unless it be forced upon the national authority. The power
confided to me will be used to hold, occupy, and possess the
property and places belonging to the Government, and to collect the
duties and imposts; but beyond what may be but necessary for these
objects, there will be no invasion, no using of force against or
among the people anywhere.... Physically speaking, we cannot
separate. We cannot remove our respective sections from each other,
nor build an impassable wall between them. A husband and wife may
be divorced, and go out of the presence and beyond the reach of
each other; but the different parts of our country cannot do this.
They cannot but remain face to face; and intercourse, either
amicable or hostile, must continue between them. It is impossible,
then, to make that intercourse more advantageous or more
satisfactory after separation than before. Can aliens make treaties
easier than friends can make law? Can treaties be more faithfully
enforced between aliens than laws can among friends? Suppose you go
to war, you cannot fight always; and when, after much loss on both
sides and no gain on either, you cease fighting, the identical old
questions, as to terms of intercourse, are again upon you.... This
country, with its institutions, belongs to the people who inhabit
it. Whenever they shall grow weary of the existing Government, they
can exercise their constitutional right of amending it, or their
revolutionary right to dismember or overthrow it. I cannot be
ignorant of the fact that many worthy and patriotic citizens