Publisher's Synopsis
Excerpt from Speech of Hon. M. R. H. Garnett, of Virginia, on the State of the Union: Delivered in the House of Representatives, January 16, 1861
Thus far I have traced the results of Republican rule, on the assumption that it is exercised by the most moderate members of the party. But such an as sumption is contradicted by all history. The law of life. In every party is fidelity to the idea which gave it existence. If the leaders falter, aspirants for place thrust them aside with professions of more extreme opinions. The responsi bility of power, it is true, moderates its possessors; but ina popular Govern ment, based on universal suffrage, such moderation is short-lived. The real power is in the popular masses, who feel none of its responsibilities. At the North the old Federalist leaven is Widely diffused, and is especially strong in the Republican ranks. Accustomed to construe the Constitution most liberally for power, they will perpetually press their Representatives to use it against what they deem the monstrous evil of slavery. They claim power to abolish it in the forts and the navy-yards, and to prohibit the sale of slaves between the States, or their transportation on the high seas; and excited by victory, and goaded on by a fanatical pulpit, this power will surely be used - used when the southern people, discouraged by subjection and divided by patronage, are too weak to resist.
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