Or, Is the Pot Calling the Kettle Black?
Won't Be Slaves of the North: Huntsville, Alabama 1860
MONTGOMERY, Ala., Tuesday, Nov. 13, 1860.
Two days ago there was in this city a body of men who were in favor of preserving the Union. Today the whole class are with the lost arts, or anything else utterly past and forgotten. The explanation is easy. A large class of men were confident that the Fusion ticket would carry one or two prominent States in the North. The result proved their hopes groundless, and we now have the reaction.
A Northerner, who is accustomed to canvass practical difficulties, and recognize the authority of business interest, will not perhaps be able to understand the motives which could influence thoughtful men — for all are not fire-eaters here — whose interests of property are all inwoven with those of the North, to advocate the cause of secession. In the first place, it is generally admitted that there will be a sacrifice of property at first. This many stand ready to meet, and many, who can see nothing worse than the present money panic, overlook. But the argument which silences every question is, “Will you be a slave to the North?” The enormous majorities of the Republican Party, in the late election; majorities which impress, with five-fold power, men accustomed to the meagre totals of a sparsely settled country, removes this argument from the ludicrous, especially when, to this great throng, which seems banded against them, is added the misconstrued doctrines of its most violent members. It is an appeal to their courage. …
Well, um, I agree slavery is wrong.
Apparently, the idea of the vote totals is that the Alabamans realize how large the northern population is and how much of the North voted for the Black Republicans. A fear that the Black Republicans would start imposing their doctrines is firing up Alabaman courage.
Not all are fire-eaters, but the fire-eaters are at work. And it’s four months before Lincoln actually takes control. And he’s not saying much anyway.
As always, I’d like to hear your comments. Thank you.
hi, new to the site, thanks.