I
understand a proposed amendment to the Constitution -which
amendment, however, I have not seen -has passed Congress, to the
effect that the Federal Government shall never interfere with the
domestic institutions of the States, including that of persons held to
service. To avoid misconstruction of what I have said, I depart from
my purpose, not to speak of particular amendments, so far as to say
that, holding such a provision to now be implied constitutional law, I
have no objection to its being made express and irrevocable.
The Chief Magistrate derives all his authority from the people,
and they have conferred none upon him to fix terms for the
separation of the States. The people themselves can do this also if
they choose; but the Executive, as such, has nothing to do with it.
His duty is to administer the present Government, as it came to his
hands, and to transmit it, unimpaired by him, to his successor.
Why should there not be a patient confidence in the ultimate justice
of the people? Is there any better or equal hope in the world? In
our present differences is either party without faith of being in
the right? If the Almighty Ruler of Nations, with his eternal truth
and justice, be on your side of the North, or on yours of the South,
that truth and that justice will surely prevail by the judgment of
this great tribunal of the American people.
By the frame of the Government under which we live, this same people
have wisely given their public servants but little power for mischief;
and have, with equal wisdom, provided for the return of that little,
to their own hands at very short intervals.
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