"
In the canvass of 1860 I made a speech at Cambridge in reply to a
speech made in Faneuil Hall by Mr. Yancey. I again gave my opinion
that war was impending. I then saw that the preliminary incidental
conspiracy was in the Democratic Party, by which the party was to be
divided, and by which the Republican Party was assured of success. Had
the government been continued in the hands of the Democrats there could
have been no pretext for rebellion. The first necessary step in the
movement was the destruction of the Democratic Party. That step was
taken, and thus the way was opened for the election of Mr. Lincoln.
The secession of the States, beginning with South Carolina, was a
recognition of the legitimacy of the Government, of which Mr. Lincoln
became the head. This recognition was consummated beyond question,
when Vice-President Breckinridge announced the election of Mr. Lincoln,
in February, 1861.
The interests of the seceding States would have been promoted as the
measures of the incoming administration would have been retarded, if
the members from those States could have retained their seats in
Congress. It is probably that in the excitement of the time, the
States gave no thought to the question whether it would be wise to
allow their members to remain in the old congress, and there thwart the
administration in its efforts to raise men and money.
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