Secession has become possible only through long continued concession.

In proposing concession we encourage secession, and while professing to uphold the Union, we betray it.

It is now beyond question that the concessionists of the North have from the beginning played into the hands of the secessionists of the South.

They all testify to Slavery, which from earliest days has been at the bottom of the conspiracy, and also at every stage of the efforts to arrest it.

Secession and concession both had their root in Slavery.

This concession was the ultimatum on which was staked their continued loyalty to the Union,--as the continuance of the Slave-Trade was the original condition on which South Carolina and Georgia entered the Union.

It was because without such opportunity of expansion Slavery would be stationary, while the Free States, increasing in number, would obtain a fixed preponderance in the National Government, assuring to them the political power.

Thus at that election the banner of the Slave-Masters had for open device, not the Union as it is, but the extension and perpetuation of human bondage.

Here mark well, that, in their whole conduct, the conspirators acted naturally, under instincts implanted by Slavery; nay, they acted logically even.

Such is Slavery, that it cannot exist, unless it owns the Government.

An injustice so plain can find protection only from a Government which is a reflection of itself.

And Slavery cannot exist except under a government of Slave-Masters.

The Slave-Masters of our country saw that they were dislodged from the National Government, and straightway they rebelled.

The Republic, which they could no longer rule, they determined to ruin.

This is because a revolutionary minority, once embarked, has before it only the single, simple path of unhesitating action.

While others doubt or hold back, the minority strikes and goes forward.

Among the good men at that time who followed “principle of right” were others with whom success was the primary object, while even good men sometimes forgot goodness; but at each stage a minority gave the law.

And now this traitorous minority, putting aside the sneaking, slimy devices of conspiracy, steps forth in full panoply of war.

And now these parricidal hosts stand arrayed against that paternal Government to which they owe loyalty, defence, and affection.

All this is in the name of Slavery, and for the sake of Slavery, and at the bidding of Slavery.

But all must see--and nobody will deny--that Slavery is the ruling idea of this Rebellion.

It is Slavery that marshals these hosts and breathes into their embattled ranks its own barbarous fire.

It is Slavery that digs trenches and builds hostile forts.

It is Slavery that pitches its wicked tents and stations its sentries over against the national capital.

Let us at all hazards prevent the extension of Slavery and the increase of the Slave Power.