Have you heard us
assert that as our aim? Do you really believe that such is our aim? Do
you find it in our platform, our speeches, our conventions, or anywhere?
If not, withdraw the charge.
But you may say that, though it is not our aim, it will be the result if
we succeed, and that we are therefore disunionists in fact. This is a
grave charge you make against us, and we certainly have a right to demand
that you specify in what way we are to dissolve the Union. How are we to
effect this?
The only specification offered is volunteered by Mr. Fillmore in his
Albany speech. His charge is that if we elect a President and
Vice-President both from the free States, it will dissolve the Union.
This is open folly. The Constitution provides that the President and
Vice-President of the United States shall be of different States, but
says nothing as to the latitude and longitude of those States. In 1828
Andrew Jackson, of Tennessee, and John C. Calhoun, of South Carolina,
were elected President and Vice-President, both from slave States; but no
one thought of dissolving the Union then on that account. In 1840
Harrison, of Ohio, and Tyler, of Virginia, were elected. In 1841 Harrison
died and John Tyler succeeded to the Presidency, and William R.
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