human
You are not going to do this insane thing I tell you, Ned!
gpt
I am going home to Missouri on the first train out of Washington, raise a company and fight for the South.
human
Isn't there something bigger than fighting for a section? Let's stand by the Nation!
gpt
That's just what I refuse to do. The United States have never been a Nation. This country is a Republic of Republics--not an Empire. The South is going to fight for the right of local self-government and the liberties our fathers won from the tyrants of the old world. The South is right eternally and forever right. The States of this Union have always been sovereign.
human
All right--all right, John growled impatiently,
gpt
No, I can't. Right is right.
human
But if we have actually grown into a mighty united people with one tongue and one ideal is it right to draw the sword to destroy what God has joined together? Silently, swiftly, surely during the past thirty years we have become one people and the love of the Union has become a deathless passion----
gpt
You've had a poor way of showing it!
human
Still, boy, it's true. I didn't realize it myself until that fort was fired on and the flag hauled down. And then it came to me in a blinding flash. Old Webster's voice has been hushed in death, but his soul lives in the hearts of our boys. There's hardly one of us who hasn't repeated at school his immortal words. They came back to me with thrilling power the day I read of that shot. They are ringing in my soul to-day----
gpt
What is all this worth?
human
Liberty first and Union afterward,
gpt
Liberty _and_ Union, now and forever, one and inseparable----
human
O, Boy, Boy, isn't that a greater ideal? That's all the President is asking to-day--to stand by the Union----
gpt
He is making war on the South!
human
But only as the South is forcing him reluctantly to defend the Union by force. The South is mad. She will come to her senses after the shock of the first skirmish is over. With the Southern members in their places, they have a majority in Congress against the President. He can move neither hand nor foot. What has the South to gain by Secession? They always controlled the Union and can continue to do so if they stand united with their Northern friends. In the end their defeat is as sure as that twenty millions of free white Americans can whip five millions of equal courage and daring. They have everything to lose and nothing to gain. It's madness--it surpasses belief!
gpt
That's why I'm going to fight for them! Ned's answer flashed.
human
They stand for a principle--their equal rights under the Republic their fathers created. They haven't paused to figure on success or failure. Five million freemen have drawn the sword against twenty millions because their rights have been invaded. Might has never yet made right. The South's daring is sublime and, by God, I stand with them!
gpt
Good-bye, John.
human
No. From to-day we are no longer brothers--we can't be friends!
gpt
As you like--from to-day--foes----