The Lansing State Republican

Out compact, and possess every loyal State, as we have done without complaint for seventy years. But when slavery assumes a hostile attitude, and is fighting to put a chain round our necks, we will put forth all our power to confine it within its present area, and if no other resort is left us, we will proclaim freedom in its place. Mr. Davis has taken the initiative to prey upon our private property. We will show him that we can retaliate with thousand-fold force, and remove from our system an element which has brought upon us our present misfortunes, which has always been a source of discord, and which must always continue to be so while it exists.

Another point of great strategical importance is Cairo, at the confluence of the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers. This commands completely the States of Missouri and Kentucky and a portion of Tennessee, and would be an admirable base of operations for a force sent down the Mississippi. Upon this point a large force should be immediately concentrated, amply supplied with materials and munitions of war.

Now that we are in for a fight, let us finish it at a blow. The first thing is to know where we stand, to learn who are our friends and who our foes. We want no relations that can embarrass the utility of our purposes or plans. We are infinitely stronger with Virginia an open enemy than a treacherous ally. If Kentucky, or Maryland, or Tennessee are not heartily with us, let them follow the example of Virginia. We want no friends who will be holding one of our hands while we are striking with the other. We not only want to have the issue squarely presented, but we want the battle fought with the antagonists ranged under the appropriate banners.