THE ARMY OF THE POTOMAC. OS If the federal bond were to be finally broken between the Xortli and the South, it would soon be broken, also, between the States which form the Northern Union Each one of them would then consider only its own interests, while the South would be more and more closely united by the powerful bond of Shivery. It would have shown how strong it is; would have acquired great prestige, and would exercise that power of attraction which always goes with success and with power. Victorious, it would extend its grasp not only over the now contested States of Missouri, Kentuckv, and Virginia; but over Maryland also. Baltimore would become the depot of all foreign commerce. The iron of England would then enter the heart of Pennsylvania. Who can say that this State, the population of which perhaps dislikes the negro at liberty as much as it does the negro in slavery, would not decide to make its peace with the powerful confederacy in return for the commercial protection which the confederacy would be only too glad to offer it? For the Southern States favor free trade only because it suits their immediate purpose. Once masters of the situation, they would become genuine Americans again. Nt w York would follow the example of Pennsylvania. Commerce does not suit the people of the South. They need some one to look alter their business. In all probability a similar movement would affect the Western States, all whose outlets would be in the hands of the confederates. The States of New t ngland alone, where puritanism holds its sway, and sla\ ry is sincerely hated, would remain isolated, and exist upon the products of their agriculture, and the resources called into being by the enterprise of their active and numerous maritime population. AX ith the exception of six States then, ami probably of California also, which, separated from the rest of the world, has altogether exceptional interests of her own, the old I nion would be reconstructed. But the ideas of tho
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