Davis
My friend, the South stands for a principle—their equal rights under the Constitution which their fathers created. This country has always been a Republic of Republics—not an Empire. We are fighting for the right of local self-government which we won from the tyrants of the old world. The states of the Union have always been sovereign. We never paused to figure on success or failure, sir. Five million Southern freemen drew their sword against twenty millions because their rights had been invaded.
Jacquess
And yet, Mr. Davis, you know as well as I that five millions cannot hold out forever against twenty. Have we not reached the end?
Davis
Hardly! Do you think there are twenty millions in the North still determined to crush us? If so, let me tell you that I am better informed on the present situation inside your lines than you are. The North at this moment is hopelessly divided, sir——
[Benjamin exchanges signs with Vaughan.]
Jacquess
The dispute then with your government is narrowed to this—union—or disunion?
Davis