The Heart of the Matter?

This little exchange printed in the Covington Journal on February 22, 1862 seems to capture the spirit of what many consider the main issue of the Civil War. It also shows that European intervention was something that concerned at least some people in the North.

The New York Tribune says:
"But for slavery we would have no civil war.

But for slavery, we would not now be menaced with the armed intervention of foreign powers, undertaken especially to consummate the disememberment (sic) of the nation.


Do you know how to put down the rebellion? DESTROY SLAVERY! 


Do you ask how to prevent European intervention by depriving it of its only occasion and only pretext? DESTROY SLAVERY!"


The Chicago Tribune replies: 


"But for abolitionism we would have no civil war.

But for abolitionism, we would not now be menaced with the armed intervention of foreign powers, undertaken especially to consummate the disememberment (sic) of the nation.


Do you know how to put down the rebellion? DESTROY ABOLITIONISM! 


Do you ask how to prevent European intervention by depriving it of its only occasion and only pretext? DESTROY SLAVERY!"