The Neutraility of Kentucky, further discussion

The Covington Journal continues to discuss Kentucky's attempt to remain neutral in the early days of the Civil War, this time on July 20, 1861. See my previous posts here,  here,  here  and most recently  from this past week

Kentucky's Neutrality
There are extremists in Kentucky. On one hand there are men who would precipitate the State into the support of Lincoln's policy and into the war against the South. On the other hand there are extremists (not many, we trust) who would precipitate the State into the Southern Confederacy, and thus invite the invasion of the State by the North.

With whatever the hesitancy or distrust the proposition to place Kentucky in a neutral position was received at first, the arguments urged in its behalf by Mr. Crittended and other distinguished leaders, served to convince the people of the justice and propriety of the measure, and it has fully been indorsed by the Legislature and Governor of the State, as well as by the leading men of both political parties. 

This position has thus far kept Kentucky out of the war, and if adhered to may to the end keep the belligerents from bringing the war within our borders. Besides this, a maintenance of the principle will leave the State in a position to act as mediator between the warring parties

We do not forget that Kentuckians have gone South to fight in the armies of the Confederates, nor that Kentuckians have gone North to unite with the Federal forces; but it must be remembered that these were movements of individuals, and that the State has had nothing to do with them.


No considerations outweighing those in favor of the neutrality of Kentucky have been presented, and it is clearly the duty of the State, and of the People, acting in their individual capacity, to abide by and maintain that position.