Cleveland (OH) Herald, “What Is Meant By ‘Armed Neutrality,’” May 21, 1861

WHAT IS MEANT BY ‘ARMED NEUTRALITY

If there was any doubt as to the meaning of an “armed neutrality” in Kentucky, it will be dispelled by the following extract from the Lexington (Ky.) Statesman. That paper says:

The State is unarmed and defenseless. It is not prepared to incite a conflict with either section. Immediate secession, therefore, might not now be politic. But the State can fail to furnish troops to the Federal Government and protest against the assumption of any portion of the enormous debt being contracted. Meantime she can arm her people, organize her army, and when prepared establish herself new relations. This is the “armed neutrality” which the present juncture demands – it is the position which the large majority of the people of Kentucky will vote for.