Constantine republican. [volume] (Constantine, Mich.) 1836-1838, 1836-08-17
From the st. Clair Republican
OUR ADMISSION

ocluOu nus tnere Deen Il subject brought DcIQe
any people in which are involved greater sacrifices
or more weighty and important considerations. 1t
is either to be sacrifice of long cherished rights
or sacrifice of pride and honor-feelings which
are paramount to every sordd and interested con-
temptation and repulsive to all true hearted Amer
leans.
In order for full understanding of the subject
before us, and just appreciation of the tendency
ofthe steps which may be led to tale il is ofthe
utmost Importance that we should give the matter
the most calm and considerate reflection.
The foundation upon which we rest our claims
to the disputed district is known to all and has
been fully understood. 1t would therefore seem
unnecessary if not superhuous to repeat them.
II is enough to know that they originated in the
compact solemnly entered into with Virginia in
1887, and the act of congress 1905. II was by this
compact that the people of Michigan had secured
to them separate government. Our boundaries
were plainly marked out and were supposed by
every friend of the constitutional operation of the
laws to be, beyond the possibility of recall but
we have all been mistaken. In that body which
ought to be characterised by justice, honor and
wisdom-to whom we looked up for a final and
honorable adjustment of our embarrassing Difficult.
ties; we expected to find those attributes in the
assembled wisdom of the nation, but in their stead
we found it characterised by injustice, dishonor
and profigacy.
What could the most brilliant genius or the
most splendid talents achieve, when the order of
the day was Erpediency-wh hen the plupdering
and avaricious spirit of Mere secmcd to lreside
over their deliberations. He plundered the most
sacred temples in the Roman empire, and then
atoned by paying homage to some favorite deity
Congress plundered us of our most sacred rights
and atoned by worshipping at the desecrated altar
of liberty. In the year $780, at the urgent request
of the then Governor, (Thomas Jeferson) a re-
solution passed the Legislature of Virginia, ceding
this vast tract of land (Ohio, Indiana, Illinois,
Michigan) to the United States, and in 176 the
compact was entered into. If that great apostle
of liberty could hear that congress had violated
and trodden under foot that compact which he
had been instrumental in bringing to an agree
ment, he would point them to the charter Of our
Liberties, torn, mutated, and dishonored
Justice was then unbandaged and the goddess
of liberty sat weeping a violated constitution
and over the plundered, buried rights of Michigan
Fellow citizens, shall we surrender those rights
we once thought inviolabe and sacred? Upon
this point of the subject, calm reflection and
perfect investigation of the consequences which
will follow the decision which we are about TO
make, should guide US on this vitality important
point. In what attitude will we be placed if we
dissent We are now and will be then in that of
wounded pride and insulted honor. And is there
not another position in which we will be placed?
We will see. The third section of the admission
bill stpuates, that before the state shall be admit
ted even with her altered boundaries as prescribed
in the second section, she shall first give her assent
to the same by convention of the people, This
then is as plain as the MONDAY sun, and says we
cannot be state nor recognized as such by the
general government. What then, ii we dissent,
will b, our situation towards the general govern.
ment, and what our attitude towards Ohio? These
are fearful questions.
Can we hope to coerce the government into
compliance with our wishes whenever we choose
a hostile attitudc2 They possibly conceived they
had right to alter the boundary, and if so, the
law is irrevocable. In case we should arm our
selves ready for the conflict we could not expect
repeal, because it would be a bad precedent Other
states when feeling themselves aggrieved by the
passage of law would point to Michigan as their
example. This would not do We cannot coerce
congress into measures which they may think are
derogatory 10 the honour and safety of tho govern.
ment. though to their disgrace be it said, others
less highminded, less honorable, have coorced
them. If we dissent we would present but sorry
plight, If we did not enter heart and hand in the
contest with Ohio, and regain the plundered dis.
trict. But let US pause and reflect, ere We take
such stand. lf
In article first of the constitution, section 10
s,vs, no state shall without the consent of con-
gress, lay any duty of tonnage, keep troops, or
shps of war in time of peace, engage in war,
unless actually invaded. Article 3D., section 3D.,
Treason against the United States shall consist
only in levying war against them, &c. &c. Now
then if we arm and equip for the purpose of TAX
ing this disputed point, are we not violating tho
constitution, in as much we keep troops in time
of peace. Again, according to Article 3D., section
Sd, ars we not guilty Of treason when we make
war with the United States, and against one of the
members composing this confederation of the
states2 Isl not evident that the general govern
ment would in accordance with the letter of the
constitution, insis. upon a suspension of hostil-
ties, and implicit obedience to the laws at all haz
ards. Let us inquire what would be our chance
of success against Ohio, and the federal govern
mont and the whole of tho states. Besides, would
there not be division in our state as to tho jus.
tice and legality of military contest Lot us also
bear in mind that thenternal improvements which
arc bong made, would be retarded and materially
injured--that we may DO deprived Of our portion
of the surplus revenue, and likewise of tho ivo
per cent. proceeds from tho sales of public lands.