Lynchburg Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1829-185?, 1850-03-14
THE PRESERVATION OF THE UNION.

THE PRESENTATIONS OF THE UNION.
The battle RACES at its height. The contest
teepens. and vet victory leans not to either side.
The delusion of fanatCism asserts that Union can
not be sustained; the intelligence of patriotism
hopes for better fate. The madness OF sectional
spirit pushes us on to the verge of dlsunion; but
fortunately, the wisdom Of men, entertaining ma.
tonal views, draws us back A full understand
ing of the question, " hich the inhabitants OF the
American Republic are called upon to decide
embraces these grounds VIII the conlederacy
of States enjoy greater benefit without the Union
than with il Is the basis upon which the Union
rests sufficient to secure to the States the benefits
contemplated in its formation H. in investiga-
ting the questions, the solution should be favora-
bic to the Union, what is the best policy to be
adopted A brief examination of these points
will present the question in comprehensive
light.
Will the confederacv of States enjoy greater
benefits without the Union than with il? The
Government, upon which this Union rests, has ell
evated this Republic TO the highest stations among
the nations of the EARTH. Our Government has Sc
cured to us privileges, greater than those enjoy
ed by any other people; and although our torma-
lion is of a very recent date, we have done more
than any other nation to ameoratc the condition
of mankind-not comparatively, but actually
The same act, which dissolves the Union, will
overthrow the Government. The Government
being overhrown, the restraints of law are with
drawn, anarchy ensues. But we are not to sup
pose that those trained under the influence of
American law, will long remain in a state of dis
order. One Of the first acts, which succeed the
separation of the States, will be tho assemblage
of body men to devise laws and constitutions for
the separated confederacies But this body ,emcrg-
ing, as it must from the excitement of DISCO
luton, will necessarily be subjected 10 its infu-
ences. 1t will proceed under the influence
Of this exciement; and hence its provisions
will not cannot, be free from deficiencies Nor
is this ALL 1t will be chosen under the inhu-
ence of the excitement And it stops not here.
The dissolution being effected, the love of Union
has died away and the sole object of the young
confederacies, will be 10 form Government re-
fleeing their peculiar views. A Government,
formed at such a time and intended to produce
such result will be the work of those individ-
uals who are now the friends of the diSunon.-
The AbolitioniStS of the North and The ultra slave
holders ofthe South, will be conspicuousy before
the peoplc-they will be members of the con-
ventions to organize the Governments. Having
bcen in the Congress of the United States, the
strongest friends of the section, to which they be-
long, they, of course, will become the pioneers in
the formation of the new constitutions. They
will be in the conventions; and be there the
most active members. They will engraft into the
Governments, submitted for their formation, only
such policies as their own judgments endorse
They will constitute the leading members, and
the remainder will acquiesce in their wishes
These men, giving tone and policy TO the Gov
eminent, the several constitutions will reflect
their ultra views. A Government, framed by
such men, under the most favorable crcumstan-
ces, would embody many deficiencies, but framed
as it will be, under the influence Of excitement,
it can only exist for short period and must then
be superseded by some other plan. 1t will be
inefficient in lis operations; and hence will be UNI
stable. Then, to sacrifice the Union is TO sacri-
flee good Government, without the prospect of
establishing one, which will be efficient in its OPP
erations.
We have proceeded thus far,upon the SUPPOSE
ton that the Union will be peaceably dissolved.
But prudence dictates the proprety OF pause
Reason asks, can the Union be peaceably dissolv
ed? Reflection answers, No The complaints
are not mutual, hence the dissolution cannot be
mutual The spirit which would induce men TO
advocate dissolution, in any case of legislation
would push them into The want of respect
which would refuse constitutional restraints aud
persist in dissolution Of the Union, implies a
destitution OF that interest, which preserves men
from internal war. The dissolution of the Union
will bring war-war in its most terrific form
then turns upon the preservation of the Union
Can It be preserved This leads us TO invest-
gate the next inquiry.
Is the basis, upon which the Union rests, suf-
ficent to to the States the benefits contem-
plated in its formation? The benefits contempla-
ted are the peace, prosperity and glory Of the
States. An equal distribution of the privileges
OF great Government, among all the parts of the
Union, was contemplated by the trainers of the
Constitution. general plan of Government
suited to the acquisition of this end, was readily
adopted. But before this general plan could be
adapted to the peculiar result designed TO be eff
iected, difficulty was to be met and adjusted. -
This difficulty consisted in the conflicting views
entertained by the North and South in relation
10 the question of slavery. In all other respects
the Constitution was equal in its operations, and
here Its trainers paused A necessity for adjust
ment existed, and prudently they paused. The
difilculty was not swiftly passed. The nature
and the powers of the general government were
,horoughly weighed, The peculiar provinces OF
'he States were considered The result of the in
Al. r &