North Carolina standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1850-1852, 1850-12-18

men rights as equal members Of the confederacy
no doubt, State. previous to Withdrawing from the
would propose toihe other States such amend
] mems % the Consttuton she might think her
safety required, and il would be for the other States
20 decide whetlier such amendments We're unjust or
could not be assented TO-
bni certainly it is unworthy of American wisdom
anu experience TO say, this constitution cannot be
amended, or that cannot trust the Justice and fair
ness OF our countrymen withthe task of amending it.
Inc non-slavehoding States certainly could OBJ
10 see this question forever, and place it for all
iuiure lime beyond the reach of political agitation,
unless they intend hereafter, when might makes right,
10 avail themselves of doubtful contested power
| for some injurious purposes.
+ Should the State of North Carolina admit that she
has no right under any circumstances, to Withdraw
nom Inc Unlon but must rely for her protection upon
what has been called her natural rights, and resort
ito rebellion or instruction, she releases thereby her
own citizens from all allegiance 10 obey her COM
mands for. if she has parted with all her sovereign
ty she has no claim TO obedience in such an ener-
gency. She may raise the standard of revolt, and
collect around her banner all the dsafeced and dis
contanted but In doing she admits she is guilty of
treason, and all who follow her fortunes may share
the fate of traitors In all civil conflicts the kings
name is tow of strength, and the soldier is doubly
armed, who believes that his is not only just,
but lawful.
The right TO withdraw from the Union, as a last
appeal to the justice and forbearance of the other
States, the minority believe is only Indispensable
Tor the safety of the States, but is in strict conform
~ with our theory and form of government, and was
so understood and meant by its trainers; else. why
was the tenth amendment attached to the Constitu-
ton, which expressly reserves to the States all pow
ers not granted This amendment attached to
the Constitution at the instance of those States which,
by their acts of ratification, expressly required it, and
among them none were more urgent than Massacnu-
sets. That State ratified the Consultation with this
provlso: . That 1t be explicitly decared that all
powers not expressly delegated by the aforesaid Con-
stutlon are to the several Sutes TO be them
| ererciSed.''
What these reserved powers were, or how they
were to be exercised, the minority apprehend,
if the ultimate right herein insisted on is denied
abandoned.
The minority will not insult the understandings of
the members Of the Legislature, by an argument to
convince them. that the right herein commended for
is very dissinar from notification, il be
COMPOUNDED with that doctrine, except by individuals
who are willing to deceive the people to aid their
selfish and sinister purposes.
In conclusion, the minority, for fear of misappre-
hensOn. bega leave TO state, that they propose the
following resolutions, with view of advocating or
urging dsunon; on the contrary. they yield 10 none
IN ther sincere attachment TO the Union of the
States. They believe the Constitution of the United
States, honestly and fairly admir- s,ered, the greatest
triumph of human intellect and virtue but that in
order insure the objec for which il was ordan-
ed, ii should be administered with the justice
and forbearance towards the weaker members of the
confederacy, with which it was established. When,
however, 1t ceases to pursue the glorious objects OF
its institutions and is seized upon toy dominant
jority to insult and Cypress smaller portion of the
contederacy, the only refuge from intolerabie tyranny
and oppression will be found under the banner of The
| several States.
With the view, therefore, Of asserting the rights of
the States, and convincing the world, that the peo
pie of North Carolina do not deny primary allie
glance 10 their native State but ultimate resort
will rally around her banner in the hour of trial and
DANGER the ark of their salvation, the minority pro-
pose the following Resolutions, and ask their adop-
ton
| REsoLCrIoNs.
esoLce0 That the Constitution of the United States
a.compact between sovereign and independent States
and all powers therein delegated reserved the
States espcctvcly-that among the attributes of
eighty retained by the several States that of watching
the operations ofthc General Government and pro-
tecting her citizens from unconstitutional abuse the
hand, and securing to them, the other, strict
fuifmcn Of tho obligations imposed by the Constitution
upon the General Government
Resoired That the people of North Carolina,
organized political community, have the right secedc
withdraw from the Union. whenever majority of the
people, in convention assembled shall decide with
drawa TO protect their property persons from
unconstitutional and oppressive legislation by the Cen
cra Government whenever y the failure of the Gen.
ers Government to fulfil her Constitutional obligations
the people of the State may deem such step necessary
order the enjoyment of the rights privileges
and protection guaranteed to them by the Constitution
of the United States and in such emergency, ma
jorty of the people of North Carolina acting through the
organized authorities of the State would be entitled
the sole and undivided allegiance of all her citizens.
Respectfully submitted.
HENRY T. CLARK,
! VIM. B. SHEPARD. ,
| G. w. CALDWELL,
| w. w. AVERY,
! SAM'L. J.. PERSON,
SAM'L. N. STOWE,
MARCUS ERWIN, =
! W.. BLOW,
+ Joint Con.miHee.