The southern press. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1850-1852, 1850-12-16
From The ChnrleSto1, .Merc,lru.

STATE SoyEREIGNTY-No NEW DocTRINE.-The
Constitutions of New Hampshire, Vermont and
Massachusetts expressly mention its existence.
Messrs. EDITORS Holding it to be the duty OF
every citizen, however humble his position, to do
all that he can to the accomplishment ofthe great
end which the South must attain before she can
act with all her power in the establishment Of q
just and equal government, viz: n unity of senti-
ment, which alone can lead to prompt, decisive
and united action. The writer fthis article would
ask the indulgence Of few lines in your columns
to bring to the notice Of the saveholding States a
fact which is not at this time so generally known
as it should be-namely that State sovereignty is
expressly recognized and mentioned in the consti-
tutions ofthe States Of New Hampshire, Vernon,
and Massachusetts.
shall first presett the Constitution Of New
Hampshire. The 18th article Of the bill Of rights
reads thus:
"The people ofthis State lave the sole and ex,
elusive right Of governing tn 'mselvcs as free,
sovereign, and independent State; and do and for.
ever hereafter shall, exercise and enjoy every
power, jurisdiction, and light, pertaining thereto
which is not, or may not hereafter be, by them
expressly delegated To the United States Of Anne,
RIGA in Congress assembled"
In the same Constitution we read follows:
PARTICLE 10. Government being Instituted for
the common benefit, protection, and security OF
the whole community, and not for the private in,
terest or emolument Of any one man, family, or
class Of men; therefore, whenever the ends OF
Government are perverted, or public liberty mani.
testify endangered, and all other means OF redress
are Intellectual the people may, and Of right ought
TO, reform the old, or establish new government
The doctrine of non-resstance against arbitrary
power and oppression is absurd, sInvsh, and de-
structiye Of the good and happiness Of mankind y
So much for the State of New HAMPSHIRE
In the constitution of the State Of Vermont
chap. 2, plan or form Of government, the concu
sion Of section 9, enumerating the powers Of thu
general assembly Of the State of Vermont. read.
thus:
"And they (the general assembly Of the State
Of Vermont,) shall have all other powers neces
sary for the Legislature Of free and sovereign
Stnte."
Hear next what the Commonweal of Massa.
chusetts says Of State sovereignty. In the con,
stitution of Massachusetts, chapter 6, article ]
we read the same doctrine, viz:
"And every person chosen to either Of the
places or Offices aforesaid. as also any person APP
pointed or commissioned to any judicial, execn,
tive, military, or other Office under the Govern
ment, shall, before he enters on the discharge OF
the business Of his place or office. take and sub
scribe the following declaration and oaths. or az
6rpations, viz J., A. B. do truly and sincerely
acknowledge, profess, testify, and declare, that
the Commnng sath Of Massachusetts, is, and Of
right ought TO be, FREE, sovereign, and independ.
ent State"
These are the principles which are to influence
the action Of SOUTH CAROLINA.