The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-11-26

The following letter was addressed by the Hon.
JAMES CoorER, United States Senator from Penn
sylvania, to the committee Of the late Union meet
ing at Philadelphia;
PorTsvILLK, Nov. l6. 1850.
GENTLKMEs: The invitation with which you
honored me to attend meeting Of ''the friends OF
the Constitution and Union" to be held at the
Chinese Museum. in the city Of Philadelphia, on
the evening Of Thursday, the 2lst instant was du-
ly received Approving MOST cordially Of the OBJ
Jects OF the meeting, il will afford great plea
sure TO unite in any effort 10 promote them. En-
gngements, however, Of a professional characterl ,
which have been already more than once deferred
for my accommodation, require my presence next
week (the week OF the meeting) in u distant part
Of the State. 1t is probable, nevertheless, that
may make such disposition of the business in
which am Engaged e. will enable me to attend.
II so, shall be with you II not, he assured of my
hearty cooperation in every thing necessary to Re
done to maintain the supremacy OF the laws, and
to restore and preserve harmony between the diff
ferent sections of the Union.
And permit me, gentlemen, to avail myself of
this opportunity to say, in terms which employed
on another occasion, that the time has come when
sectional animosties will endure no further aggru-
walton, if North and South to continue to live
together in the bonds of political fellowship. The
Union 10 strong, it is true; but il is particular
form of Words cunning device of language in
the Constitution which binds it together and gives
it strength Ii ia the affection which the people
bear II the legacy OF their fathers, and OF
the fruits Of the Revoution which makes il strong,
and which continuing, will make it permanent.
Hut let that affection be Withdrawn from it, and it
will be strong no longer. From that moment de-
cay will be written upon it in characters which
every observer may read IL is, therefore, the duty
OF every patriot to cultivate attachment to il with
as much perseverance as sectional demagDgues
use to SOW distrust and disorder. BY go doing its
priceless blessings may be preserved.
But while the two great parties of the country
continue to act together in spirit of patriotic de-
voon, cherishing attachment to the Union in the
hearts of the people, and veing with each other in
pursuing course ofpolicy really national, there il
no danger to be Observation-Disclosures is safe. Let
either Of them, however, adopt mere sectional
creed. prescribin course OF political action,
pugnant 10 any OF the obligations imposed on the
citizen by the Constitutions and such party must
either sink into an impotent and c6ntenptible mi
nority, or the Union be dissolved The Consttu.
ton will cease to be bond of union from the mo-
ment its violation becomes babitual, in pursuance
OF any organization, embracing any thing like
moety OF the people, no matter upon what pretence
of obedience TO higher law such organization may
be founded.
The citizens highest law is the Constitution; and,
if his conscience will not permit him to obey it, let
him go hence, from under what to him is affecting
and tyrannical requirements and seek elsewhere
laws which will be more tender of his scruples-if
the face Of the earth laws more tender OF mems
consciences are employed in their government Be
obedlent to your rulers is precept of the divine
law, and embraces obedience to laws, as well as to
those who execute them. Let not, therefore, the
people be msled by demagogues preaching to them
obedience to law higher than the Constitution of
their country. The doctrine of higher law, which
men may obey in preference to the Constitution,
cannot be tolerated. Such doctrine would strike
at the foundation of society, be destructive of law,
order, and security, and lead inevitably to anarN
chy. The higher law would be appealed ID not
only as excuse for the non performance Of u
ties enjoined by law, but also to justify thAviola
tons Of law
In short, the adoption of the higher law doctrine
would be virtual reputation of The obligations of
all laws, authorizing men to obey or violate them,
whenever, in their judgment, the higher law is in
conflict with them.
But, gentlemen, my object in addressing you
was to thank you for the obliging terms in which
your invitation was communicated TO me, and to
say that will accept it, if CAM but that whether
shall be able to do 30 not shall always regard
the friends of the Constitution the friends
Of liberty
With sincere regard, am your friend and fell.
low citizen JAMES COOPER.
To Josiah Randall, Isaac Hazleburst, John S.
Riddle ,Jno. w. Forney, G. J. Ingersol, Esqs, Com
mittce.