The republic., 1850-12-04
From the Richmond Va Vhig.
"The Right of Secession"

20
discussion upon this subject, we indulge the
hope that the day will be far distant when the
question will be more than one Of abstract theory.
We cannot perceive, however, that the form Of rau
hcation, quoted by the Enquirer, adopted by the
Virginia Convention, in giving its assent TO the.
Federal Constitution, was any thing Of much more
intrinsic value than mere form. IL Is very doubt
ful whether the committee which introduced the
paper meant any thing so grave and serious the
right Of any or each State TO dissolve the Union
at its own pleasure and upon its own judgment
Of the circumstances justifying that extreme
measure; we say dissoire the IniOn-for can
not conceive how any one State could secede with
out virtual dissolution of the Union in re-
gard 10 that particular State. Eeven, il, for
arguments sake, the construction contendcd
for of the language quoted in the Enquirer
rect the principle could not apply 10 those States
which ratified the Constitution without any such
condition or qualification. We nothing like
the right OF secession recognised in the Constitution
or in the subsequent amendments thereto; and :,
therefore, contend that the rights not consti
stitutional but a revolutionary one, and can only
be exercised at the peril Of those who engage in
IL. Such right is neither defined by constitutional
provision regulation, and whenever exercised
under circumstances which would deprive revolu-
ton itself Of all just preteKt, would be 10 be
met by those conflicting obi cations which require
the organs and agents Of federal power to exc
cute the laws OF the Union. III any ono State
has the right Cf seceding at is own pleasure, any
other State has the same privilege; and II one has
the right OF selecting the cause OF secession, be II
great or small, 30 has another precisely the same
authority. Every petty grievance complained Of
therefore, as violation Of the compact, would, in
the judgment of each State, bo pronounced uncon-
sdtutional, because it was grievance. II the
guTnent and reasoning Of the report aud resolution.
Of Virginia in l79s and ireland no one can deny
the ingenuity and ability Of that celebrated State
U paper-bc regarded as recognising the doctrine Of
State secession II ought to be remembered that IL
was the report Of Virginia alone and that il re-
oeiyed the sanction and scquiescence, we believe,
| Of only one State, and that was Kentucky which
very naturally " followed in the footsteps of her
ilustrous predecessor" But it ought also 20 be
recOected that the report referred 10 the work
Of Mr.. Madison, Of the fathers Of the Consttu-
ton, and that, more than one occasion after
wards he utterly repudiated the construction placed
! upon its language by 80 many individuals and by
some Of the States Of the present day. lit we're
necessary, we could very easily quote from Mr..
Madison's opinions, "a particularly contained in
his letter 20 Mr. Everett, Of Boston, written to that
| gentleman in August, 1890. That letter is per-
fetly conclusive, and may be found in the Virginia
Randolph, in this city. We should be very glad
ourselves that this book were more generally cir
culatcd and read than VIC fear il is.
| LAKE SUPERIOR MINING IsrrREsr.-Tho steam.
/ boat London arrived on Thursday evening, bring
ing several passenge and much important infor-
nation. The accounts from both the copper and
iron regions, az to the richness and new discove-
res, excel former reports and come in that suthen-
tcated shape that they may be fully depended up
on. he immense quantities Of supplies which have
| gone up TO saut Ste Marie thanks 10 the energies
Of Col Mcknight in completing his railroad across
the Portage likely 60 arrive safely at their
/ raj points Of destination. Withut this important
work, nearly one half would have failed, the rains
and heavy loads Of copper having nearly destroyed
the old road But sorry TO say that there is,
usual, something TO mar the prospects. General
Taylor had appointed Mr.. Acker register, and Mr..
Backus the receiver at the land Office at the Saut,
but IL seems Mr.. Fillmore, in sending nominations
tO the Senate for confirmation, reversed their order
and the tendency s such as 70 prevent parties from
entering lands until the expiration Of long seven
months Of winter, Mr.. Backus not having received
his papers in TO open the office this fall, and
meantime n deputy marshal is sent up 10 prevent
the telling of timber for building and other pur-
/ poses Detroit Free Press, 23d uu.
/ ARKANSAS RfvER.-The Fort Smith Herald of
the sh instant Gays that the river at that place wac
i lhnn ln.-nr fiLnn