The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1850-12-04

Ths Order OF the Day


The questions which for some time past have agitated
our country appear by consent have narrowed
themselves down 10 the fugihye-slave law.
Being OF that school which loves the Union-which
looks with veneatlon to the Star Spanged banner
which considers the Union and that banner as the paa-
dunn OF human liberty, the cloud By day and the col
ann OF FIRE by might've acknowledge without equiyoca.
ton or self evasion OF mind that we view with singu
lar horror and with the deepest repugnance any attempts
by which that Union shall be dissoyei or BY which enc
star shall be erased from the fold OF that sacred banner
But, while acknowledge these sentiments, we also
ourselves TO be Americans and 10 have an
equal reverence for the great principles Of our revolution
aud for the objects for which government was or-
dained and established" II those principles and objects
become seriously violated in practice, then II becomes
DUTY however great that horror and epugnance 10 seek
in the only way which redress can De obtained
The Declaration OF Independence after the enumera-
ton OF certain truths as self.eyident, says:
"Tha, whenever any form Of government become. dc.
OF TO abolish H. and to institute government laying
m foundation such principles, aud organizing rs POW
Ia such form, as TO them ha seem most Key 70 ensc
their safety and happiness"
IN conformity with these principles, the British rule
over this country abolished, and government oil
the United States established, usually known as the
Old Confederation.
The government Of the Old Confederation continued be-
tween eleven and twelve years. when the people OF the
United States becoming tired oil II, because OF It's inesci
ency and nadeQuacy and acting under the principles
have just quoted authorized general convention duly
elected from all parts Of the country, TO adopt new or
different form OF government
The convent on met in Philadelphia and after long
and abofious session, came conclusion the 18th
day OF September 1857 adopting the present form OF gov
eminent organizing its powers IN such form as are
known in present constitution. The proceedings Of
this convention are ably reported in the Madison
papers We refer readers these for better know
edge OF that eventfu session OF wse sble patr
otto, as pure a body Of men as ever met together
The government under this constitution has now lasted
upwards Of sixty years and. under the principles OF
Declaration OF Independence we have no doub, that the
people whom that government - extended have a
right 10 ''alter abolish it, whenever they think
proper. 49,
Prudence indeed will dictate that governments long
established should be changed for light and transient
causes and as Eight and transient rarely affect
the masses, and as the masses only can work out a
change II 10 clear, think, that changes will not be
effected for eight and transient causes"
We are now threatened with change After more
than sixty years OF unparalleled prosperity under our
present form OF government, threatened with
passion ately examine into that cause and seen IL
with propnety be considered Eight and transient or
not
The constitution opens with the following solemn pre-
ambe
"we the people OF the United States, in order form
perfect union. establish iusce insure domestic tran
qailty, provide for the Defence promote the gen
era welfare, and the blessings OF liberty
selves and posery do edain and establish this const
tuition for the United States Of America"
When the constitution was established and up 10 this
day, the people OF the United States divided into two
great csssesthst Of the South, which owned slaves,
and that OF the North which exempt from this
barrasement But the constitution being for the govern
ment Of the whole. made TO insure these blessings TO
the whole Life, liberty, and property were secured TO