Gallipolis journal. [volume] (Gallipolis, Ohio) 1837-1919, 1850-12-12

union.' On the other hand. in ths
North, thers have been and are lndl
viduals and assemblies OF persons
who threaten TO defy and resist, il
lone particular, the execution OF ths
laws. In mono OF these demonstra
4 lions. however, viewed by the lighf
of the past history Of the country
lido | dicover ground for serio u s
alarm. In no country, however
lareat or small, can all the policy Of
an the laws made 10 carry out il.
policy give satisfaction to all; as ,
consequences, excitement more or les
prevails. Thus we have seen oul
own Constitution threatened by the
demon oil civil discord; but il stood
the shock, and still stands like the
granite rock at the base Of the noun
tain, unharmed by the waves thai
have beat upon it.
We contemplate with just pride
the inestimable blessings which this
Union Of States has conferred upon
each individual State, by making
equal and Uniform regulations for
the trade and commerce OF all-thus
in, .reasing the wealth and promoting
the pe,,era! prosperity. We have
still more c,.use TO rejoice when we
-. Lo,. ,,r.h :. has added to our
strength and power as a Ha'ion' ano
that power, still increasing y 'n's
means giving US guarantee OF Ipeace
with all other nations, and protec-
ton from hostile incursions among
ourselves; yea, more--a standing
among the nations Of the earth that
will add an immense power to the
moral inAuence Of our Tree institu-
tions throughout the world. He,
therefore, who would desire TO see
this mighty nation reduced to thirty
or more petty States, distracted with
the leuds Of bitter civil discord, and
desolated with all the horrors Of bor-
der warfare, is not only traitor to
his country, but an enemy to the
best interest of mankind. Too much
praise cannot be bestowed upon the
true friends OF the Union; but it is
difficult to single out individuals 10
whom that term is TO be emphatical-
ly applied. 1t reaches and emSra-
ces nearly all the American people
Though complaint may be sometimes
made yet a Just national pride and
love of country will rally the great
BODY of the people around the Con-
stiiution, and save it from the hands
Of the spoiler.
Alarm and agitation of late, has
mostly grown out Of the subject Of
Slavery. The Constitution provides
in substance, that If a slave shall es-
cape from his master into another
State, that he shall Be given up on
claim and proof being made. What
ever rights are secured to the Slave
States by this provision OF
The constitution and law, should be
strictly and in good faith maintained;
but in enacting laws for this purpose,
;are should be taken that the rights
IF other States, as well as individu-
lis thereof, be not iafringed upon.
The law denominated the Fugitive
Slave Law" has awakened much OF
he present excited feeling and action
n the country. II is claimed first,
hat il is in violation of the Constitu-
ion of the United States. Yet it is
an enactment of the supreme law
making power of the land, and for
:ible resistance to its execution can
lot be justifiable without sustaining
hat practice of lawlsss violence
which strikes at the foundation oil
government. II the law be uncon-
that question must be set
led by that tribunal which is provi-
led to settle matters of this kind, TO
whose decision, as good citizens, and
Is law-abiding people, we are
pound to submit.
This law, in its WHO'S fabric, i'm
,lies general distrust of a good
aith OF the people Of the free States.
o abide by the provisions Of the CON-
)act on which we exist as govern
nent. Such distrust, which | be-
ieve is without any real foundation,
veakens the ligamenis which bind us
ogether, and Of course strikes at the
Of our government. But
be whole law, in all Of IFS provis-
ons, cannot be considered in this
document. Suffice il TO say that it
J Objectionable because it makes sla-
cry a national instead OF State in
.iIution, by requiring the costs OF
eclaiming the slave in some instances
o be paid out of the United States
Ireasury-because it attempts to make
xparte testimony, taken in another ju-
isdiction, final and conclusive, in cases
Vhere its effects may be to enslave a ,
nan and his prosperity for all time, and
commits the decision Of this question of
:ivil liberty to officers not selected for
heir judicial wisdom or experience ;
'ecause ii attempts to compel the citi- {
ems of free States IN aid in arresfino 1