The southern press. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1850-1852, 1850-12-03

nicteu upon us, acknowledge our lnferlority, and
throw ourselves upon the generosity Of the az
gressor or whether, as freemen and equals we
shall take steps to redress past wrongs and pro-
vide adequate protection for the future
Believing as do that submission to wrong and
injury tends but to invite further aggression and
that no evils could befall us, so great as those
which would be certain to flow from an acknowl-
edgement Of our inability or went Of courage to
protect ourselves, shall at all times advocate the
measures best calculated efectually to correct the
evil and redress the wrong, and best suited to the
temper and spirit Of freernen and equals in the
Confederacy. .A ~ 1880"
To devise and carry into effect the best means
Of redress for the past and TO obtain certain secur-
ity for the future, recommend that a legal con-
vention Of the people ofthe State should be called,
with full and ample powers to take INTO consider
alton our Federal relations the aggressions which
have been committed upon the rights of the South
ern States, the dangers which threaten our do.
mestic institutions, and all kindred subjects and
Jointly with other States, or separately, to adopt
such measures may best comport with the dig
nifty and safety of the State, and effectuaDy cor
rect the evils complained Of A convention thus
assembled, and representing the sovereignty Of
the State, would OF course possess ple.ary pow
ers, uncontrolled by any Instructions or restric-
tons which the Legislature might interpose.
1t might therefore be sufficient for me, TO recon-
mend the passage of proper laws to bring into ex-
istence such convention, leaving the mode and
measure of redress entirely to their wisdom when
thus assembled. To this high power, represent
ing the majesty Of the people, and constituted the
proper opponents oftheir deliberate will, all public
authorities and all good citizens would yield
cheerful and prompt obedience.
l claim not for my opinions any weight or inhu-
ence TO which they are not intrnslcally entitled,
or which does not belong to those OF any other
citizen; but the position in which have been
placed by my fellow-citizens, would appear to Jus
tify il not require that in such crisis, should
step forward, and add my advice to the common
stock of public opinion. shall, therefore, pre-
sent it freely, frankly, and without reserve.
Having grown up with the State from It's intan-
cy, the father of family,a property holder. often
honored with high Office, am bound to the State
Of Mississippi, by every tie which can unite man
to the spot of earth which he calls his home. l
desire her prosperity, her security, and repose
Her interests are mine. Her fate must be mine
From these considerations, claim not exemption
from error, but sincerity Of purpose in theexpres-
sion Of the solemn conviction of my mind, that,
for the reasons which have been hastily glanced at
in this message, the union OF these States mas been
SO grossly perverted from its original purposes, as
to render its further continuance Incompatible
with the honor, the prosperity, and the safety or
the slaveholdng States, unless some correction or
past aggressions, and some additional and more
eIectual guarantees for our future protection, be
obtained from our associates in the Confederacy,
When | reflect upon the pertinacity with
which the assaults upon our rig hts have been for
slavery sentiments at the North and the excite
ment there pervading nearly all classes against
the law to provide for the extradition OF fugitive
slaves, have little hope left that these guaran-
tees, indispensably necessary to our safety, will
be yielded by majority, flushed with recent vic
tories, and encouraged by apparent divisions
among ourselves Yet, to leave no effort at con-
citation untred, and still further to unit with US
those Of our own people, who still look for re-
turning of justice in the North, let the pro-
positions be distinctly made to the people of the
non slav eholdlng States, to remedy the wrong so
far as it may be in the power of Congress to do So
by obtaining from California concessions south OF
sc 80, or otherwise; and to consent TO such
amendments of the Federal Constitution, as shall
hereafter amply secure the rights OF the slavehold-
ing States from mlsconstrucuOn, and from further
aggression.
But, in the event Of refusal, do not hesitate to
express my decide opinion, that the only efiectu-
ri remedy to evils which must continue to grow
from year to year, IL to be found In the prompt
and peaceabe secession Of the aggrleved States.
The probability Of the ultimate necessity Of a
resort 10 this effective and unquestionabe right Of
sovereign States, should be kept in view, whatever
measures may be adopted by this State, either
alone or in concert with her sister States, TO re-
medy existing evils. In the meantime, and as early
as practicable, il is Of the highest importance that
some common centre ofopinion and action should
be authoritatively established.-This may be eff
fected by the conventions of the several asserting
States providing for the organization, and sIbse-
quent periodical appointment or election ola com
:.tee Of safety for each State to consist ola num-
quail to their Senators and Representatives in
.as. These committees, whose duty it
periodically TO ASSEMBLE at some cen
Me transaction OF business, should
Inadequate powers, absolute or con
: their respective States, upon all
~ led with the preservation and
-. ..ecton Of their domestic institutions and their
equal rights as sovereign States. Such body Of
men, even if clothed with the authority Of but
two or three States would command respect, and
quiet and peaceable results to their deter
limitations.
have thus ventured to present some suggest
ions, for which am alone responsible. They may
be modified or changed by the result Of the Nash
vile convention now in session. and the action Of
the Georgia convention, which will shortly meet
for the purpose OF taking the same important ques-
ton into consideration.
Under our system Of government, happily the
right and privilege of determining these grave and
momentous questions, involving the honor and
safety Of the State, and the happiness and prosper
ity Of all its citizens, whether rich poor, slaves
holder or non-saveholder, belongs alone to the
people. To them the appeal must be made, and
their deliberate voice must control and direct the
destiny Of the State. ! therefore respectfully re-
commend to the Legislature, to provide for an ex-
preston Of the will Of the people, by the call of
convention at early day. In this, there will be
safety. When the sovereign power shall have
spoken, all good citizens, whatever may be their
opinions, will acquesce. All will vie with one
another in patriotic zeal to maintain the dignity
and authority of the State. Mississippi will then
be united, and harmonious counsels, and wise en-
ergetc action, will secure her safety.
The very important and vital character OF the
questions, which are forced upon our eonslder IRA.
ton has led me to look solely to remedies, not
merely palliative, but effectual ard permanent.
There may be some temporary remedial measures.
within the power OF the Legislature. lfsuch can
be devised, it will give me great pleasure to coop
crate with you in their application.
Although called together for special purposes,
the Legislature, when assembled, possesses its
constitutional powers to legislate upon all sub
jects. l shall therefore take occasion in further
special communications, to invite your attention
to the propriety of some improvements IN our pre-
sent militia and patrol systems, and to the correc
ton of some defects which experience has pointed
out in the school and levee laws of last session.
As this meeting Of the Legislature occurs In the
middle Of the fiscal year, have not thought 1t ne
cessary or advisable to call for reports from the &C
counting officers Of the government, or to lay before
YOU in detail the condition of the finances Of the