The southern press., 1851-04-09

been made to the female relatives of those gen.
| tlemen. Sir James then treated the question
before the House as political one, and in a
most elaborate speech he showed that the bill
was uncalled for, and stated that it would lead
to the destruction not only Of religious, but civil
| liberty-if cut down it would be contemplate
| and if made effectual it would lead to penal
code with all its horrors-impotence would be
disgraceful, and rgor, as regarded Ireland, would
| lead to a civil war;
Lord John Russell then addressed the House
at great length in support of the great principle
of his measure, and at one o'clock Cat night the
debate was adjourned till this evening.
| If such extraordinary scenes as have attempt
ed to describe happen in the English House of
Commons, what may ye. take place out Of doors,
| by and by, both in England and Ireland? The
bitterest passions have been aroused, and it will
be a long time before they can be quelled.
Resolutions adopted By the Southern Rights As
sociation Of Mobile.
| The convention Of Southern Rights Associa-
| tons, lately convened at Montgomery, having
adopted resolutions expressive OF their sense of
the dangers which beset the Southern States,
and of the mode of averting them: it is due to
the great interest of the subject, as well as to
the distinguished body which has considered it,
that these resolutions should be responded to by
this association, in full and explicit ayowal of
their feelings and opinions.
The subject of slavery, as is well known con-
stituted the chief obstacle which for a long time
impeded the formation of the present Union
The slave-holding States, deeply impressed
with the importance of safely securing this insti-
tuition, which had already connected itself with
their social and political relations, demanded
| Co., Is ba ~
the alliance.
The South prevailed; the Union was formed
and in the federal Constitution then adopted,
/ we find the substance of those stipulations,
which were considered adequate 10 the highest
security.
! If the Southern States stood so strenuously
upon these guards, at time when the number
of their slaves was comparatively so small, what
should now be their vigilance when it exceeds
three millions, of population greater than that of
all the colonies at the close of the revolution
The hostile spirit which showed itself at the
formation of the Union, and which, it is sup
posed, ceased with the adoption Of the Consti-
tuition, early reappeared in increased strength,
and has from time to time influenced the action
of the federal government, with the avowed
| intent of limiting the "area of slavery" as the
surest means of destroying it.
II is through this influence that the equality
of the Southern States, in the disposition of
our territories, has been so repeatedly denied.
/ In the Louisiana purchase, the institution of
slavery existed when we acquired it, yet Con-
press undertook to drive IL oli, and by law, to
devote the larger portion of it to its favored
"free- soilism" In our latest acquisition, the
South is excluded from every foot of territory,
upon the ground, that as slavery did not exist
therein, when acquired, such territory is not sub
| ject to its extension.
The design of this hostile spirit is now par
tally accomplished the area of slavery" is linn
tie I, and surrounded by Gordon of free States.
will its anticipation be realized! or will a
spirit arise in the South and prevent this con-
summation by selling upon the sword, and cary.
/ ing out for itself path to safety.
To arouse the people of these States to
sense of their peril, peril which If it do not
fall upon us to-day or tomorrow, will yet pre-
cipitate itself with tenfold fury upon our child
rem, is, with Us, the highest duty.
It is to this end that patriotic spirits through
out the South are appealing to their country.
men to watch the progress of events now rapid
" occurring in this and other countries, to read
their own fate in the experience of other lands,
and thus "forewarne to be forearmed."
| In aid of this, Southern Rights associations
have been formed. Based upon no selfish prin-
ciple, they exclude from their consideration all
questions Of personal Advancement and with a
disregard of all party influences, they look TO
the Offices Of the country, with the single pur-
pose of securing through them the honor and
safety of their own section of the confederacy.
| Through such instrumentaty and the'inves-
4 tiration and discussion thus produced they
hope to reach the public mind and consumate a
| union of Southern men rs the only efficient
means for resistance to aggression.
Speaking, therefore, in the name of the Mo-
bile Southern Rights Association" we desire TO
construct no "platform" which is not broad
enough to contain every man who looks upon
the late act of Congress as aggressive in their
present influence, but much more to be dreaded
in their influence upon the future.
i We desire that all shonld stand together who
are now for resistance. eitier mmai or legal ot
anu kind or form; and it the time should arrive
when the people Of Alabama, in solemn conven-
ton, should prescribe form Of resistance beyond
4 this, we should regard as aliens those only who
i then refuse to enlist under her banner.
4 As more specifically enbodying our senti.
ments we adopt the following resolutions:
i l. Resolved That the grants Of power in the
federal Constitution are in no wise enlarged, OF
in any manner affected by the proviso which de.
clares that the Constitution and he laws made
in pursuance thereof" shall be supreme
When the States consented TO grant certain
powers for their common government, they by
that aci establish their supremacy.
i The supremacy, therefore, arises out of the
Il character Of the grant, and is founded upon the
|, consent of the parties 10 the compact
When Congress therefore exercises power
not granted, rs the consent of the parties Of the
compact is wanting, such act is not supreme, moi
Of any validity whatever
} 2. That the people Of the several States a,
parties TO the compact have the right 10 judg'
} of lie infraction, To deny this right 10 tn