Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1851-05-31
OBEDIENCE TO LAW.


OBEDIENCE TO LAW.
Judge PRENT1ss, in his Charge to the Grand Jury
of the United States Circuit Court for the District
of VERMONT, commenced at Windsor on the 2lst
instant after laying down the rules and duties rela-
tive to the business to be brought before them,
made the following remarks in reference to the
great topic of discussion-the Fugitive Slave Law.
These remarks (says the Journa Of extreme mpor
lance every American citizen, and rventy trust they
may be read end calmly considered by every reader They
marked by that cleanes Of thought and that poprey
Of language by which their author he's been preemneny
distinguished both in his senatorial and judicial
Although the fugitive slave act Of Congress and habeas
corpus Of the Vermont Legislature distinctly stated
co onin yet the remarks made solely in reference
Them happen to know is both gratifying and fiat
ering find ofrepeaed sentiments in regard
these acts fully endorsed by eminent just and
statesman"
Judge PRENT1ss, in closing his charge to the
jury, said:
Very extraordinary doctrines have recently been put
forth TO the public, touching the duty and obligation Of ODE
dence law These doctrines new, and strangely at
respect and take guide They nculcate nsubor
dnaon and awess dsobedence and those who teach Them
whether they conscious Of not enemies to public
order and the public peace and welfare In this country
der free systems of government obedience
the ordinances Of law has hitherto been considered
questionable and imperative duty and very certain that
must continue to be 80 considered if would maintain
civil insutions and live in the secure enjoyment Of
possessions For without lawand law to be obeyed dis
obeyed the option Of any and every one lawwe
have no protection for life, liberty, or property.
"As citizens under the General Government, rights
and duties, obgaons and responsibilities, measured
and regulated BY the Constitution and the laws in
of and, far civil relations
and duties as such citizens any questions arising out Of
these relations and duties, there is no higher law.
When law, authorized by the Constitution has been
duly enacted, it is obligatory and binding upon ell and is
mmatera whether had the appreciation and Of
less of the representatives from particular section
Of the Union, whether it passed by greater less
majority An act passed by majority Of in each House
Of Congress- and approved BY the Executive legally and
consutionaly binding if passed by unanimous in
both Houses. II the law Of the land in the
much would be in The other and has the force and
effect rule Of conduct in all parts Of the Union. The
will Of the maoy expressed in constitutional form, accord
ing to our theory of government is the law for all.
demonstrations Of expedency, policy, JUSTICE any
other considerations belonging to the subject may be urged
against the enactment Of law, after its enactment may
be urged in favor Of its repeal But these considerations
not be urged for refusing submission and obedience
to the law while exists much less Justify disobedience
and open resistance There be but question raised
as to the validity and binding force Of law after its enact
men and that is its consutionaly But this 10 question
to be decided and settled not by every individual citizen,
collective body Of citizens, according to his their will
Of right, but BY the proper judicial tribunals and to
those tribunals the appeal may and should be made in
lar and peaceabe way. These the old, esabished
tutiona doctrines; and any doctrines adverse to these
unconstitutional and dsoganzDg subversve not only of the
just authority Of law, but Of the essential principles Of free
representative government.
The true constitutional doctrines this subject admit 10
the fullest extent both the right Of opinion and the eedm of
discussion The merits Of every law may be freely discuss
ed and opinions may be freely expressed for against it.
But be remembered that it is thing disapprove
of law of the General Government aud seek by consu
ona procure its modification repeal and quite
another thing TO oppose or encourage resistance to it or
der the forms Of local legislation to array the State authorities
against its execution
Every act Of Congress passed pursuant and in conformity
to the Consultation is by that instrument declared to be the
Supreme Law Of the land any thing in the Constitution
Laws of any State the contrary notwithstanding OF course
every State enactment which authorizes any Interference with
obstruction to such general paramount law being In conflict
with it 10 imperative and void This is principle essential to
the existence Of the National Government and may be af
frmed with TRUTH and state il because is matter Of the
highest moment that il is only under the operation Of this
principle, and by faithful observance on the part Of the
States and the people Of the obligations and nunctons of
the Constitution, that hope to preserve this Union,
and continue its blessings to ourselves and posety