The southern press. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1850-1852, 1851-12-20

But we pass by these minor matters,t TO reach
the main point
The editor of the Union takes issue with
Mr.. RHETT
Firsily.-Respecting the views entertained by
Gen. JACKSON during the notification crisis Of
1882, which he refers to as " a combination far
more dangerous to the Constitution than the in.
vasion of the British in 1915 had been to our
liberties"
Secondly THAT Gen JACKSON himself CON-
posed that Proclamation, and never repented or
repudiated the doctrines therein set forth.
Thirdly. the article which appeared in
the Globe, was not designed to indicate any
change of opinion or of policy
And fourthly.-That the doctrines of tina tPro-
camation are State Rights doctrines, emb ,dy-
ing the principles of the Virginia and Kentucky
resolutions.
These are the only grains of wheat that
we can winnow out of the chaf of the some
what egotistical narration of the private seceta
ry, like serial novel, {" to be continued"
The first allegation needs no reply. We only
invite attention to the parallel presented in it
The second differs entirely from all previous
statements, and only gives the personal convic-
ton of the writer,--not the positive knowledge
of the fact. Private secretaries may often be on
very close terms of intimacy with their superio rs
and yet not quite attain the dignity and the con-
fidence of privy councillors.
| Who wrote the Proclamation is not, however
a matter of paramount Importance.
The third is contradcted by the Globe article
to which it refers. The language and purport Of
that article not susceptible of two interpreta-
tons, and from that day to this, no one before Gas
far as we are aware,) ever pretended TO doubt
either.
The fourth, however, embodes the monstrous
proposition that the principles put forth in that
Proclamation arc identical with those contained
in the Virginia resolutions-an assertion so pre-.
posterous, so entirely at variance with the proofs
afforded by the records themselves, as not to
merit discussion. Against the authority of Gen.
JAcKsoN's Proclamation, and the ipse diru of his
private secretary, we array the recorded opinions
and sentiments of one whose name will carry
| far greater weight than could be attached to any
arguments or statements of ours.
| We give JOHN RANDoLPH's protest against the
principles of that Proclamation--the charter OF
consolidation--a embodied in series of reso
lutions covering the whole ground, and laying
down the true platform for al States Rights mel
to plant themselves upon. The editor of the Unto,
should learn his lesson better, before presumin,
to teach others-but will first have to I'm
/, learn much-as the echo Of this federal articl
of his own will convince him.
We refer to the resolutions introduced b
Mr.. RANDoLPH at meeting held in Chariot
county, on the 4th of February, 1888, but a fev
months previous to his death.
"Mr. RANDOLPH" says the official report Q
the proceedings, I" though in state of extrem
i weakness, made his appearance last night, an
n to-day spoke few minutes. He ended hi
4 speech by presenting a set of resolutions-th
I, four most important of which we subon. The
cover the whole ground, and draw the line clear
# ly between the principles of the Proclamation
g Resolued, That Virginia is and ought to be
Free sovereign and Independent State--that sh
became so by her own separate act, which ha
since been recognized by the civilized world, ant
has never been disavowed, retracted, or in any
wise IMPAIRED or weakened by any subsequen
act of hers.
Resolved That when for purposes of common
defence and common welfare, Virginia entered
into strict league of amity and alliance with
the other twelve colonies of British North Amer
lea, she parted vith no portion of her Sovereignty
: although from the necessity of the case, the au
thorty to enforce obedience thereto, was in GER
tain cases and for certain purposes, delegated to
| the common agents of the whole confederacy.
Resolued, That Virginia has never parted with
the right to recalthe authority so delegated, fol
good and sufficient cause, nor with right 10 judg,
of The su6ciency of such cause, and 10 secede fran
The confederacy wheneper she shall find the benefit.
of union exceeded By IFS evils: union being III,
means of securing liberty and happiness, and no
an end 10 ohich these should be sacrificed.
/, Resolved That the allegiance of the people o.
{ Virginia is due 10 her-that to her their allegi
=, ance is due, while to them she owes protection
against the consequences of such obedience.
, Which then, are the new fghts,"-we who
y maintain, or the Union that dsavows these doc
trines?
From the Union Of Thursday.
e THE Hon. Mr.. RHETT, OF SoUTH CAROLINA
% II ought not, perhaps, to surprise that thi
n. gentleman should continue to persevere in
:, course of policy which has been repudiated b
the people of his State, and is obviously at wa
t. with the best interests of his country, as the
Is are understood by the patriots and statesmen c
n both the great parties which have been deve
oped by our public experience. Those VIII
. have watched the course of the Southern Pres,
e located in this city for the professed purpose
h guarding what it deems Southern interests, car
"a not have failed to see that the honorable ser
ator from South Carolina has but faithful
70 echoed the notes of that organ Disunion rathe
T. than acquiescenee in the compromise--secessior
s. not az revolutionary remedy, but as const
% tutiona right-and the organization of tn
South in the attitude of resistance, suspendin
" or multiplying the regular action of the laws NJ
20 til those laws can be made to take the forI
prescribed by Mr. Rhett and his followers-ar