The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1851-02-17
Gov. Barry, or Michigan, and the Compro-

The message Of Gov. Barry was transmitted to
the Legislature Of Michigan on the 9th instant.
Speaking of the Compromise measures he says
The States Of the North may look upon slave
ry, permitted in the South, as great mischief or
great sin, or both; but sovereign themselves, they
must respect the sovereignty OF their sister States
and refrain from interfering with the institution de-
precatsd. 1t cannot be regulated or abolished by
the free States, nor by the central government be-
cause, being a municipal regulation, each State
possesses entire and exclusive jurisdiction in legs
lating upon the subject. Aay interference by one
State with another, or by the central government
with any State, upon this or other like subject,
would be violation of the federal compact. The
principles recently avowed by the executive au-
thority, that State, in which slavery is not now
recognized has no authority to establish that insti
tuion, Is unsound and inadmlssable. The particu-
lar question raised can have NO practical appica-
ton but the principle involved denies to the State
the entire control OF their domestic relations. The
general and uniform obligations Of public laws, is
aprincple of government detinitively settled and
all attempts TO substitute opposite theories should
be met by our prompt disapproval and unqualified
condemnation. II individuals be permitted to de-
clare legislative enactments nugatory by reason OF
their alleged immortality, or for other cause, the
whole statute book would soon be repealed or de-
prived OF its general application by whimsical fan
cies and tender consclences. Should States be
conceded like permission to Judge Of, and over
rule, acts OF the central government, the uniform
and harmonious operation Of its laws would be
destroyed, and the most frghuul and dire calami.
at the last session Of Congress. and designed to
quiet the unhappy agitations of the country the
subject of slavery, have been mifreprcsented and
denounced. Fanatics Of opposing creeds have
avowed the intention of resisting their enforce
ment, and, m come instances, have made domon-
suaiion Of executing their threats.
The compromises OF the Constitution partake not
a little Of the nature OF treaty between sovereign
powers; and their violation is not less criminal
than the violation Of treaties. They possess all the
validity of law, and the superadded obligation Of
the plghted faith Of States. to give them effect.
Without concessions the Union could never have
been formsd and II Is the duty OF the national le-
q ature, by appropriate enacimens, to give effect
10 all the spulations contained in the articles OF
compact. In return for he advantages secured by
the Union, each OF It's members must perform lts
share Of duties enjoined; and bear its portion Of
burdens imposed and a refusal, in either case, is
palpable violation OF faith, and, In its repetition,
can only lead TO disastrous results. Regarding
with disaprobation and cenSure all unlawful IN AMI
ftstations Of opposition, come from what source
they may, is the PLAIN and undoubed duty Of all
10 obey and enforce the laws in question. They
were the result Of the deliberations Of wisdom and
experience; and, IN the spirit OF the constitution,
designed to secure the rights OF the North and the
South. Though we may not approve every pro-
vision IN des,l, we are not therefore relieved from
the obligation OF giving them effect. The right to
resist, II indeed such a right could be named, is
futile and destitute Of all foundation but the ucu
braiou of disordered mind. Obedience to the
laws is inculcated alike by hum m and divine pre-
cep', ana viii alone give security 10 NE, nOerV
and property It will alone save us from the APP
pslline evils Of anarchy; and who ever counsels re-
sisaDce clearly disregards the best interests Of
himself and his fellow men, and ncurs the guilt of
conspirng against his country. Michigan, ii Is
confidently believed, will require no prompting in
the fulhment Of duties pertaining TO her federal
relations. The laws OF Congress will be executed
in her borders with promptness and fidelity. IL
sbe misludEe tor the moment. she will not fail soon
to retrace a mistaken step Though Imperative
ly young in the sisterhood of States, she will be
found second to none In attachment TO the ii ne
bonored principles OF our Union; and for their per-
equation, she will strive by earnestly supporting
the compromises Of the constitution aud tae su-
ptenacy Of the laws.