The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1851-06-28
THE UNION.
them in regard to her obligatory character in the high


them in regard their obligatory character in the high.
est degree dangerous.
One law may be regarded by some men as WISE good
and sau,ary, and by others useless or unjust as ihey
may happen differ intelligence capacity in in
terests motives and prejudees There Is IN all such
but safe rule for soeietyto regard practically
all laws however they may differ in character and i'm
pcrance, equally entitled TO respect and obedience
and that resistance to any law is not only breach OF
that law, but violation OF moral duty and as there
cannot be conflicting moral obligations there Will be no
shgher law" TO prescribe different rule OF action. But
this higher law, it saId appeals 10 the conscences
of men, which, by enabling them to discriminate between
right and wrong, furnishes mtalble rule Certainly
there could not be lniaible rule, or an agent
more powerful il generally brought into action. TO
der any law imperative which may be contrary to the
rule in the opinion OF lis advocates Men OF tender
science and who know IT but name, the scrupu
ous and the INSCRIPTIONS, the fanatic, the agtaior the
eiormer, and others with kindred and opposite motives,
though agreeing nothing ese would, IN support OF
the "hgher law" find fellowship and communion, as
the stll small voice. which might dwell in the heart or
be assumed by the tongue whether sincere simulated
could seldom be unveiled by human agency Conces,
sion, if less than abandonment by either party OF all
they contended for, would be utterly iruless But we
have read history to little purpose if we not admon
shed-and prudent forecast would prepare for the
suttha men under such dominion. and animated to &C
ton by motives and prospects SO various and tempting
willing to obey law obnoxious to their as
sumed standard of faith and OF right
The remedial provisions OF the act OF $780, though IN
themselves offensive to many yet alone The cause OF
the opposition to the law would in due time have been
satisfactorily explained 10 all disposed to uphold the
sttuon To others with ulterior motives and pro.
ects there is to fear that they have but afforded
preext, eagerly seized, for movement against Ire pm.
cpe of right which the law recognises which, associated
with others of similar nature, have long been equally
the objects of deliberate, fixed and hostile acton Does
any believe that any other law for the delivery OF
fugitives from labor to their owners with any efficient
provisions would meet with greater favor than the pres
ent law or is there not abundant reason to conclude that
an organized and determined opposition and resistance
will be encountered by any law to give effect to the 4th
| article OF the constitution!
The fallacy of the higher law" did not, il may be
thought in this place, merit any grave notice but II has
found bold able and strenuous advocates and has done
much TO peril the peace and safety OF the community
and ohs,ruct the law in this well in other judi
cal districts The misled should be made sensible OF
their and soeMnly warned that there will be de-
csive, firm. and energetic execution OF the law;
In this country all political power is derived from the
| people, and the will OF the majority, egmaely ex.
pressed, equivalent TO the will OF the whole and must
be obeyed unless is intended to change the principles
OF government by violence and terror and, abandoning
reason which dstng uishes man from the brute, subst
passion, ianaliclsm. and acous violence To as
sumo or permit power IN any part OF Inc people 10 de-
feat obstruct law, would be TO establish principle
that such portion may make laws Tor themselves or,
other words, that there shall be no law and no duty
but such party or faction may approve Of each act
ing according lis interests, udlcea, and pleasures
In such every would be law 10 himself, gov
erned by his will, which would lead, first, to an
archy, and then to the destruction OF all government
The rights of the southern States in regard 10 their
slaves all respects the as they were before the
constitution adopted and must ever remain subject
|
ties the owner OF fugitive from labor the right OF
reclamation. The law requires that be should be SUI.
rendered where he may have taken refuge; and the
suit will be reached, the law be fully executed with
out invading the rights OF any State any person. No
lawful power exists anywhere, and none IS claimed, to
do anything contrary TO these enacnents They are ac-
knowledged political and civil rights Influences and as
socalions OF nature powerful existed TO bind the
States IN union that attempt TO disturb these rights
would have been in time past though not distant thought
irrational and visionary. The comfy OF the States de-
manded federation of their respective institutions Their
political reationship-ihe ties of common orgintheir
mutual intercourse commercial and otherwise-citzens
OF the same government established by their united Wis
dom-de scendans OF ancestry whose mutual sacri-
fees TOLL and valor secured their mutual Independence
the of the neutrality-suspicious. and statesmen who
framed the consuton-al were powerful guarantees oil
fraternity, harmony and of enduring political union.
iorbear speak harshy OF unseen motives and I'M
tried actions and only deeply deploe The influence
of pervadng spirit that would sunder all these ties,
cemenied by time and unbounded national prosperity
resist the law-excle 10 clamor, violence and tumult
and peril the safety OF The Union, under which, by Gods
blessing we have risen to be great aud powerful nation,
and attained social happiness and prosperity than
has been vouchsaied TO any other people That such
calamity may never fall upon this nation should be our
devout prayer But much may be done by you by every
mag isate and other good citizens by means peaceabe,
conciiatofy, and persuasive by argument and example,
to prevent spread of disaecion TO the laws, and to
bring such have been unwary led into error 10 &C
knowledge them the supreme rule OF action and what
ever may be the result, there will be left 10 you the
during consolation OF knowing that you have discharged
Of the mos, important duties you owe to your country