Southern standard. [volume] (Columbus, Miss.) 1851-1856, 1851-04-05
Southern Rights Association.


interest of the subject, as we'll as to the distin-
guished body which has considered it, that these
resolutions should be responded to by this Assocl
aton in full and explicit avowal of their feelings
and opinions.
The subject of slavery, as is we'll known, con-
stituted the chief obstacle which for long time
impeded the formation of the present Union.
The slave holding States, deeply impressed with
the importance of safely securing this institution,
which already had connected itself with their
cial and political relations, demanded guarantees
for its protection as the condition of their alliance
The South prevailed; the Union formed,
and in the Federal Constitution then adopted, we
find the substance of those stipulations, which
were considered adequate to the highest security
If the Southern States stood SO strenuOusly up
on these grounds at time when the number of
their slaves was comparatively SO small, what
should now be their vigilance when it exceeds three
millions, 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 was suppos-
ed, ceased with the adoption of the Constitution,
early re-appeared in increased strength, and has
from time to time influenced the action of the fed
eral government, with the avowed intent of limit
ING the 'area of saveIy,' as the surest means of
destroying it.
1t is through this influence that the equality of
the Southern States, in the disposition of our ter
ritOries, has been SO repeatedly denied.
In the Louisiana purchase, the institution of
slavery existed when we acquired it, yet Congress
undertook to drive 1t Om, and by law, to devote
the larger portion of it to "'Free-sosm. - In
our latest acquisition the South is erctaded from
every foot Of territory, upon the ground that as
slavery did not exist therein, when acquired, such
territory is not subject to It's extension.
The design of this hostile spirit is now partially
accomplished; the ''area of slavery is limited,
and surrounded by Gordon of free States Will
its anticipation be realized or will spirit arise in
the South and prevent this consummation by seiz-
ing upon the sword, and carving 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 to morrow, will yet precipitate itself
with ten fold fury upon our children, is, with u.s.
the highest duty.
1t is to this end that patriotic spirits throughout
the South are appealing to their countrymen to
watch the progress of events now rapidly occurring
in this and other countries, to read their fate
in the experience of other lands, and thus 8" fore
warned to be forearmed.' -
In aid of this Southern Rights Associations
have b9en formed Based upon no selfish pTinci-
ple they exclude from their consideration all aues
tons of personal advancement, and with disre-
gard of all party influence, they look to the offices
of the country with the single purpose of securing
through them the honor and safety of their own
section of the contederacy
Through such instrumentality and the investiga-
ton and discussion thus produced, they hope to
reach the public mind, and consummate a union of
Southern the only efficient means for resis-
tance 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 acts Of Congress aggressive in their present
influence, but much more to be dreaded in their
influence upon the future.
We desire that all should stand together who
are now for resistance, eer moral or legal of any
kind or form, and if the time should arrive when
the people of Alabama in solemn Convention
should prescribe a form of resistance beyond this
we should regard as aliens those only who then
refuse to enlist under her banner.
AS more specifically embodying sentiments
we adopt the following Resolutions
1. ResolUed That the grants of power in the
federal constitution in wise enlarged, or in
anv manner affected by the proviso which declares
that the constitution and the laws made in pur-
suance thereof" shall be Supreme.
When the States consented to grant certain pow
ers for their common government they by that act
established their supremacy.
The supremacy therefore, arises out of the char
acer of the grant, and is founded upon the consent
of the parties to the compact.
When Congress therefore exercises power not
granted, as the consent of the parties of the COM
pact is wanting such act is not supreme nor of
any validity whatever.
g. That the people of the several States as par
ties to the compact have the right to judge of its
infraction. To deny this right to the States, and
confer it upon the Federal Government would be
to make it a government without limitation of
powers.
g. That at the formation of the Union, slavery
was not considered as detractng from the rights of
EQUALITY in those States wherein it existed.
The Union was made to depend upon complete
recognition of that institution which guarantees for
its protection: and the constitution itself declares
that it was formed to 'ensure domestic tranQuatty
f. That the history of the country will vindi
cate the truth of the assertion, that while the
Southern States have ever been prompt to fulfil
their obligations to their confederate States North
their own domestic tranquility has been inva-
ded by those who were bound by the good of
fees of neighborhood, the faith of nations, and
the constitution of the land to ''ensure' its pre-
servaton.
Expeditions more dangerous than those against
which Congress by its laws protects foreign
tions, have been fitted out by the citizens of
sessions, and thus lead to the overthrow of in
stitutions.
The Legislatures of those States have lent their
sanction to this invasion by denouncng our insttu
tions and resolving against any attempt our
part to extend them, and the Congress OF the Uni
ted States, intended as the common guardian of
oU ;nA,ancad hv this snirit of hostility has failed