Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1851-12-05

the Stntes bv which Government win distinct powers
w,s or.srzed The exigencics dangers and necessities
OF the States during the Revolution rendered NECESSARY
II was loose imperfect rickcY form OF government snc
r,h have b.en expected from the nature Of the times
which il was formed tlackei symmetry beauty OF execu-
ton ard strength Ii kept together by Inc dangers
which Threatened the States during the memorable era
which terminated in their independence Inc termination
Of hos,cs terminated the vitality of the Articles of Con-
federation.
An examination of The Articles of Confederation will
abish the fact beyond question, that under it tho
States retained their separate and distinct sovereignty
l. III" recognized upon i,s face the separate States by
name parties 10 IT,"
q at was called league and confederation
g. executed by the deputies from cach State In
Congress in obedience to its Instructions"
t. at was invalid until and only valid as TO any State
il was ratified by its own legislation" Maryland did
enter the conicderacy until 1871.
s. "Ihe separate and continuing sovereignty 60 nominee
Of each State, was distinctly reserved"
G. Zach State irrespective Of its numerical weight had
equal voice in Congress, and all votes were taken BY
States"
l. "Thc voice of nine States required TO pass law
g. "The operation of the Government was dependant
the and will of each State"
O. "And the articles were only amendable by Inc unan
nous voice of the State legislatures"
We have selected nine facts to strengthen our ocn argument
from tic pery instrument under which the consohdaonsts
claim that the States lost the quanum OF sovereignty s
qusc the legitimate exercise OF State ntePoslon aaG
the privilege of secession in OF gross inacuon OF e
Constitution They show, from l776 to 1884, the States
have strong vigorous, vglant soveregns reserVng
important powers TO themselves; and the articles of conle
ration forming fragile feeble, rcketty government til
humbest agent conceivable of the States. They preser
the States in all their natural strength and power, the G1
neral Government submissive agent should be no~
instead of usurpng encroaching Government IN the
hards of Northern majority in all of its departments
Weak the articles Of confederation hey were pre-
feabe vastly preferable such governmenas the con-
sodaonsls desire the present General Govern.
ncnt into by an unnatural vicious construction and in
territorial Misrepresentation Of every thing connected with
the constitutional history Of our country.
This party from ITS the present time, have been strl-
wing INCREASINGLY increase, by usupation, the powers OF
the General Government al the expense OF the States They
have been the consistent advocates oil construction Tue
Constitution which would have converted the government
into spendd consolidated structure and have stripped tho
States OF all their legitimate powers This party would
make Washington a gorgeous splendid powerful Rome
the States crushed humble and suhducd provinces as lar
back l5 they formally proposed under the articles Oh
confederation give Congress the power TO enforce com
the army and navy of the United States This party in
1851 has again and ngan expressed the belief that the c'
zens Of sovereign State obcying the orders OF their State
Legislature of secession should be shot down like
dogs or hung like cons by the myrmIoms OF FILLMORE
Time has effected much change in the sentiments and
opinions Of the coGsodationis of ISL and Of ISL Them
as now they instituted the dangerous enemies oil our
rights and liberties They the Jesuits OF our govern
mcn We shall resume and conclude the consideration OF
this subject ,o-morrow in the meantime referring TO
the remarkable fact that the session OF the Virginia
Legislature in 1928 (as was said by Jno NJ Gregory
ESQ., in his cxcccn. speech in Woodwards Hall on Wed
ncsday night decided majority sustained the doctrine we
now contend for that State has right peaccaby 10 Sc
cede whenever a "dcliberutc apable and dangerous
breach OF The compact shall occur, which, in her Iudg
ncn Shall Justify such act OF secession"
At the same session very small vote was given to Mr.
Benys resolution that when State shall attempt 10 Sc
cede without the Of the other States, the sole aro
,c of the question the of such SECESSION IS THE
SWORD" This proposition the doctrine of the leaders
Of the pcsen, Wing "Union paty-who would subugate
sovereign Stale seccdes and hang or shoot down. as
4" traitors" her citizens who obey her commands!