The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1851-05-26

tive Slave Law.
AT the opening of the United States Court, for
the distict OF Vermont, at Winden. on the 2lst
inst, in the conclusion of his charge Hon Samuel
Prentiss said -
Very extraordinary doctrines have recently been
put forth TO the public touching the duty and obi
CATION OF obedience to law. These doctrines are
new, and strangely at variance with the princi
pies have heretofore been taught to respect and
to take as oar guide They inculcate insubordi-
nation and lawless disobedience; and those who
teach them whether they conscious of it or not
enemies to public order and the public peace
and welfare, In this country, under our free re-
preventative systems Of government, obedience to
the ordinances Of law has hitherto been considered
unquestionable and imperative duty; and it Is
very certain that it must continue to be so con-
sidered, if we would maintain our civil institutions,
and live in the secure enjoyment Of our possessions
For without law-and law to be obeyed or disobeyed
at the option Of any and every one is rs no law-we
have no protection for life, liberty, or property
As citizens under the general government, our
rights and duties; our obligations and responsible
ties, are measured and regulated by the consttu-
tln5 and the laws passed in pursuance OF II; and so
far as concerns our mere civil relations and duties
as such citizens, or any questions arising out OF
these relations and duties, there is CHER law
When law, authorized by the constitution, has
been duly enacted il is obligatory and binding upon
ALL and it is immaterial whether it had the appro-
baton ard assent Of more less Of the representa-
tives from Our own particular section OF the MON,
or whether it was passed by greater or less ma
lofl(. IN ACT phsceu ny mdJOTlty VI ono III cdSu
House Of Congress, and approved by the executive,
Is legally and constitutionally binding If
passed by unanimous vote in both houses. IL is
the law of the land in the one case as much as it
would be in the other, and has the same force and
effect, as rule Of conduct, in all parts of the Union.
The will Of the majority expressed in constitu-
ioIsl form, according to theory of government,
is the Law foi Pill. Considerations Of expediency,
policy justice, Or an other considerations be-
longing to the subject, may be urged against the
enactment of law, or, after its enaetme1t, may be
urged in favor Of its repeal But these conslnera-
lions cannot be urged as reasons for refusing sub
mission and obedience to the law while 1t exists;
much less to justify disobedence and open resist
snce. There can be but one question raised as to
the validity and binding force Of law after its
enactment, and that is its constitutionality. But
this is question to be decided and settled not
by every individual citizen, or collective body
Of citizens, according to his or their own will
or sense Of right, but by the proper judicial
tribunals; and to these tribunals the appeal may
ard should be made in regular and peaceable
way. These are the old, established, constitu-
tonal doctrines and any doctrines adverse to these
are unconstitutional and disorg anizingsubversive
not only of the just authority Of law, but of the
essential principles of free representative govern
ment. The true, constitutional doctrines on this
subject admit to the fullest extent both the right
Of oIiDi on and the freedom of discussion. The
merits OF every law may be freely discussed, and
opinions may be freely expressed for or against it.
Eut il must be remem bered that il il one thing to
disapprove of the law of the general government
and seek by constitutional means to procure its
modification or repeal, and quite another thing to
oppose or encourage resistance to it, or under the
forms Of local legislation to array the State autho
rites against its execution Every act of Congress
passed pursuant and in conformity to the constitu
ton, is, by that instrument, declared to be The SUI
preme law of the land anything in the constitution
or laws of any State to the contrary notwithstand
ing. Of course, every State enactment which
tboTizes any interference with obstruction to
such general paramount law, being in conflict with
il, is imperative and ved This is a principle
essential to the existence Of the national govern
ment; and it may be affirmed with truth, and
state it because 1t is a matter of the highest mo-
ment, that it is only under the operation of this
principle, and by faithful observance on the part
of the States and the people Of the obligations and
injunctions Of the constitution that hope to
preserve this Union, and continue its blessings to
ourselves and our posterity.