Semi-weekly Camden journal. [volume] (Camden, South-Carolina) 1851-1852, 1851-12-05

done by an act passed during the first term of
President Washington, which was amended
by that enacted by the last Congress, and it
now remains for the Executive and Judicial
Departments to take care that these laws be
faithfully executed. This injunction of the
Constitution is as peremptory and rs binding
us any other; it stands exactly on the same
foundation as that clause which provides for
the return of fugitives from justice, or that
which declares that no bill of attainder or ex
post facto law shall be passed, or that which
provides for an equality Of taxation, according
to the census, or the clause declaring that all
duties shall be uniform throughout the United
States, or the important provision TIT the trial
Of all crimes shall be by jury. these several
articles and clauses of the Constitution, all
resting on the same authority, must stand or
tall together. Some objections have been ar
gcG against the details of the act for the re-
turn of fugitives from labor; but it is worthy of
remark that the main opposition is aimed
against the Constitution itself, and proceeds
from persons and classes OF persons, many
of whom declare their wish to see that Con-
stitution overturned. They avow their hos.
tility to any law which shall give full and prac-
teal effect to this requirement of the Consti-
tuition, Fortunately, the number of these per-
SONS is comparatively small, and is believed
to be daily diminishing, but the issue which
they present is one which involves the suprcma-
cy and even the existence of the Constitution.
Cases have heretofore arisen in which indi-
viduas have denied the binding authority of
acts of Congress, and even States have pro.
posed to nuify such acts, upon the ground
that tie Constitution was the supreme law OF
the land, and that those acts of Congress were
repugnant to that instrument; but nullifit alton
is now aimed, not so much against particular
laws a, being inconsistent with the Constitution,
as against the Constitution itself; and it is not
to be disguised that spirit exists and has been
actively at work to reud asunder this Union,
which is our cherished Inheritance from our
revolutionary fathers.
In my last annual message | stated that
considered the series of measures which had
been adopted at the previous session; i'll refer.
ence to the agitation growing out OF the terrific
aiand slavery questions, as a final settlement in
principle and substance of the dangerous and
exciting subjects which they embraced; and |
recommended adherence to the Adjustment es-
tablishcd by those measures, until time and cX-
pcrience should demonstrate the necessity Of
further legislation to guard against evasion or
abuse | was not in uced to make this recon-
mendation because | thought these measures
perfect, for no human legislation can be per-
feet. Wide differences and jarring opinions
can ONLY be reconciled BY yielding something
on all sides, and this result had been reached
after an angry conflict of many months, in
which one part Of the country was arrayed
against another, and violent convulsion seemed
to be imminent Looking at the interests of
the whole country felt it to be my duty to
seize upon this Compromise as the best that
could he obtained amid conflicting interests,
aud TO insist upon it as Il final settlement, to be
adhered to by all who value the peace and
welfare of the country. 4 year has now
elapsed since that recommendation was made.
10 that recommendation still adhere, and con-
gratulatc you and the country upon the general
acquiescence in these measures Of peace, which
has been exhibited in all parts Of the Republic
| And not only is there this general acqniescence
in these measures, but the spirit Of cancellation
! which has been manifested in regard to them
in all parts Of the country, has removed doubts
and uncertainties in the minds of thousands Of
good men concerning the durability Of our
popular Institutions, and given renewed assn
| rance that our Liberty and our Union may sui
sist together for the benefit of this and all sue
ccedng generations.
MILLARD FILLMORE.
WAsu1XGroN, December 2, 1851.
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