The southern press., 1851-04-08

-aild II mace eHectual II would ead 10 peIai
code with all its horrors--impotence would be
disgracetul, and rigor, as regarded Ireland, would
lead TO a civil war.
at great length in support of the great principle
of his measure, and at one o'clock Cat nighD the
debate was adjourned till this evening
If such extraordinary scenes as have attempt
ed to describe happen in the English House OF
Commons, what may ye. take place out OF doors,
by and by, both in England and Ireland? I? The
btterest passions have been aroused, and it will
be n long time before they can be quelled.
Resolutions adopted by The Southern Rights As
socialion Of Mobile
The convention Of Southern Rights Associa-
tions lately convened at Montgomery, having
adopted resolutions expressive OF their sense OF
the dangers which beset the Southern States,
and of the mode of averting them it is due to
the great interest of the subject as we'll as to
the distinguished body which has considered it,
that these resolutions should be responded to by
this association, in full and explicit avowal of
their feelings and opinions.
| The subject of slavery as is well 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 insti-
tuition, which had already connected itself with
their social and political relations, demanded
guarantees for its protection AS the condition OF
| the alliance
The South prevailed the Union was 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
upon these guards, at time when the number
of their slaves was comparatively 80 small, what
should now be their vigilance when it exceeds
three millions, of population greater thin 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 is sup
posed, ceased with the adoption Of the Consti-
tuition, early reappeared in increased strength,
and has from time to time influenced the action
of the federal government with the avowed
/ intent of limiting the 'area of slavery" as the
surest means of destroying it.
| 1t is through this influence that the equality
of the Southern States, in the disposition of
our territories, has been so repeatedly denied.
In the Louisiana purchase, the institution Of
slavery existed when we acquired it, yet Con-
gress undertook to drive ii out and by law, to
devote the larger portion of it to its favored
afreesoilism." In our latest acquisition, the
South is excluded from every foot of territory,
upon the ground, that as slavery did not exist
therein, when acquired, such territory is not sub
ect to its extension
The design of this hostile spirit is now par
TALLY accomplished the "area OF slavery" is linn
ite !, and surrounded by a Gordon of free States.
will its anticipation be realized? or will a
spirit arise in the South and prevent this con-
summation by seizing upon the sword, and carv-
ing out for itself a 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 or tomorrow, will yet pre-
cipitate itself with tenfold fury upon our child
rem, is, with us, the highest duty.
1t is to this end that patriotic spirits through
out the South are appealing to their country
men to watch the progress of events now rapid
ly occurring in this and other countries, to read
their own flte in the experience of other lands,
and thus "forewarne to be forearmed."
In aid of this, Southern Rights associations
have been formed Based upon no selfish prin-
cpe, they exclude from their consideration all
questions of personal advancement and with n
disregard of all party influences, they look to
the offices of the country, with the single pur-
pose of securing through them the honor and
safety of their own section of the confederacy.
Through such instrumentaity and the inves-
B.
hope to reach the public mind, and consumate q
! union of Southern men as the only efficient
means for resistance to aggression.
| Speaking therefore, in the name Of the T" Mo
bile Southern Rights Association" we desire tc
construct no platform" which is not broad
; enough to contain every man who looks upon
the late act of Congress as 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, either moral or legal Of
| any kind or form; and if the time should arrive
when the people Of Alabama, in solemn conven-
tion should prescribe form of resistance beyond
this, we should regard as aliens those only who
: then refuse to enlist under her banner.
| AS more specifically enbodying our senti-
ments we adopt the following resolutions:
l. Resolced That the grants Of power in the
federal Constitution are in no wise enlarged, or
in any manner affected by the proviso which de-
cares that the Constitution and he laws made
in pursuance thereof" shall be supreme
When the States consented TO grant certain
powers for their common government, they by
that aci establish their supremacy
The supremacy, therefore, arises out of the
character 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
compact is wanting, such act is not supreme, nor
of any validity whatever.
g. That the people Of the several States as
parties to the compact have the right to Judge
Of its infraction To deny this right to the
States and confer upon the federal government
would be to make it government without limi-
tntion of powers.
g. That at the formation of the Union, slavery
a