Richmond semi-weekly times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 184?-1853, 1851-10-21

all forbidden acts aud to submit to the supremacy OF
the constitution and laws Of the United States But
it will be asked, have they not also the right TO Judge
OF the fidelity with which the common gov runItni
has adhered 10 the common compact? Yes, most Ger
tainy. They have that right and So has every citizen
ofthe United States, aud so has the general government
also. The alleged violation of the constitution may
be exposed and denouhced BY ali the weapons of reason
OF argument and OF rdcule by remonstrance, protest.
appeals TO the judiciary and TO the other states by
the press, public opinion, and all legitimate OF
persuadlng or influencing It. lt,.atsr the employment
OF all or any oil these peaceful methods, the government
OF the United States, sustained by a constitutional
majority OF the nation, persist in retaining the obnox
oGS law, there is alternative but obedience to the aw
on the part of the minority, open, undsgused,
manly aud tofcble resistance TO its execution.
The alleged right OF secession is, [ apprehend some
times cont0unded with right of revolution. But its
partlsa ns mean totally different thing. They con
tend that s peaceful, lawful, and if constitu-
tlohal remedy that is not forbidden by the constitu
ton. Iney insist that il is right to he recog-
Missed aud respected and that whenever exercised BY
State, Tar from being csnsured or condemned, the
state ii necessary Is entitled to the operation of 9th
er states. The prudent vlor of the e partsans IN
imitation OF the previous example OF The friends of
MULTI atou, dsclam the purpose of using themsev YES
and protest against the application to them of any
physical force
The right of revolution is that right which an IN
justly oppressed people, threatened ill., OF borne down
by lntoerable and nsupporable tyranny and injustice
have OF resortng TO forcbe resistance to prevent or
redress the wrongs with which they are menaced
or under which they suffering. 1t may aim simply
at removal OF grievances, or it may seek totally TO
change the existing government or to establish within
lis limits new government. 1t is right confined
by the boundaries OF saes although being organized
political bodies, they may he capable OF giving greater
effect to revolutionary efforts but il belongs OPP
pressed man, whatever may re his condition. In all
revolutions, however, there are two parties those who
revolt, aud the government which they torcbly re
sist There are generally two opposite opinions, also
entertained OF the cause of resistance; that OF those
who rise in rebellion, belle wing themselves to be
wronged and that of the existing government, which
denies having inflicted any oppression injustice l.
IS incumbent upon wise and considerate men, before
they hastily engage in revolution deliberately to con
sder the motives and causes orevolt, and carefully
to calcu!ate the probable consequences oil orcibe re-
sisance. II unsuccessful, they know that they will
be guilty OF treason, and incur the penalty inflicted up
on traitors.
l nave thus, gentlemen, presented an imperfect
sketch OF some OF the views which have taken of the
| existing topics OF the day. l. would admit of much
enlargement and additional illustrations but | have
already given TO this paper inordinate length In
eontemp atlng that SKETCH we behold much more 10
animate The hopes and to encourage the patriotism of
the country, than to create regret and apprehension
After such political storm as that which violently
ragged during The last Congress, il was not TO be ex
pected that the nation would instantly settle down in
perfect quiet and repose. Considering the vast extent
OF our territory, our numerous popula ton the heated
conflicts OF passion, OF opinion of interest and of
lions, prevailing the entire Union, have great rea
son TO be thankful to Providence for the degree of
calmness otEanquility, and of satisfaction which pre-
walls Ii there are local exemptions the North and
~ 4ie SOW ooun lasl ana sguded men, who would
Gtsas it ne no, ano Jaws OF the United
time, to reason and to duty.
But suppose wesaould be disappointed and that the
standard should be raised open resistance to the Uni
on the constitution and the laws what is TO he done2-
There can be but one possible answer The power the
authority aud dignity OF ths government ought to be
Ha,n,alea%and resistance put down at every hazard
OoVeInn'eu' IN uie ialieh ana depfaVed state OF man
would lose all respect and ia into disgrace and con-
tempt II 1t did not possess potentially, and would not
III e4tfee cases. pfactcaly exercise the right OF en-
ploying ofce. lne theory OF the constitution OF the
T. States assumes the necessity OF the existence aud
The application OF force both in orelgo aud domes
tic relations. ongress is expressly authorized "to
raise and support armies, to provide and maintain ma
Wy" and "to provide TOR calling forth the militia to es I.
ecute the laws OF the Union, suppress Instructions and
repel Inyaslons"
The duty OF executing the laws and suppressipo in.
surrectons, is without limitation or qualification: if
Is coextenstve with the jurisdiction OF the United
States, and it comprehends every species of resis
lance to the execution Of the laws and every form of
lnsurrecion, no matter under what auspices sane
ton 1t is made Individuals, public meetings, states
may resolve as often as their tastes or passions may
prompt them to resolve, that they will orcbly oppose
the execution OF the laws, and secede from the IN
lon. Whst these resolutions remain on paper, they
are harmless; butthe moment daring hand is raised
10 resist, by ofce, lhs execution OF the laws the duly
OF enforcing Iieih ARISES, ana II the conflict which
may ensue should lead to civil war, the resisting
party having begun II, VIII be responsible for all the
consequences: =: r
SIce ue duo'tioll Vi ohF present Cohstltuton, and
lle "illc II q ealeu' ny te Guessing OF FfoV-
uenIie i, We iiaso savsnceo III POPULATION, power,
IA IN imp Gseg;.s ata hdliohal great
ness WIN uTeiee oi idpdty, when, unparalleled IN
aiceit u iaI '1ns' nas excited the as onlsh-
i1eh' anu coilndlueA 'ile dohiltduoh OF mankind
~ 4ii h h eu eAgnsYe JailSulctton more
.a n;SG Ecu iaue 10 gliloiace al Inc pro-
NJ SIaxno. ~ n, co. wv llqas' tAas ana
have raachsd the p ,r;fc 0ooar . 1omy siIuitdIhs
lron and C1foraia and lith' 'oW,i,psllenui9 re-
risen from four to tweny-three millions: our mas
NN'A "