Columbus Democrat. [volume] (Columbus, Miss.) 18??-18??, 1851-02-01
RESOLUTIONS.

Tn, following resolutions were adopted by a
meeting 10 this city, on the Ord of August last
let. Resolred, Tha, we are in favor Of the
preservation Of the Union Of the States in all IT,
vigor and with all its countless blessings; aud 50
long as our liberty and our rights, guaranteed by
The federal constitution, are secured TO US, no pa.
irot would oment or excite geographical and sec
tional divisions--no lover of his country would
libefaiey calculate tho value of the Union.
2nd. THAT Il is fundamental principle in
our political creed. that people in forming a
constitution have the unconditional right To form
and adopt the government which they may lhirk
hest to secure their liberty prosperity and hap.
piness; and tina, in conformity thereto, no other
condition il imposed by the federal constitution on
State in order Ia be admitted into the Union,ex
cept that its constitution shall be republican; and
that the imposition Of any other by Congress
would not only BE- in violation OF the constitution,
but in direct conflict with the principle on which
our political system rests"
Ord. That the territories Of the United States
are the property in common Of all the States OF
the confederacy; that citizens of the slaveholding
States have hall and equal rights with citizens OF
the non slaveholding States TO emigrate thereto,
and to settle therein, with all legal and recognized
species Of property; and that property in slaves,
being expressly recognized by the federal consti.
tuition, Is, in such territory when demand Is made,
a fair and proper subject for protection by Con.
Rress, and until such time when said territory
shall come TO he legally erected into State OF
the Union.
4th, That the federal government has no right
whatever 10 distinguish between the domestic in.
siiIuiions Of one State or section, and another;
and no right to extend or restrict, any more than
10 establish or abolish slavery in any territory
Of the United Sla,es--bu Is bound 10 protect, il,
the terriIoIiesany species Of property recognized
by the constitution, and belonging 10 citizens Of
the United States
9th. That the institution Of slavery being an
element Of the federal government, the power 10
protect does no, presuppose the power Of Con
Rress TO ABOLISH TO establish to extend, or Iestrc
slavery in any territory belonging to the United
States.
9th. That il is the duty Of Congress 10 provide
territorial governments for the territories belong
Ing 20 the United States and to define their b0un
dares: and il should do so 10 enable the people o
the territories to erect for themselves state gov
smment preparatory to coming into the Union al
aState.
It'll. That, in our opinion, Congress has thu
right 10 waive irregularities in the formation o.
Siae constitution.
9Th. That in our opinion, the delay and TefIsa
Of Congres to pass laws providing proper govern
mcnts for the territories belonging 10 the Unite'
States, have resulted in great injury 10 th,
South.
9th. That, In the opinion Of this meeting Meth
er the federal government, or any branch there
Of, has any authority vested in them by the irde
raj constitution TO inRuence-or induce the citizen
of any territory &c these United States, TO estab
ish or TO abolish slavery by engrafiing such pro
visions in their constitutions.
10th. That we are decidedly in favor Of fail
equitable, and honorable adjustment Of the slave
~ question now agitatipg the Union, that peac
and harmony may again prevail; and, as by CON
promise our federal constitution was established
we are willing 10 meet our northern brethren
Crder 10 settle this question. IN the same spin
which actuaied The trainers Of that instrumsn
but at the same time, we plant ourselves on lh'
constitution as the sole ark Of our political saiel
we will stand by il and It's guarantees, and shou
the aholiiiousis and free.soi,ers The North col
linue their Rggressions upon the rights OF q
South despite this spirit Of honorable compromi'
on our part we will then take such modes Al
measures Of redress as We may deem necessal
lDr the protection Of the South.
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