Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1841-1853, 1851-05-01
INDIANAPOLIS, THURSDAY, MAY 1, 1851.


Judge Nelson's Charge.
At the opening of the spring of the United States
Court for the city of New York. Judge Nelson of the
Supreme Court of the United States very elaborate
charge the Grand Jury, affirmed the Consttutionay
of the Fugitive Slave law We regret that we have
room for this able and toncuve argument. In de-
carng the law constitutional we have doubt bat he
spoke the sentiments of the entire Court He is just
from Washington, where, for four months he has been
in consultation with his brethren of the bench
and doubt, speaks their opinions Our people in the
main patriotic When the highest judicial tribunal
of the country decides that this law constitutional and
that local State legislation nuly il, and that
it be enforced shall then hear more oil
sisance and repeal-aotaton will cease In the advo-
cacy OF this measure, constantly met with the
round that the Union danger and that
the law repealed the South would submit. Hear
what Judge Nelson says his opinion is entitled to
credit than all the penny whistle organs OF aboitonsm
in the Union.
DISSOLUTION OF THE UNION.
This question has been raised by fifteen States of the
coniederacy, six of whom original parties the
compact 1t has been examined and considered and
again by the governors in their public messages by
the representatives in their legislative halls by the peo-
pie in their primary assemblies, and by the press and
they have to the resouton-one and all-that II
this hostile legislation carried lto effect and the
sttutiona obligation longer adhered their north
ern BRETHREN but thrown off, dsregarde and contemned
the Union longer blessing and should be dissolved
that abrogat1n Of maeral oil the
damena law is destructive OF the compact and the por-
ton of the Union for whose benefit it adopted and
whose rights and interests thereby endangered ab
solved from its allegiance. This believe to be the SET
tied conviction and sentiment OF fifteen States of this
Unon and it presents issue of the graves aspect and
that neither be evaded nor suppressed
1t is issue which the northern States determine
for themselves That laws exist the books of
most il not all of them, in conflict with the act of Gen.
gress and repugnant this provision of the constitution,
is matter of history. That the enforcement of these
laws would be virtual abrogaton Of the provision, is
be denied Il remains for these States to deter
mine whether any attempt shall be made enforce
themwhether they TO remain the statute book
dead letter. or be repealed.
These questions of transcendent import; for the
determination of them in my humble judgment, involves
the perpetuity of the Union.
am aware that opinions are entertained and doubt
less honestly entertained that the Union has not been
at any time in danger, and is not wish these
opinions were well founded. NY deep conviction and
belief are, that it depends this upon the
dence inspired by the late proceedings in Congress- and
by the indications OF public sentiment IN the free States
cnted IN the faith and spirit with which it entered
into; that the friends Of tie Union in the savehoding
States maintain their ascendency and the allegiance
OF their States by the confidence thus inspred and that
of any action the part OF the northern States
destructive of that confidence and of all hope of the
ecution of the obligation it would be in their power
maintain their position and may add, they would
not if they could.
is THE UNION IN DANGER OR NOT?
If any supposes that this Union be preserved
after material provision OF the fundamental law upon
which 1t rests Is broken and thrown to the wind by
section oil la provision In which nearly onehal OF the
States comprising deeply and seriously Interested
he is aborng under deluson which the he gets
rid of the better. If it Is preserved-which do not
doubt it will be by stern adherence the fundamental
law and every part and parcel of it-no section
of the Union throw off the obligation of part in
which has interest," because anothers exclusively
interested and expect TO preserve It, The very suppO
and AClon
the one side, and ablcct submission OH the other.
Neither the motive for breaking the compact a(-
ford any apology or justification.
Ii article may be set aside by portion because
it repugnant to thsir of right and Justice
other may lie because il is against their interest
No State shall, without the consent of Congress- lay
any mposts or duties on imports exports by an ar
tcle OF this fundamental law. Suppose New York,
deeming this article preudcia her interests, by Grip
ping too much her and revenue should levy
duties upon the immense trade and exchange exist
ing and continually increasing between the great West
and eastern brethren, upon the vast coal trade
with neghboring sister, Pennsy lvania for which
afford extensive markets would the motive afford
any excuse for the niracon of the constitution! And
yet, looking to the compact and to the constitutional
duties and obligations arising out Of and binding all
this motive is just available any other to excuse
justify the inlraction.
The example of breaking the compact upon any mo-
tive is dangerous. With what face State rebuke
another for of allegiance when she has thrown it
off herself? Her rebuke would be "laughed to scorn"
This Union and shall be preserved il at ALL by that
stern oldashioned honesty and principle which incG
Gates the uflment of the whole of constitutional
duties and obligations, and every part of them. 1t
this spirit that formed the compact and has thus far
preserved it through all its trials and assaults; and is
this spirit that must and will, | trust, carry it safely
hereafter through whatever pers and msfortunes may
be destined to encounter.
As men possessing these sturdy and manly virtues
have thus far been found in the republic equal every
trial and exgency do not doubt they will be hcreai
ter and they will have their reward-the blessings Of
all good of the times in which they live, and of
born millions, who will be indebted them under the
favor of Heaven, for the rich heritage they enjoy.