The southern press., 1851-07-28
From the Dallas Gazette.
State Sovereignty ty-Important Documents.

In our last issue, we proved from the proceed
ings of the federal convention which organized
our present system of government, that the
States, without dissenting voice, voted down
n proposition to authorize the use of force
against State so determined were they not to
surrender their sovereignty and erect consoli-
dating omnipotent establishment like the British
government. They sternly refused to establish
an absolute sovereignty but carried out their
design of framing compact between themselves
as independent States or nations leaving "to
each party Gn the language of Mr.. Jefferson)
the right to judge for ITSELF as well of infrac-
tons as the mode and measure of redress"
So jealous were the States of their sovereign
ty, that most if not all of them, in ratifying the
compact, expressly reserved the privilege of
Withdrawing from the confederacy, when they
deemed further connection with it destructive
of their interests.
In proof of this, we submit some important
documents to the consideration of all who desire
light upon this vitality important subject. And
first, we will notice the action of Virginia, a
State which is often referred to- even by the dis
ciples of Webster, in our midst. She was the
first to propose the rivison of the articles of
confederation which resulted in the adoption of
the present government; and we would refer
to her, above all others, for correct interpreta
ton of the doctrines upon which il is founded
By the annexed act of ratification of the Consti-
tuition, it will be seen that she explicitly declared
her State sovereignty to be superior TO that Of
the federal governn ent and declared further
more, that all powers delegated to the latter by
the State, :" may be resumed by them, phenerer
The same shall be perverted TO their injury or cp-
preston"
awe the delegates Of the people of Virginia.
duly elected in pursuance of recommendation
from the general assembly, and now met in con
vention, having fully and freely investigated and
discussed the proceedings of the federal conven-
ton, and being prepared as well as the most
mature deiberation hath enabled us TO decide
thereon--Do, in the name and behalf of the peo-
Pile Of Virginia, declare and make known that
The po,oers granted under the Constitution, being
derived from The people Of The United States may
be resumed by them aoheneper the same shall be
perrerted TO their injury or oppression; and that
every power not granted thereby, remains with
them and at their will that, therefore no right
of any denomination can be cancelled, abridged
restrained, or modified by the Congress, by the
Senate, or House of Representatives, acting in
any capacity; by the President or any Depart
ment, or otficcr of the United States, ercept in
those instances in lchich porcer is giren bu the
awe, tho said delegates, in the name and in
behalf of the people of Virginia, do, by these
presents, assent to and ratify the Constitution
recommended on the 18th day of September,
1887, by the federal convention for the govern
ment Of the United States, &c, &c.
sDone in convention, this 26th day of June,
1889. BY order Of the convention.
EDM. PENDLETON, President"
New York was equally cautions with Virginia,
in acceding to the federal compact and in rat-
flying it, made similar solemn declarations We
quote as follows:
"We, the delegates of the people of the State
of New York, duly elected, and met in conven-
ton, having maturey considered the Constitu-
ton of the United States of America, agreed to
on the 18th day of September, in the year 1887,
by the (genera) convention then assembled at
Philadelphia "a copy whereof precedes these
presently do declare and make known:
"That all power is originally vested in, and
consequently derived from the people and the
| government is instituted by them for their com
mon interest, protection, and security.
That the enjoyment of life, liberty, and the
pursuit of happiness are essential rights which
every government ought TO respect and preserve
| "That the powers Of government may be reas
sumed by the people, ,ohensoeper il may become ne
cessary 20 their Happiness, that ercry po,cer juris
d,ction and right, ohich is NOT BY the said Con
sfitut;on clearly delegated TO the Congress Of The
United STATES, or ne department of The government
thereof remains to The people Of the seperal States
or 10 their respective State governments, TO ohon
they (fhe peopie) mSg knve granted the same And
that those clauses in said Constitution. which