The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1851-08-22


itory by considerations OF public policy, affecting their
interests and welfare citizens OF the various States
Il the Union. The commercial and military advantages
the United States from the possession OF that country
great and important that lis acquisition
idered almost acl Of elfproection Will il now be
aid that the people OF Louisiana possess The right to de-
rive the remaining States OF the Union OF all The inter-
isis and advantages which they have bought and paid
of their treasury, by Withdrawing or sece
ling from the Union at will
Louisiana free, sovereign, and independent any
)ther State OF the Union and If this right exist any
State, exists in all, without reference to the mode
~ which the territory was acquired out OF which the
Stale is formed. | apprehend that the people OF the
United States did Tor entertain the idea thai
n admitting Louisiana into the Union they had thus
,ered all the advantages OF that Important acquisition,
)y placing in the power OF single State TO deprive The
Union OF commercial and military advantages and re-
sources OF inesnable value purchased by the joint
of all the States and now bed by them as be-
,ond the reach OF any price consideration that could
be offered in exchange for them. These remarks apply
with equal force TO all the territorial acquisitions made
by the United States where States have been or may
hereafter be formed and admitted INTO the Unon and the
same principle might be forcbly illustrated by reference
to the action OF the government on subjects OF kindred
character but cannot be necessary and will not ex-
tend This view TO any great length
When the right OF State 10 secede from the Union at
will is conceded, have put the existence OF the gov
eminent al the disposal OF each State in the Union The
of dissolution OF the compact which
holds the States together; is longer the Union that
The constitution formed and the remaining States abb
solved from all moral obligation to abide longer by their
Of the secessonsls denies the existence OF any binding
legal obligation By admitting the doctrine OF the seces
sionsts brought to the conclusion that our fede
raj government the pride and boast OF every American
patriot the wonder and admiration OF the civilized world,
is nothing than voluntary association temporary
in its character weak and imbecile in the exercise OF its
pow ers, incapable OF sefpreservaon claiming from lis
citizens allegiance, and demanding annual tribute from
their treasure and yet destitute OF the power OF protecting
their rights preserving their liberties. II this be the
theory OF government, what is the constitution
of the United States that should estimate il highly!
Where lis binding force that should hold TO its pro-
visions with such unyeldng enacy individuals can
violate their cOmpacts set aside al pleasure their
mutual obligations, without the OF the other par
ties Nations recklessly disregard their treaty
without incurrng the consequences oil vo-
lated faith. Bat our constution-he Teyered monument
OF revolutionary patriotism and wisdom, which we have
been Taught 10 regard with reverental eeng-s doomed
to fall below the standard OF national treaties and ndvd
ua contracts. II has formed Union founded upon mu-
tua sacrifices and concessions-made by the several CON-
ponen parts for the greater benefits to be derived by each
from the combined cooperation OF all and now we are
told that there obligation to observe that Union be-
You'd the pleasure of the parties and that the constr
tuition can be annued by the act OF any State IN the con-
federacy
do not understand government feel that owe
my allegiance to government possessed OF more vitality
and strength than that which drawn from voluntary
obedience TO its laws. hold that government s en-
titled to any allegiance that does not pass wise and just
laws and does not the power to enforce and exc
cute them
am fully of the fact that the eor, is now being
10 render Inc denial OF the TJght OF 10
solve the Union odious in the public estimation, by pre-
senng to the public mind, in connexon with IT, right
full picture OF armed soltery and military desposm
have fears of the ludgmen, that enlightened
country will pass this controversy and surely
could not complain OF any consequence that should re.
suit IRON my avowal OF doctrines which have imbbed
from the teachings OF Mr. Madison, General Jack son,
Judge Crawford and their republican associates does
not follow, however necessary consequence OF the
principles which have laid down, that military coercion
10 be used against State that may attempt the exercise
OF this re revolutionary jght
Whilst deny the right of State TO secede, and thus
dissolve the Union would not attempt by The strong
OF military power 10 bring her citizens back TO their
allegiance, unless compelled 10 do defence OF the
rights and interests OF the remaining States OF the Union
We should not recognise her separate independence, nor
could We allow interests 10 be peed by sane
toDiDg any alliance she might be disposed 10 make with
any foreign government In desire TO infct no in
jury upon wandering sister, should not forget the
duty which the government owes TO those who remain
firm and true 10 their allegiance, and whose claims upon
its protection and support should not be lightly regarded
The laws OF selfprolecon would require al the hands
OF the that due regard should be had Tor the
protection OF the rights and interests OF the other States,
and TO that demand would be bound to respond II one
OF the States 10 mad hour. attempt TO secede from the
Union, and the kind and indugent policy which have
indicated should be resorted 10. have doubt that IN
very short time such State would feel it both her duty
and interest to reiIace her wandering steps and return
10 the embrace of the sisterhood This opinion
is founded upon the high estimate which | place
upon the value Of the Union TO each and all OF the
States that compose It, II would require the experience
ehls and advantages from which she had voluntarily ex
lied herself.
Such are the general views which | entertain this
subject, and ! have freely expressed them have dis
cussed II as abstract question, and in that light
regard II. Whatever differences OF opinion may exist
among the true friends Of The Union the abstract ques
lion OF the right OF secession, apprehend that when IT
assumes practical shape there would be slight shades
OF difference as to the policy and effect OF our action.
There many who hold TO the doctrine OF the right oil
State TO secede from the Union with whom we do not
differ practically. They grant the abstract right OF seces
SION, but claim for The remaining States the right pro-
ect themselves from any injurious consequences that
might flow from the exercise OF that abstract right by the
seeding Stale. II is only necessary TO state the two
propositions 10 show THAT in the end the practical opera
lion OF their principles would lead to the results
hat would reach by the enforcement oil the doc
rnes which have avowed. Our difference is theoreti
cal and therefore constitutes impeachment IN the way
Of our cordial cooperation.
We all hold that just and wise laws should be en-
acts oil injustice and oppression by all the in our
power and To the rupture OF every tie that binds 10 any
government No government, however wisely and hon
estly administered be maintained in the absence OF
binding obligations on its citizens to obey its laws and
power TO enforce their execution recusant parties
Hence cannot consent to the doctrine that govern
nent is destitute OF these powers essential to its vitality
and existence. The claim which have urged in behalf
ol the federal government be abandoned without
endaDgerI0g the whole frame work of admirable
tenn nor is there any serious danger to be appcbended
rom lis improper exercise It's true strength based up
On The existence OF these powers, is 10 be found in the
Justice and wisdom OF IFS Legislation these the true
and only safe 10 the hearts and affections Of the
people, wherein found the strong pillars OF support TO
Tree government ! do not entertain the idea for mo-
neni that our government be maintained by the
strong arm oil military power, when IT ceases TO bestow