The southern press. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1850-1852, 1851-01-21

Massachusetts.
EXTRACTS FROM GOV. BOUTwELLs MESSAGE.
In ordinary times should omit the discus
sion OF topics which are national in their charac-
ter; but the excitement which has sprung from
the institution of slavery, and the examination
Of questions connected with it, seem to justify
some deviation from the general policy.
The institution of slavery is older than our
| government, ana is one Of the most important
subjects which the American mora'ist or states.
MAJ can contemplate. II exists in nearly one
half Of the States of this Union, and is recog-
nized by the constitution, which has been adopted
BY all. Where it exists it is regarded as beni-
fit; where it does not exist it is regarded as an
evil
One portion of the country has pecuniary
interest iniits existence, equal to many hundred
millions Of dollars; the other regards it as
moral political, social, and industrial evil, which
dishonors labor, and degrades the laborer within
the sphere of its influence. The actual con-
dict Of these opposite interests and opinions
unless regulated by the Constitution, would end
! in the destruction Of the American Union.
II may not, then, be inappropriate to consider
how far the institution Of slavery is a general
| subject OF Legislation, and therefore of general
responsibility are local, and the subjects Of local
legislation only. ~ u
BY the peace Of 1888 each of the thirteen for
mer colonies rose at once to the rank Of free
and sovereign State; having the right, of course,
as such, to abolish any of its old institutions, or
| to establish new ones. The constitution Of
| 1889 neither added to, nor materially diminished
these powers. 1t did not recognize any of the
existing institutions Of the States except 30 fur
as was necessary to render the General Gov
eminent perfect and harmonious system.
| 1t was absolutely necessary to determine the
basis OF representation and taxation nrnong the
States. The provision for the delivery OF fugi-
tives from service or labor was in the nature of
q treaty between sovereign States, and for its
ful6lment the General Government was clothed
with sufficient authority. If appear from the
language Of the Constitution that the manner of
delivery should be left to the sever, States, the
Supreme Court appears to have decided other
wise. II must then be considered rs settled.
that the manner of delivery is to be determined
by Congress. As this body represents all the
States and all the people, its nets are binding
upon every State and each citizen, unlcss the
judicial tribunals shall declare them to be un-
constitutional A law thus passed may be, in
the opinion Of State or nm individual, unjust
ucApcuicut, VI Observation-Disclosures, ct uuio OptHiOu
furnishes no excuse for Illegally multiplying its
power or resisting its execution
A remedy for its injustice or inexpcdency
must be sought in the legislative and for its un-
constitutionalty in the Judicial, department of
the Government. Until there can be success
full appeal in one or the other Of these forms, no
true citizen can interfere with due execution
| Of the law. get Wfla s8N
| There in no security for person and property,
for life and liberty, In any other doctrine than
this. III State have right TO nullify, or a
citizen to resist nm act Of Congress, our Govern
ment ceases to be Government Of laws, and
becomes one Of men.
have not made these observations because
| think that it is in Massachusetts only or chiefly
that the doctrine of obedience to the law should
be inculcated. Her people IRE a law-abiding
people Whatever she has of renown In the
past, of prosperity in the present, or hope in the
future, is intimately connected with this princi-
pie. But it il too true that some sections Of
the Union appear ready TO threaten its existence
upon occasions comparatively unimportant-
And when State seriously contemPlates the
dissolution Of this Confederacy, it is solemn
political event, whether such State has or has
not just cause for the position Il takes. IL, how
ever, it shall pursue its suicidal course to ex-
trcmities, 1t is important to every other State
that the whole responsibility should be upon
her. 1t is for this reason that ! cannot advise
I the passage of any measure calculated to In
crease the excitement which unhappily exists,
even though that excitement have no just foun-
dation.
| While the act Of 1850, for the delivery of flu
eitves from service IL binding upon US, il is just
to say that in some Of its provisions it appears
not to have proper regard to the rights OF the
alleged fugitive, OF TO the sentiments Of the com-
munity in which the law is to be executed.
| II, however, toe right Of the slave States be
admitted, the manner Of delivery is principally
| important in one point OF view. II, under color
| or sanction of the law, free citizens shall be
consigned to slavery it will be the duty Of all
just and considera.e men, of every party and
every section, to unite in tho removal Of its OBJ
noxi0us features.
The provision of the Constitution on which
this law is based, can never be properly con-
strued, either BY Congress or the courts, to en-
danger the liberties Of free ctizens.
| But whatever may he our opinions Of the pol
| icy of the Government or the course Of particu-
lar States. NIL of us must ndmit TINT the evils
we suffer in the Union are not TO be compared
with that general ruin which will inevitably SCI
suit from its dissolution. II We shall exhibit in
the present crisis, liberal spirit Of patriotism
and justice we may reasonably expect similar
manifestation by other States Of the Confedera-
cy. If this expectation shall not be realized, the
consequences will be upon others and not upon
ua. think Massachusetts can afford to take a
lending position in this matter Her free insti-
tntons have given to the North vast increase
Of wealth and numbers. The eensua of iaiO
will establish its power In the Houses Of Repre-
sentatives by delegation hardly less than two.
thirds Of The wole number. BY the admission
Of California we have ! mnjoritg Of two IN the
Senate while the majority In both branches j.
1 destined 10 b increased by the freedom Of Del
aware and ire admission Of Oregon. New Mex.