The southern press., 1851-09-20
,para on tbi, ucccsslon nor do / deem Il neces.


sary. The right of resistance by force, as re-
spects States and communities, is only an exten.
sion of the Individual right Of seifdefence,
which is law of nature, antecedent and para
mount to all laws and all constitutions; which
cannot be alienated or surrendered by the adop-
ton Of any system Of social organic 'tion. This
doctrine s established beyond controversy, by
the unanswered and unanswerable arguments
of Sidney and Locke by the assent OF all the
great ancient as well as modern authorities on
the law of nature and nations and, il such
were not the case, it has always been, and
always will be, acted upon when the OCCASION
arises, in oppo ition TO all authorities. 1t is
true that none Of the writers who assert or con-
eede the right Of resistance, have attempted to
define the precise line where resistance becomes
justliabe, because il is not susceptible Of detini-
Lion. II Is matter of feeling, and can neither
be analysed or defined.
An enienent Anercan statesman, high in
office, and candidate for still higher hQnors,
whose opinions wish to treat with all due re-
spect, has lately attempted to establish broad
distinction between revolution and secession; ;
in other words, the right to resist, and the right
of retiring out of reach Of the necessity of re-
sorting to resistance His position, if rightly
comprehend him, is, that though a people or
State may have right to resist by force in Ger.
tian contingencies, they have none to retire
peaceaby beyond the reach ofinjury and oppres-
sion. 1t seems they have no alternative; they
| must either peaceably submit, or forcibly resist,
for they cannot get out of the way 1t follows
that all radical changes in the political relations
Of State with confederation OF States, must
necessarily be brought about by violence and
bloody contentious. Those who cannot live to-
gether in peace, must not part in peace; they
must resort to the right of the strongest, and
| fight it out.
Thus ,the determination of portion of our
fellow creatures, perhaps our countrymen, is an
indispensable preliminary to all great political
changes; and hecatombs must be offered up on
the altar of liberty, before she can become u le-
gitimate goddess. The establishment of this
principle, conceding the right of revolution and
denying that of secession, would, in its applica.
ton to the case now under consideration, leave
no resource to any member Of this confedera-
ton, under the most intolerable oppression, but
civil war, with all its aggravations. 1t leaves
open no appeal to the great tribunal of reason,
Justice, and humanity; the right OF the strongest
is the right divine; and dissensions among
confederation of christian States, can only be
adjusted, like those of the wild beasts of the
forest, by a death struggle. am aware that
this has been the almost invariable practice of
mankind in every age and country; but never
| till now do receect seeing it asserted that it
was the only justifiable mode Of settling con-
troversies among States and nations; and it il
with 20 little regret see this doctrine sanctioned
by one whose opinions are of such high author
ity among large portion Of the American peo-
\ Pile. | have dwelt more emphatically on this
topic, because consider the right of secession
AS by far the mostimportant of all the questions
involved in the present controversy; and the at
tack on it as one of the most rsidious, as well
as dangerous blows, ever levelled at the rights
of the States, all Of whom are deeply interested
in the issue, since those who are now the ag,
gressors, may one day be placed in position
where it will be their only refuge from the un.
controlled despotism of a majority.
Il With regard 10 the expediency of the State oi
South Carolina exercising this right of secession
either now or at any future period, it would,
conceive, be presumptuousi in one so far removed
from the scene of action to oAor his opinion, or
intrude his advice. In such crisis, South Caro-.
lima must act for herself, and rely on herself
: alone. ] would only observe, that in taking q
step so decisive as that of withdrawing from the
Union, unanimity among her citizens, or some
thing nearly approaching it, seems indispensable
II appears, however, that many distinguished
men among you, whose reputation is national
whose opinions are entitled TO great weight ant
who have heretofore taken the lead in opposing
, the compromise, believe that the time for seces
sion is not yet come; that the cooperation ol
at least majority Of the Southern States ],
absolutely necessary 10 the successful issue o.
such measure; that il is best TO wait for further
injuries, or at least 10 see whether they will bs
attempted, and If so, whether they will producs
such co cooperation. Those whose views coincide
with the resolution adopted by your association
: on the other hand, believe that immediate seces
sion. OF secession after "waiting reasonable
time" for the co operation of other States, is iD
dspensable to the safety and honor Of the State
Of South Carolina. Which of these parties vii
eventually predominrte, remains TO be seen anc
until that is decided shall content myself with
asserting thr right Of secession, leaving ihe eX
pediency Of It's exercise to be decided by the re-
suit Should it be found that very considera
BILE minority is no. only opposed, but will resist
a resort to this remedy for their grievances,
conceive It's immediate adoption would be hsz
ardons in the extreme. But when great inter
ests are At stake, much should be rsked In theil
preservation. For myself will only say, that
were a citizen Of South Carolina, or any other
Southern State. trust ] should not be found
among those, who, after placing themselves in
front Of the battle, and leading their followers
into position whence they could not retreat
withoot dishonor. retired from the field, only, II
would seen, to see II the enemy would pursue
them.
A few words more, gentlemen, in order that
NAV not be misunderstood or msrepresented
and will no longer trespass on your time or pa
tience.
if know myself, and the innermost feelings
Of my heart, am n better friend TO the Union
than many of those who, while loudly protesting
their devotion, are steadily pursuing course OF
policy that has already alienated considerable
portion of its citizens, and will assuredly bring
about its dissolution. II is under the influence
Of this attachment, that have lent my feeble
aid in opposition to that policy. Neither force
nor coercion can preserv: Union voluntarily
formed on the blsis Of perfect equality; nor do
believe u possible TO preserve or perpetuate
this confederation by any attempts to extend
the powers Of the general government beyond
the limits prescribed by the Constitution, strictly
construed, agreeably to It's letter and spirit The
| first attempt TO coerce any one of its menlbers