Lynchburg Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1829-185?, 1851-10-23
The "llighcr Law" and DisuniOn-
ism.

1t is one Of the most encouraging signs
of the times, that the two most destructive
elements, now entering into the politics of
the country, are being canvassed before
the people in the respective sections, in
which they originated. The doctrine of
the "higher law" grew out of the distem-
pered fanaticism of Northern abolitionists,
and upon it, they plant themselves in vim
dication of their reasonable resistance to
law,madc in pursuance of one of the plain
est and most fundamental provisions ofihe
Federal compact. In the South, that doc
trino is regarded with utter and universal
execration. No issue could therefore be
made upon it in this section of the Union,
and the only consequence resulting from
its agitation here, would be to inhame a
spirit Of sectional Jealousy, most dangerous
to the perpetuity Of the Union. and certain
ly fatal to that kindly and fraicrnal feeling,
which should bind together the free ci,i-
zens of common country. In the North
however, it is, and fright ought to bc,dis-
cussed. Those of the people there, who
are yet true to the Constiution-who APP
prcciate the blessings of the Union, and
who perceive that the welfare of society
has no other stable foundation than the OBJ
servance of the laws, have waged a con-
troversy with the followers of this new
and dangerous faith. That controversy
has thus far been warm and intensely cx-
citing. 1t may and perhaps will be yet
more so. We hope to see the issue SO dis
tinctly made that whenever the popular
verdict is rendered the result may be en-
tirely unambiguous. Whenever parties
are formed with reference to this question
exclusively, we are satisfied. in despite Of
the prevailing apprehenslons to the contra
ry, that the patriotism OF the North will
conquer its prcjudiccs, and that the wisdom
and good sense of its people will discard
the egregious folly and senseess fanatcism
ofthc "highcr law"
But in the South too, a contest is being
waged-a contest whose issue may lead
to the most startling and momentous conse-
quences. Here, mighty effort is being
made to educate the people in the princi-
pies secession and disunion. The pres
tige of old party associations and the spe-
cious pretcxt of State Rights have led and
will lead many to embrace these princi-
pies, unless they be fully discussed, that
their enormity may be comprehended, by
the people. Wherever they have been
thoroughly canvassed, the sagacity of the
people has discovered their lallacy and
they have been pronounced against, by
overwhelming majorities. We wish to see
these questions forever put to rest. This
can only be, when they are condemned by
the people. We therefore desire to see
them made prominent and distinct issues
in the coming elections-not vaguely
stated, in broad and general language sus-
ceptible Of an Interpretation to suit every
possible shade of opinion, but precisely and
specifically defined, that all men may see
the principles enunciated by the one party
and opposed by the other. Issues thus
made and passed upon will be decisive,
and what the result will be we can never
doubt, until we disbelicve the truth pro-
claimed by Mr.. Jefferson, that terror cca
scs to be dangerous when reason is left |
free to combat it."