Columbus Democrat. [volume] (Columbus, Miss.) 18??-18??, 1851-02-01

the s'aiel % propose amen3neua. and The prop8ssd
change IN the constitution, must Be sa-cto1e5. bv
LegshtuFss OF conversions, q tirsst5srts1 q he
several sia'os
Does any siicral nan suppose, that Hsueh a.
mendmenis u the Fecsra constitution AZ sh al here
after amply secure the rights Of he sayeholding
states, from demonstration and farther aggression "
can Be ef-ciedl Some may think -, and nav 10.
doee many others 10 adopt their opinions. Gov.
Quilman does not think 50. although be was the first
one in this state. to suggest the scheme. lie says
IN his message to the extra Legisa allure Il have ill.,.
tie hope le tina, thee guarantees indispsnsaby ne-
oessAry to our safety, will be yielded by a majority
flushed with recent victories, and encouraged by ap
Pareni divisions among ourselves"
twill be- remembered that an lddre S. prepared
BY Judge Clayton and other members Of The com
mitlev adopt, the suggestion Of the Governor for
an amendment Of the constitution. Perhaps it
might be wrong to say that those gentlemen did not
expect the amendment to be made 1t is NJ, i'm.
probable that gentlemen who would seriously sup
port suoh prOpositicn might rery honestly expect
II to succeed, although others could not be found
possessing either the simplicity to advocate it, or the
ereduy to entertain hope for fas orable results.
When will two thirds Of both houses Of Congress
recommend our amendments, or two thirds Of the
States apply for convention aud where are the
re, ourhs OF the several States to rafy the amend
meutsl II all this can be brought about, the North
ern States lees hostile to our institutions than
we had supposed. Those who have confidence in
the Northern people. 10 believe that they viii change
the constitution to make il more favorable to the
institution Of slavery, should dismiss all fears for the
future. and rest satisfied that the constitution as il
noy will be strictly adhered by all parties.
The futitY of this PROJECT OF the Governor ar1
is COMMITTEE must be apparen, to every rejecting
h'nd. Is II no, useless proposition and is it r3l
Why incur the eKpensel why lose time in conyen-
tons at such chlds plsy7 Those who cover seces-
sion undera veil SO f,msey would gain character for
wisdom aud candor by hosting the banner Of dis.
union at once. Here Is the distinction between the
Union party and It's opponents. We say the const-
tuition requires no amendment. That our rights are
guaranteed by it, Those rights cannot be invaded
without violation Of the constitution. 10 This ue
wiH mol submit SO long as our equality as States
remain we adhere to the conederacy. II despoiled
of trat equality, we must uHhdrac from the Union
Upon no other gtclnd can the South unite,-upon
this il is undivided.
The State is not only distracted by the PROPOSE.
ton which we are combating, but byIt doubts are
thrown over our constitutional rights. To ask an
amendment Of tie constitution, is to admit that IRE
are not protected BY Il already. The constitution is
an instrument Of delegated powers. What power
has the federal government over the institution Of
slavery Certainly by the constitution as il no,o is,
none, except for its protection. No, We are safe
upon the body Of reserved rights II we attempt re-
Etrctons oil the powers of The federal government
upon this subject, by amendments We might soon
find it necessary.to claim additional limitations. |.
We cannot add 10 the brightness Of the sun.
II what we have said be correct, is i; not clear
that all who are opposed to disunon, on account Of
the adusnunt should ut once sustain the principles
OF the Union party of this State BY such course
nothing is yielded to aboitonsm; and the South
united will be in position to resist all enc roachments
on her constitutional rights, in any mode which may
be demanded.