The southern press. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1850-1852, 1851-09-19

spare on this occcssi1n nor DO deem II uscss-
sary. The right ok 1ssistanas by (eres, ~ r.
specx 6tstas and communities is only "a sxtsn.
sion Of the individual right of ssiEdefsnce,
which " Law Of nature, autecedent 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 4tion- This
doctrine is established beyond controversy, by
the unanswered and unanswerable arguments
OF Sidney and Locke by the assent OF all the
great ancient as we'll as modern authorities on
the law Of nature and nations; and, If such
were not the case, it has always been, and
always will be, acted upon when the occasion
arises, in oppo ilion TO all authorities. 1t is
true that none of the writers who assert or con
cede the right of resistance, have attempted to
define the pre- else line where resistance becomes
Justfable, because it is not susceptible Of dehn-
ton. 1t Is matter of feeling, and can neither
be Analysed or defined.
An emienent American statesman, high in
office, and candidate for still higher honors,
whose opinions wish to treat with all due re-
spect has lately attempted TO establish a 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 people or
State may have right TO resist by force in GER
tian contingencies, they have none to retire
peaceably beyond the reach ofinjury and oppres-
sion IL seems they have no alternative; they
must either peaceably submit, or iorciby resist
for they cannot get ont 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 y
gether in p ,ace, 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 mu st be offered up on
the altar of liberty, before she can b come le-
ultimate goddess The establishment of this
conceding the right of revolution and
denying that of secession, would, in it's 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 aggravntons. 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 a
confederation of christian States, can only be
adjusted, like those of the wild beasts Of the
forest, by death struggle. am aware that
this has been the almost nvarabe practice of
mankind in every age and country; but never
till now do receect seeing it asserted that it
was the only justifabe mode of settling con-
troversies among States and nations; and it is
with no little regret see this doctrine sanctioned
by one whose opinions are of such high author
ity among large portion Of the American peo-
pie. ! have dwelt more emphaticaIly on this
topic, because | consider the right of secession
as by FAR the most important of all the questions
involved in the present controversy and the at
tack on it as one of the most ! sidious, as we'll
as dangerous blows ever leveled 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 I'M
controlled despoiism of majority
With regard to the expe 1ency of the State of
South Carolina exercising this right of secession
either now or at any future period, it would,
conceive, be presumptuous in one so far r, moved
from the scene of action to offer 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 a
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 OPTIONS are entitled to great weight and
who have heretofore taken the lead in opposing
the compromise, believe that the time for seces-
sion IS not yet come; that the co operation or
at least a majority Of the Southern States is !
absolutely necessary 10 the successful issue Of |
such measures that il is best to wait for further
iajuries, or at least TO see whether they will be
attempted, and # so, whether they will produce
such co operation. Those whose views conpide
with the resolution adopted by your association,
on the other hand, believe that Immediate seces
sion. or secession after "waiting a reasonable
time" for the co operation of other States, is in
dispensabe to the safety and honor of the State
Of South Carolina. Which of these rites will
eventually predominate, remains to be seen and
until that Is decided, shall content myself with
asserting the right of secession, leaving the ex-
pediency Of its exercise to be decided by the re-
suit. Should il be found that a very consider
BILE minority is Doi only opposed, but will resist |
A resort TO this remedy for their grievances, | |
conceive It's immediate adoption would be hag- |
irdous in the extreme. BIT when great inter
ssts are at stake, much should be risked ia their
preservation. For myself will only say, that
we're | 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
without dishonor, retired from the field, only, it
would seem, to see if the enemy would pursue
hem.
a few words more, gentlemen, in order that
may not be misunderstood or msrepresented. |
md will no longer tespass on your time or pa
hence.
If know myself and the innermast feelings
If my heart, am be ter friend to the Union
han many of those who, while loudly protesting
heir devotion, are steadily pursuing course of
policy that has already alienated a considerable
portion OF its citizens, and will assuredy bring
about its dissolution. II is under the influence
,f this attachment, that | have lent my feeble
I'd in opposition to that policy. Neither force
lor coercion can preserve Union voluntarily
ormed on the basis Of perfect equality; nor do
believe il possible to preserve or perpeiuate
his confederation by any attempts to extend
he powers of the general government beyond
he limits prescribed by the Constitution, strictly
construed. agreeably to its letter and spirit The
irst attempt TO coerce any one Of its mem bers
will be the handwriting on the wall predicting