Lynchburg Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1829-185?, 1851-09-01

regard It. Whatever differences Of opin-
ion may exist among the true friends OF the
Union on the abstract question Of the right |
Of secession. apprehend that when It as
sumes practical shape there would be
slight shades Of difference as to the policy
and effect Of our action. There are m any
who hold to the doctrine ofthe right OF
State to secede from the Union. with whom
we do not differ practically. They grant
the abstract right Of secession, but claim
for the remaining States the right to pro-
tect themselves from any injurious conse-
quences that might flow from the exercise
Of that abstract right by the seeding State
1t is only necessary to state the two prop
ositions to show that, in the end. the p-ac-
teal operation of their principles would
lead to the same results thatI would reach
by the same enforcement Of the doctrines
which have avowed. Our difference is
theoretical, and therefore constitutes no
impediment in the way of our cordial CO.
operation.
We all hold that just and wise laws
should be enforced and executed. whilst
we are prepared to oppose acts ofinjustice
and oppression by all the means in our
power, and to the rupture Of every tic
that binds US to any government. No gov
crnment. however wisely and honestly adj
ministcred, can be maintained in the alb
scnce of binding obligations on its cirizens
to obey its laws and power to enforce
their execution on recusant parties. Hence
cannot consent to the doctrines that our
government is destitute Of these powers,
essential to its vitality and existence
The claim which | have urged in behalf
of the federal government cannot be a
bandoncd without endangering the whole
frame work of our admirable system; nor
is there any serious danger to be spprc-
hended from its improper exercise. Its
true strength, based upon the existence of
these powers, is to be found in the justice
and wisdom of It's legislation; these are the
true and only safe avenues TO the hearts
and affections Of the people, wherein are
found the strong pillars OF support to free
government. ] do not entertain the idea
for moment that our government can be
maintained by the strong arm of military
power, when 1t ceases to bestow the bless
ings upon the people for which it was
formed. Whenever 1t becomes the nstru-
ment of wrong and oppression to any por-
ton Of the people by unjust laws and de-
grading legislation, it will cease to be the
Union formed by our revolutionary faith
ers. and possessing no further claims upon
our allegiance and support, should that Pc
Rod oyer unfortunately arrive wa will not
fail to prove ourselves as true to the prin-
ciples Of liberty and equal rights as our
honorcd and venerated fathers, nor will
we stop to look to the provisions OF a vlo-
lated constitution for the mode or measure
for the redress OF our grievances.
have so far considered the question in
reference to the doctrines of the constitu-
lional right of State to sccede, without
just cause, at her own will and pleasure,
and think | have shown that it IS unsup-
ported either by principle or authority
On the other hand, | admit the right Of
State to secede for Just cause, to be deter
mined by herself. Being a party to the
compact which the constitution forms, she
has the right, which all other parties to
compact possess, to determine for herself
when, where, and how the provisions of
that compact have been violated. It's e.
qually clear that the other parties to the
compact possess a corresponding right
to Judge for themselves; and, there being
no common arblter to decide between
them each must depend upon the justiica-
non OF their course upon the justice of
their cause, the correctness of their judg-
ment, and their power and ability to main
tain their decision.
The right Of State to secede in case Of
oppression or "a gross and palpablc vio-
laton OF her constitutional rights, as de-
rived from the reserved sovereignty of the
States l am prepared to recognize. In
such case each state; IN the language OF
inc kentucky and Virginia resolutions of
80 ~ Is 10 De the Judge not only oil
inc lhiractions' but "the mode and meas
"res OF redress. It's theJust right ofthe
people to change their form OF government
when' IN their OPINION, 1t has become ty-
rahh'ca'' IN mode not provided tor IN the
constitution ana Is therefore revolutionary
III lis CHARACTER anu depends Tor ITS malnte-
nance upon the stout hearts and strong
arms oil a free people:
In connexion with this branch of the
SUBJECT, question arises which, in the O.
pinlon OF some, Is of considerable impor-
lance. 1t Is, whether or not the citizens of
State thus rcsumng her sovereign pow
ers would be liable TO the charge of trea-
sonln conforming tothe requirements of
their State government. l refer to this
particularly only in consideration of the
importance attached toit by Others
From what have said, it will clearly an
pear that hold that they would not be-
In my opinion, no man commits treason
who acts in obedience to the laws and au-
thority of regularly organized govern
ment such nc ,,,o r.,co,,,;,,, g.