The Woodville Republican, and Wilkinson advertiser., 1853-06-28
THE SECRETARY OF WAR;

"A short time since we repelled, in what we
conceived to bea becoming manner, the charge
Of disunionism, preferred against Col. jefferson
Davis, Secretary Of War, BY, the. Louisville
Journal, ana reiterated by the Indiana Journal
and other kindred prints. We quoted several
extracts from his speeches in the Senate to
show his attachment to the Union, and chal-
lenged the production Of any evidence to the
contrary. Neither Of the Journals answered !;
but Mr., Colfax, Of the St. Joseph Valley Regis
ter, buckled on his armor, and came manfaIly
to the rescue To show that Col Davis was
q disunionist per 50, he quoted garbled ex-
tract from letter published in 1850, in re-
ply to letter from some members Of the legis-
lsture Of the State Of Mississippi. The letter
is to long for publication. Were il published
entire it would stamp the charge Of disunion-
ism with the indelible impress Of falsehood.
The letter is an able and patriotic production.
1t is strongly marked by the States Right
doctrines of Jefferson-doctrines which must
be maintained and carried out il this Uuion is
preserved. Every step towards consolidation
is step towards dissolution. The very letter
to which the Register refers silence the charge
of disunionism.
No party in Mississippi was ever in favor
OF disunion, per Sc, and among the State-rights
men Of that State there was a vide difference
ofopinion. Col. Davis, A. G. Brown, J. Thomp
son, and Others, did not go as far az Governor
Qaitman. The parties in Mississippi were d.
vided as the mode of securing their rights in
the Union and the power Of State to secede.
The Union party denied the power. The State
Rights party maintained the right Of secession
but was opposed to its exercise. Col. Davis
belonged TO the latter school. He contended
that when the government became subversiye
of the ends for which il was founded, the peo-
pie had the inalienable right to alter or amend
that form Of government, so as 10 protect theil
rights and secure them in the enjoyments o
tiieis property and personal liberty. He con.
teneed tor strict construction Of the constitu.
ton, opposed the exercise Of doubtful power.
by the genesza goyersmcnt and Dsaintained
the Independence and sovereignty Of til,
States.
This was the creed promulgated by Jeffer
son, the apostle Of liberty. Madison was il.
able expounder, and jackson itsconsistent and
zealous defender. We know Jefferson Davi.
well and though we may not concur in 81
his views. We do know tha; this Union, . i
:, as twas formed BY the wise and pairioti,
lasbers Of the Repablic, has not n this broas
land more zealeas advocate. His support o
she Union has been the empty defamation o
the Fourth Of July orator. He has eiveI
other and better evidence. The shattered liml
snd hmping gate--the pain and sufeuinC
rom an honorable weund--cueht TO maptl,
The cheek ef his slsnderen with shame. H
father and lis unele foagks through the revols
ton, giving their Treasure, Their youth, ans
their blood to the sacred cause Il constitution
al freedom. Three Of his brothers fought :,
maintain our independence in the war Of iesa
Two OF them were the comrades "a jackson
and received his eommendationa far sheir gal
lantry at New Orleans. Al the ace of siixisel
he enter the service Of his country. Fss six
teen years he wore its uniform, and bora il
arms. The flag ofhis country greeted his ere
with the rising sun, aud fioatsd before his rs
ion through the day, until the shades Of nivh