The star of the north. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1849-1866, 1856-01-10

purposes vi goherai WeiIare aDu common
defence were afterwards defined bs specific
enumeration, as being matters only of core
lation between the States themse kes, or be-
tween them and foreign governments, which,
because Of their comnon and general ma.
ture, could not be left TO tie separate control
of each State.
or the circumstances OF local condition,
interest, and rights, in which portion Of
tie States, constituting one gresl section of
the Union differed from the ret, and from
another section, the most important was the
peculiarly of larger relative colored popu.
lation in the southern than in the northern
States.
A population of this class, held in subiec-
ton, existed in nearly all the States, but was
more numerous aud Of more serious concern.
ment in the South than in the North, on ac-
count of natural differences of climate and
production; and il was forssen that, for the
same reasons, while this population would
diminish, and, sooner or later, cease 10 exist,
in some States, it might increase in others.
The peculiar character and magnitude Of this
question of local rights, not in material. .rela.
tions only, but still more in social ones, caus.
ed it TO enter into the special slipulations of
the constitution.
Hence, while the general government, as
well by the enumerated powers granted 10
ii, as by those not enumerated, and therefore
| refused 10 il, was forbidden to touch this
matter in the sense of attack o. offence, it
was placed under The general safeguard of
the Union, in the sense of defence against
either invasion or domestic violence, like al |
other local interests of the several Sla,es.-
Each State expressly stipulated, as well for it.
self, and for each and all of it's citizens, and
every citizen of each Stale became solemnly
bouud by his allegiance to the constitution,
that any person, held TO service OF labor in
one State, escaping into another; should not,
in consequence Of any law or segulauon
therof, be discharged from such service or
labor, but should be delivered up on claim
of the party to wsom such service or labor
nigh. be due by the laws of his State.
Thus, and thus only, BY the reciprocal
guaranty of all the rights of every State
against interference on the part Of another,
was The present form of government estab.
lished by our fathers and transmitted TO us;
and by no other means is it possible for it to
exist. II one State ceases TO respect the
rights of another, and oblrusively inter-
NEEDLES with its local interesls,-if por.
lion of The States assume 10 impose their in
s,itutions on the others, or refuse 10 fulfil
their obligations 10 th em,-we are no longer
united friendly S,aies, but distracted, hostile
ones, with little capacity left of common ad-
vantage, but abundant means of reciprocal
injury and mischief.
Practically, it is immaterial whether ag-
gressive Interference between the States, or
deliberate refusal OH the part OF any one of
them to comply with constitutional obliga.
tions, arise from erroneous conviction or
blind prejudice: whet her it be perpetrated
by direction or indirection. In either case,
it is full Of threat and of danger 10 the dura-
bilty Of the Union.
CONSTITUTIONAL RELATIONS WITH SLAVERY.
Placed in the Office of Chief Magistrate as
the executive agent of The whole country,
bound 10 take care that the laws be faithfully
executed, and specially enjoined by the con-
siilutiou to give inform alton TO Congress on
the stale Of the Union, it would be palpable
neglect of duty on my part to pass over
subject like this, which, beyond all things a.
the present time, vitality concerns individ.
ual and public security.
1t has been matter of painful regret to see
States, conspicuous for their services in foun-
ding this Republic, and equally sharing lis
advantages, disregard their constitutional
obligations to it. Although sonscious of their
inabili,y 10 heal admitted and palpable social
evils of their own, and which are completely
within their jurisdiction, they engage in the
offensive and hopeless undertaking of re-
forming the domestic institutions of other
States wholly beyond their control and au-
thorily. In the vain pursui, OF ends, by them
entirely unaitainabe and which they may
not legally attempt TO compass, they peril the
existence Of the constitution, and al! the
countless benefits which il las conferred
While the people Of the southern States con.
fine their attention 10 their own affairs, moi
presuming officious.y TO intermeddle with
the social institutions Of the northern States,
Too many of the inhabitants Of the latter are
permanently organized in associations to in.
fict injury on The former, BY wrongful acts
which would be cause Of war as between
foreign powers, and only fail to be such in
our system; because aerpetrated under covel
OF the Union. 81, ,a,ot "a. as,.ff
Ii is impossible TO present this subject a,
truth and the occasion require, without noti.
cling the reiterated, but groundless allegation
that the South has penislenily asserted claims
and obtained advantages in the practical ad
minisiralion Of the general government, tt
the prejudice Of The North, and in which the
latter has acquiesced., Thai is, the Staies
which either promote or tolerate attacks or
4 The ryobte af parsons and of uronertv in 9th.