The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1857-07-13

power exercised Is exclusive in the United States
IL cannot be necessary to notice further the legal
points arising in the case, the numerous facts set
forth in the afidavits. The conclusions indicated
seem TO be fully sustainei by the law and the facts
There Is, however, general view OF the case that
leaves doubt to the real character OF the trans
action involved. IL cannot be contr0vefted that
there settled purpose, in at least portion OF
the community in which these occurrences took
place. to prevent either by direct or indirect MEANS
the execution of law of the United States Four
persons had been arrested under legal process, for
an alleged violation OF one of the provisions OF the
fugitive slave law. There is known to exist In the
counties to which reference has been made, de-
cded feeling of hostility to that act aud the opinion
the law has no validity and is not entitled to respect
or obedience. Those entertaining these extreme
views seem to suppose there Is not only no
wrong in any attempt to prevent its execu-
rious. With such views, it is not strange that men
should be prepared for extreme and indefensible
mea to render the law imperative IL does not
admit of doubt that practical notification was the
purpose OF those who opposed the officers OF the
United States in the execution OF their duties on the
occasion referred to. Great excitement prevailed,
and crowds followed the officers in charge OF the
prisoners. From their excited bearing, toere we're
reasons for the apprehension that an undisguised
and fOrcible attempt at rescue would be made. 1t
does not change the real character of the views and
purposes of these persons that they deemed il most
expedient to effect their object by resort to the
lcIms OF law.
Much has been said by counsel on the importance
of the questions involved in this case. The dagger
of invading the sovereignty Of the State OF Ohio has
been exhibited in most eloquent and forcible terms
and the Court has been admOnished OF che fearful
results of the exercise OF jurisdiction in this case. 1t
is readily conceded that a federal Judge or court
should tread with cautious steps upoa the line divid-
ing the Ma ional and State sovereignty.
But il should be remem bered that sovereignty per.
taDs to the government OF the United States az well
90 hat ~ thoC fotnc no
within its constitutional limits, is supreme, and its
action is paramount to any opposing action on the
part OF the States Every right thinking and ngos
hearted American citizen will feel and admit the OBJ
legation resting on him to sustain the just powers OF
the Union as we'll as of the State Ia which he re-
sides. proper fealty to both is due from and de-
mapded Of every citizen, and these obligations are
neither repugnant nor inconsistent IL Is upon the
Just recognition of each depends the existence and
peIpe,uify Of our government.
Now the practical question in this case Is whether
law of the United States can be evaded and set at
naught either by direct and violent opposition,
which is rebellion or by the specious pretences OF
law. And this question is in no degree affected by
the character Of the law sought to be nulihed. l
know well there is deep seated hostility TO the
Fugitive Slave act of 1850 throughout most OF
among the people of Ohio an almost unanimous
sentiment in opposition to slavery, and that there
are few if any, of her citizens who desire its in
PRODUCTION into the State. But these considerations
do not excuse or Justify attempts to defeat the
national laws sanctioned by the consultation OF the
United States growing out of the existence OF that
institution, in other portions OF the Union. There
may be Gerry strong and tceH founded objections TO
the lao referred to, but trht9 II IS lao
Il must be respected and obeyed as such. The
poacer called forth in its enactment Is one ,chich
belongs ercIusivep to the government of the Union
and scifh tcch the States hare no right TO interfere
1t should be remembered, too that 1t Is an emana-
ton of the will of the nation, expressed through
the representatives of the States and the people.
according to the forms of the constitution Its
peal by the same power that passed 1t, is the only
method by which it can cease to have the force OF
law.
1t is unquestionably true that every citizen has
right TO- and may enjoy and express, without stint
or hindrsnce his opinions upon any Law or measure
of public policy but i does not follow that he may
evade or resist the execution OF q law,
because he regards II as unjust or inexpe'
dent. II one man is to be tolerated in such
evasion resistance In regard to one law, Others
may do the same as to other laws. TIE result tcosd
be that sreyy man, being la,o tcith himeIf, and act
ing under rdgue notion Of a higher iatc, coud
choose for himself th0t lascs he tcosd obey. This
trould produce state Of unmfigated ann' chy, and
efectuaily undermine the foundations Of the social
fabric. II is wholly beyond the limits Of man's men
tai DO yer 10 estimate the deplorabe results Of the
prevalence of such doctrine. As an unavoidable
sequence, the oands Of that Union which has
been potent for good 10 our country, 30 instru-
mental in its rapid advance to prosperity and great
ness, would be dissolved. In this event future
would be presented which none could contemplate
without the deepest horror. trust no such calami-
ty is in store for this nation - matter Of de-
couf thank nsss that the safety Of the Union 10 not
placed in The keeping Of politicians ertremists Of
any school or section Of country In the underlying
depths Of public opinions, whatever may be the agi-
lions on if surface there Is overmasterng power
which, If the emergency shall arise, will come forth
as a strong man armed In defence Of the common
bond Of national brotherhood and national existence.
The deputy marshals are discharged.
Souri, AND wEsr-DmEcr TRADs.-The Cincin.
natl Ga-efe of the 9TH instant has the following In
re alton to the objects OF Mr.. Pres'ons mission to
Europe-The Hon. William Ballard Preston, Of yr-
ginia, Secretary OF the Navy IN the administration
OF General Taylor, was in the city yesterday He Is
on visit TO the cities OF the West, preparatory to
visiting Europe. He goes out rs Commissioner OF
the associated railroad companies, which recently
met ia convention at Bristol Tennessee. His object,
and theirs, Ia TO produce, II possible, the establish
ment OF line OF steamers from Norfolk TO Bavre,
or, perhaps, some port in England. The object
is one Of transceHdant magnitude to Virgil
MIA and her railroads, and IL not without
much interest for Should line Of steam
ers be established at Norfolk, and offer strong in
ducsrnents a. those Of New York for the shipment
OF Western produce, IL may become more adyanta-
gecus especially Ia winter, TO ship through SOUTH
ern port II is obvious that Norfolk may hereafter
Offer very advantageous alternate port Tor the SNIP
ment of produce, especially Of Inoian corn, which
will be greatly enlarged; 1t q the great staple oil
our country, and Europe needs II. Cincinnati has
already concentrated the deposite and distribution
Of pork, aud whiskey made from corn and will
cor nitrate all those articles which form the pecu
liar products Of the great Western valley. We need
a Southern port, and will in time have several-at
SavaDnab$ Pensacola Charleston and Norfolk. Each
will have its own advantages IL IL their interest TO
come here-it h ours 10 20 there. III Cincinnati
could have had direct line Of easy ommunication
with the Southern ports ten years ago, she would
have this day had three hundred thousand people.
II IL time we pressed through the Kentucky Central
road.