Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1858-01-26
SOVEREIGNTY.

.an,ativss of the American people in the Congress
of the United States, than that taught by the foun
ders and sustainers Of the great Democratic doc
trine Familiarity defined in the term St0teRtghts. And
as our country extends in territory and advances IN
population, an accurate apprehension OF the relaVe
rights of the Federal Government and the several
sovereigntes constituting the conederacy, becomes
more and more important. As representation ID
Congress increases numerically or physically con-
sidered the power of the Federal Government 10 aso
augmented. And in the same ratio, the sovereignty
of the States is protected as long as the
representatives adhere closely to the Con'tits-
ton. It is thus, and thus only that the coun'
terpoise can be preserved. The sphere Of con
gressional legislation is distinctly marked out by the
Constitution of the United States. And unless the
Federal representatives conne themselves closely to
the limits therein prescribed, State sovereignty must
inevitably be transgressed. And when this is done
no matter in how seemingly an unimportant partlcu
lar; as arrangement or obstruction Of the smallest
and simplest part OF piece of machinery, may not
only hinder it in the performance OF its functions
but destroy the machine ITSELF go, the PreroeatVA'
of the Satss ara usnrpod invaded by the Federal
government, the whole political system Of our coun.
try is in danger of perversion aud destruction. As
our territory expands interests arise; and as the
members of Congress multiply. advocates OF those
interests are of course, more readily found; and the
Constitution is In greater danger OF violation.
most opposite illustration is furnished in the Pacific
rail- road question, which, We presume will soon come
ND in Congress for general discussion. The interests
of California would, doubtless, be very much ad-
vanoed by the construction of such work. And it
may be- that considered without regard to the e1er
oise of Federal authority rail road to the Pacific
would bs advantageous to the whole country
But there is principle involved, the preservation
of which is far more important than any facilities for
trade and travel it might afford. 1t is not however
our purpose to discuss the Pacific rail road question
now We refer to it in this connection only OPP
perfume example, illustrative Of those conflicts be-
tween s1pedenoy and principle, which are to be
jsaousy guarded against and which are more apt to
arise as the area of our own country is enlarged.
The slsvery question is not the only one on which
State sovereignty 10 asssiled. But, more than any
other, il embraces the common interests of great
number of States and hence the unity of the South in
defending itself from the threatened entertainments of
the Federal Government the institution of slavery.
It where immediate interests initiate against cous
tutona principles that the danger of detection is to be
mostly apprehended If the construction of Pacific
Bail Road, by the General Government, was calcula
ted to enrich the North and impoverish the South,
there would be Simultaneous outcry against it from
Maryland to Texas. But it is not 80. And we will
perhaps find Southern men supporting it, who are
perfectly reliable in their championship of the Con-
stitution against the inroads of Aboltionism the
sovereignty Of the States. II the Federal Govern
ment is allowed to disregard the ghts of the States
In one instance it is but paving the way for its usur
patton in another. And unless the lines of de-
rnsrkation, go distinctly drawn between State sove
reignty and the sphere of Federal authority, are
rigidy respected, there can be no equality
or safety for the South, in the Union. Let
M adhere to the true eanons of the Demo
cratic faith, and all will work WELL Let as observe
and enforce the Constitution, and we may safely
extend our area almost mitabe extent. But let
~ hurry on 10 progressive career regardless OF all
else than the e1pedency Of the hour, aud We will
soon find that in devatiug from the course indicated
on tho chart that should guide US, we have stranded
the ship, and lost the crew and cargo. Democrats
should be warned by the fate of their opponents who
have always inundated themselves in their sacrifices
Of expedency to principle.
State sovereignty cannot be invaded without wan
ton disregard Of thnsa guarantees that promise pro-
lection to the South.