The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1859-11-24

and only preliminary to possible dissolution,
in the event that the North should be deaf to
all the appeals of justice, and Indifferent to the
ties of consanguinty and patriotism. 1t would
be intended to arouse the Northern mind to the
consequences of their conduct, and to warn
them that the fatal gulf of disunion was before
them. 1t would be resistance to tyranny for
the preservation of Liberty, the great object of
the Union. The North has already taught Us
that every violation of or resistance to the law
is not disunion, or, if it be so, then the Union is
dissolved already. The North resists and vio-
lates the fugitive slave law; she resists and VIC
lates the territorial rights of the South, as set
tied by the highest tribunal of the country. II,
upon the adoption Of these or similar measures,
the North should still refuse to US the power of
selEprotection, it would be conclusive evidence
that the overthrow of our institutions and the
destruction of our property was her object 1t
she should deny this much to US in the Union,
it would be full time that, by all the means in
our power, we should provide for our own secu
rity. But my belief and hope Is, that it, even
then, we should make decided issue, that the
North will yield to our demands, and give to Us
that which is of inestimable value to Us, but of
no earthly importance to her, unless for our
oppression. The North too well understands
the value of the Union to herself 10 lightly sac
the question of Union or Disunion. If she de-
sires the Union, the terms will be easy; We ask
but equality No, not equality, bat simply the
power of selEprotecton against hostile and UNI
conditional legislation. The Union will then
be in the power and keeping of the North; if
she wills it, nothing is easier than TO retain it
but If she Will choose to dissolve it, by refusal
of our just demands, and by making war upon
US and our institutions, the blame and the ruin
will be at her own door.
81 deeply deplore the necessity which will
exist, in the event of an Abolitionst being
elected to the Presidency, for the assembling
Of Convention of the Southern States, and for
the adoption of such measures as those | have
suggested but the South has no choice be-
tween the making use of some such issue or a
dissolution of the Union. have thought it
better to give the Union another chance for life.
Secession or disunion is death, while a refusal
TO pay taxes Tor resistance to the revenue
laws is but violent disease, from which the
body polite may recover. Depletion Of the
Treasury may do good. 1t at least is worth try
ing, before any final act of disruption to the
Union. 1t will give time for new compacts or
guarantees, which ought to be made. What
possible objection can the North have TO giving
US such securities unless she intends our assail-
ment under the forms of the Constitution, by
action of the Federal Government? The result
would be equivalent to a declaration Of such
intent, and ought to be met accordingly"
After an elaboration of the argument on this
point, Gov. Melville recommends the atming
of the militia of the State, especially the voun.
teer companies.