The Buchanan County guardian. (Independence, Buchanan County, Iowa) 1858-1864, 1859-06-16

ueiHocTacy eAnlDltS rank leuefal teNuen-
cies, and a democratic administration goes
to the very extreme Of extravaganza.
We should like TO know what there is
about modern democracy that is g time
honored," other than its name. Second
ly, they
Resoloed, That we accept in good fifth the con
stitution of the United States, aud the decisions
of the Supreme Court, and so long as we enjoy
its protection in our rights, we will cheerfully
JON to extend the same protection to the rights
OF all states and sections, without regard to diff
ference in interests and opinions.
There have been times when the dem
ocracy were not so willing to guage their
political action, and their Interpretation
Of the constitution, by decisions of the
Supreme Court. General Jackson in
sisted upon his right to interpret that
instrument for himself, and treated the
decision of that same Supreme Court, in
respect to the United States Bank, with
contempt; and the democracy sustained
him. Thomas JEFFERSON, who also had
some claim to the name Of democrat, did
not believe in the infallibility and abso
lutte supremacy of the Supreme Court,
and had occasion risen, would doubtless
have acted as did cold Hickory" 1t
is therefore evident that total abrega-
ton to that tribunal was not always dem.
ocratic doctrine, however it may be now.
Here is another exhibition of democratic
adherence to +" mehonored principles.
Thirdly, they
Resolred That it is the duty of all good citi-
zens to obey the laws of the country and that
those who nullify them, whether for the suppress
sion of the slave trade or the rendition of fugi-
tives, are disoyal to the government, criminals
in the sight of God and man, and deserve to be
punished accordingly.
Well, certainly, the " Buchanan Coun-
ty Democracy are most liberal in the
way Of punishment. He who violates
the provisions of the Fugitive Slave Law
helps the painting fugitive on the way
to freedom-should be punished by God
and man-suffer Imprisonment in this
life, and torture in the world to come |!
Are not our democratic friends little
mite vindictive Wouldn't punishment
in this life be quite sufficient for such a
terrible crime as helping a brother to es-
cape from slavery Our friend HEDGES
was chairman of the committee that re-
ported these resolutions, and we are, of
course, at liberty to suppose that he
drafted them. Our friend, in an article
in late paper, says: 1--WE believe that
every man is bound first and at all events
to obey moral laws, constantly, consist
emily, and conscientious y, taking the re-
sponsibility of keeping his conscience
enlightened, his judgment clear and un-
ruffied by passion or prejudice Again
he says. We know that we should be
more inclined to help the niger run
away than help his master catch him."
Now we want to ask our friend why he
would prefer to help the slave rather than
his master. Is it not because his purest
sense Of right, of justice, and of mercy,
prompts him SO to do? Is it not be-
cause be realizes that any other course
would violate that greatest of all moral
laws, do unto others as you would that
they should do unto you?" Certainly
this is the reason. Why, then. if he
would have men first obey moral laws,
and the fugitive slave law demands a
violation Of the greatest Of all moral laws
we ask him why then, should relu-
sal to help enforce that enactment sub
ject the transgressor to punishment here
and hereafter I? Ii he believes that NOR
al laws should be obeyed invariably, how
can he consistently anathematize those
who resist the reduction of a fellow be
ing to hopeless, degrading, brutifying
bondage ? 1t seems to us that the editor
is not consistent with the politician. He
must either repudiate the sentiment of
his editorial or that OF his resolution.
Again, if laws should always demand
our obedience. and law makers our re-
spect, as the a." Buchanan County Dem
ocracy" insists, we should like to know
how this score of gentlemen can consist
emily sympathize with, and applaud, rev.
olutionary struggles against king craft,
priest-craft, or tyranny of any kind. How
is it that they venerate the memories Of
our revolutionary sires, if resistance to
law is such crime How is it that
they point, at times, with so much OF
pride, to what they are wont to term thai
GLORIOUS Declaration of Independence, y
when that declaration teaches that il is
the right and the duty of the people to
alter and abolish their government when
il fails to confirm the natural right of all
men to life, liberty. and the pursuit OF
1