The Constitutional. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1860-1861, 1860-12-15

and Southern systems of labor must end with the
downfall of slavery.
The election of Mr.. Lincoln by the Northern
people the representative of these opinions, and
the executor of such intentions as are forcshad-
owed without ambiguity by the public men, and
political bodies having affinity with him, shows
that the Northern mind is poisoned against us,
and that it 10 longer respects our rights\or their
obligations. The large majorites given in most of
these States for the Electors favorable to Mr. Lin
coln, lis an evidence of the universally of this
feeling of hostility to our institutions, and of the
depth to which this delusion of the popular mind
has penetrated. The wise counsels of the Fathers
are forgotten or unheeded-the fraternal remon-
strances of the South, whether made by individu-
al citizens OF sovereign States, are disregarded--
the warning of one of their own statesmen, him.
self an ex-President that the South neither would
nor ought to submit TO the election of any one
avowing their tratOrous policy, has been treated
as idle gasconade, and mad and senseless fanat-
icism has taken possession of the Northern mind,
as if they designed either to drive us to de.per-
ate remedy or, deceived by our forbearance relied
on our devotion to the Union to force us into a
torpid acquiescence, if not all unmanly submits
sion.
The time was when men shrank from calcula-
tons of the value of the Union. That has long
since passed, and now they who, during a long
le have ever cherished and guilty ted veneration
to the Government with an almost religious fervor,
| tba
The Constitution is the only bond of Union. But
if it is to be respected and obeyed by the North
ern people only when it chimes with their theo-
retcal opinions, or conservcs their interests-if
practically assigned tire position of fnferi-
ors when the letter and spirit of the bond is that
we are equals-if we are to be oppressed and de-
spoiled of our property, and to be tyranized over
by hostile Government, and expected 10 submit
because the outrage is perpetrated under the
| forms of law t.ien IT is better we should refine
| from an association which has ceased to benefit
US through peyversion from its original DE-
| sign.
In order, therefore, that the future position and
proper policy Of the State of Louisiana may re-
ceive the thoughtful and calm consideration
which it deserves, and that her citizens may have
an opportunity of giving from and expression to
their views in this regard, recommend to your
Honorable Bodies, to provide for the election of
members of Convention, as soon as may BE-
proper with due regard TO time, to whom shall be
committed the duty and responsibility Of deter
mining that position, and shaping that policy so
far as affects the relations of Louisiana TO the
Federal Government. That Convention will meet,
consult. and decide without regard to my opinions
as contained in this Message, but | DO not think
it proper, under existing emergencies, that /, the
| Chief Executive Officer Of the State, should omit
the expression of my convictions as to the course
which our State ought to pursue.
have earnestly desired that Conference or
Convention Of the slaveholding States should he
held, in order that they might counsel together,
and act unitediy in this grave crisis. still dc,ire
that such Conference shall be had, if practicable,
| in point Of time. Louisiana ought not TO refuse to
meet her sitter slaychoiGing States in council,
aud thcrc unit,d|y determine upon firm demand
to be made Of the Northern States for tie repeal OF
| their obnoxious legislation, and the guarantee and
security Of those Ijsh,S, Which have 50 long been
persisrnty refused. Still, altbouglfsuch course
las seemed to my mind desirable, and had hop
ed that a practical and peaceable plan might ere
this nave been suggested 80 accomplish this OBJ
| cct, do not think the action of Louisiana should
Dc unreasonably postponed under the mere hope
| or expectaion that such Body would be at some
dist ut time convened. 1t should meet at once,
and determine at once, before Tue day arrives for
the Inauguration OF Black Republican Presi-
dent
DO not think it COMFORTS with the honor and
self-resprct of Louisiana, a Slavehoiding State,
| TO live under the Government of Black Repub-
lean President, will not dispute the fact that
| Mr. Lincoln is elected according 10 the forms Of
the Constitution but the greatest outrsges, both
upon public and private ghts, have been perpe-
rated under the forms Of law. This question III
SEES high above ordinary political considerations
1t involves our present honor, aud our future ex-
istcnce as a free and independent people. 1t may
be said that when this Union was formed, It was
intended to be perpetual. SO it was, SO far rs
such term can be applied TO anything human
but it was also intended 10 be administered in the
same spiIit in which it was made, with a scrupu
lous regard to the equality Of the sovcreign,ic.
composing it, We certainly are not placed in In,
position of subjects Of European dcspotism
whose Only door of escape from tyranny is III,
right of revolution. maintain the right of eacl
State to sccede from the Union and therefor,
whatever course Louisiana may pursue now
if any attempt should be made by the Fedora
Government 10 coerce sovereign STATE, ano
compel her to submission to an authority which
she has ceased to recognize. l should unhesita
tingly recommend that Louisiana assist her Sistc
State with the same alacrity and courage that thu
Colonies assisted each other in their stTuggl,
against the despotism of the Old World.
If | am not mistaken in public opinion, tn
Convention, if assembled, will decide that Louis
lana will not submit to the Presidency of Mr.. Lin
coin. In the temper of the MOI ;hern mind it is NO
possible to foresee the coErsc of policy that Con