Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1860-12-14

ineideutiy adFerting 70 the sahleei, be
said Any government for the United
States, formed 90 the supposed praesibil-
ity Of using iorcs against the uneOnssiiu-
tional proceedings Of the States, would
az visionary ana faliaeious as the govern
mcns of Congress evidently meaning
The shen existing Congress Of the old
confederation.
Without descending 70 particulars, It
may be safely asserted, thar the power
10 make war against State is at ysFi-
aucs with the whole spirit Of ,he consti-
sutton. suppose such war should re-
suit ia the conquest Of State, how
are We to govern 1t ailervaFaf ? Shall
we held II as province. and govern il
BY despesic power9 Ia the nature Of
things wo could not by physical force,
control the will ol the people, and con-
pei them to elect Senators and Repre-
senialives to Congress, and to perform
lall the ether duties depending upon their
own yolition, and required from the free
lcitizens Of a free State as a constituent
member Of the eon6ederaey.
Bot # We possessed this power, would
il be wise 10 exercise Il under existing
circumstances? The object would, doubt
less be 10 preserve the Union. War
would not only present the most effectual
means OF destroying il, but would ban
ish all hope Of It's peaeable reconstruction.
Besides, ia the frssernal conflict a vast
amount Of blood and treasure would be
expended, rendering future reconciliation
between the States impossible. In the
meantime, who can foretell what would
be the suiTeringi and privalions of the
lpeople during It's existence?
The fac, is that our Union rests upon
public opinion, aud never can be cemen-
ted by the blood Of It's citizens shed in
civil war. If cannot live in the affec-
tions Of the people it must one day per-
Iish. Congress possesses many means Of
preserving It BY Cancellation but the
sword was not placed in their hands to
Ipreserve L BY force.
/ But may be permitted soIemnIy to
invoke my counlrymen TO pause and de-
liberata before they determine to destroy
this the grandest temple which has ever
been dedicated TO human freedom since
the world begun. 1t has been conseera-
ted by the blood og our fathers, by the
glories OF the past and By the hopes Of
the future. The Union has already made
Us The most prosperous, and, ere long
viii, il preserved, render Us the most
powerful nation on the face OF the earth.
In every foreign region Of the globe the
title Of American citizen is held in the
highest respect, and when pronounced in
a foreign land il causes the hearts of our
countrymes to swell with honest pride
Surely, when we reach the brink of the
yawning abyss, we shall reeoil with hor-
ror from the last fatal plunge. BY such
"a dread catastrophe the hopes Of the
friends Of freedom throughout the world
would be destroyed, and long night Of
lsadea dsspotism would ensbroud the ma
tons. Our example for more than eighty
years would not only be lost, bat il would
Ibe quoted e a conclusive proof that man
is unfit for self-government.
II Is not every wroag--nay, il is not
every grievous wrong-which can justi-
Ify a resort 10 such fearful alternative.
This ought to be the last desperate rem
edy Of 8 dssparing people, after every
lolher constitutional means ct Cancellation
had been exhausted. We should re-
feet that under this free government
there is an incessans ebb and flow in pub
, lie opinion. The slavery question, like
everything human, will have is day. !
Eflrmly believe that il has already reached
A., and passed the eliminating point. But
Iif, ia the midst Of the existing excite
neni, the Uaioa shall perish, the evil
may then become irreparable. Congress
can contribute much 10 avert Il By pro-
posing and recommending to the Legisla-
, ltares Of ths several States the remedy
' for existing evils, which the constitution
!. has itself provided for its own preserva-
I,lou. This bas been tried at different
( critical periods Of our history, and always
Z, wieh eminent success. IL IS 70 be found
( 10 the ffth article providing for hs own
r amendment.
!. Undsr this arsiels amendments hsse
II been proposed By tao thirds Of both
+ houses Of Congress, and hsve been ''raii-
- assl bY The Legislatures of three foorshs
70 a de several States" end have eonse-
If qaensly becoale parts Of the constitution
4. To ibis process sha country Is iadsbsed
e lor shs ela.lss prohibiting Congress from
IL A a..