, 1860-12-04
A Thoroughly Sane Man.


Hon ALBERT RrsT, d member s.! the prcs-
cnt House of Representatives. from the State OF
arkansas, has written letter to certain meno-
bers Of the Legislature of that State, upon the
great political question which now absorbs the
public mind, in spirit Of equal eandor and
patriotlsm-: II Is very evident TO Afr, Rust that
the secession movement has no relation what
ever to the Republican triumph at the recent
Presidential election, nor to any Of the other
causes assigned by Southern agitatoss, except
so fir as they are used for . pretext for carry
ing into execution 4 purpose bascd upon en-
tirely different considerations. We commend
Tho suhjolned paragraphs from his letter to tho
consideration Of those nt the North who In
dorsc tie charge Of Northern aggression
against the Constitutional rights Of the South.
Nj. Rnst says:
From the adoption OF tho Federal Con.titu-
tton to the pfesehs moment the Southern pco-
Pile have never had less canse to comI'!ain Of
our Government and threaten its overthrow
/ than they now lave. II the most experienced
| and enIiS Shtened statesmen Of other countries
| could witness the universal prosperity enjoyed
| By the people Of our own, and at the s:s1nc
| time the fear, If not tlr conviction, which is
| almost a. universal, that the Government IL
which VIC owe 20 much Of it, Is On the brink CT
disruption, they would be driven to the ceE~
clusion tllat general luuacy had seized upon
! the minds Of the American people.
/ Ireeoguize the election uf 3fr. Lincoln, ky
less, perhaps, than oue-third of thu votes Of
the United States, aided By the inirisues Of the
Southern disunionists, Is NJ justification fora
thought Of revolution: Elected under the
resist OF defeat by force lis Inauguration would
commit the highest crime known to our laws.
No one who has real the debates upon the
Constitution aud the contemporary political
history Of our country will maintain, pre-
sumo, the constitutional right OF State to Sc
ccdc frum the Cniou. Suvha prctcnsion Is. in
t my opinion, an insult to the memories Of the
wise and patriotic sages WHO framed the Con-
etitution. Our first remedy. under 4 Fetlera1
aggression, - in the case Of the MissouriCo
promise, which WAS pronounced by the Su-
| preme Court Of the United States As nuliity,
s an appeal to this same Court. This fai!in.;:
Us, our only resort Is revolution tn do this,
whenever an aggression Is attempted by 1h,
Federal Government, am ready to commit
mytclf.
Whatever moral influence may be able to
exert will be in favor Of the Inauguration Il!
the elected President and the enforcement al
tho constitutional laws ct ths United States
alter his election.
In conclusion, 1 will say that all am, an
have, and hope for, are identified with ms
adopted State, and am Eendy to involve then
| in her dettinies.
believe that If the opinions aud wishes @
ninctenths Of the people Of Arkansas aFe r.:
f1ected By her representatives, at Little Eocl
and in Washington, her conrse in the rresen
political crisis will be temperate and conserva
tive. II should be- mistaken, and, III opposl
ton to my humble bnt honest and c;lrnes
counsels and rcmonstEances, kcr action
through her constituted authorities. carryin:
" | viii Yield to it Ia monFniul a acquicscencc.