The Van Buren press., 1860-08-03

NOW NC opl.; II tra a.s .aan o!'common >cn-5
~ say whether there is difference enough
between the two platforms here laid down
to justify disruption Of the democratic
party? The closing resolution of the reg
ular convention covers directly the same
ground as the first and second sections OF
the resolutions of the seeding Convention
the only sections which were claimed to
be Objectionable by the Convention at
Charleston. That resolution declares ''the
true Interpretation of the Cincinnati plat
form to be IN accordance with the decis-
ion OF the Supreme Court as the same has
been finally determined, or, rather, that it
is in accordance with the Cincinnati plat
form that every good citizen should respect
the decisions of the Supreme Court, and
that those decisions should be enforced by
| every branch of the government. We do
not understand the expression "or shall
hereafter be finally determined" for who
can tell what the decisions which arc to
come will accord with ? If the democracy
OF the country pursue the road they are
now travelling, we shall soon find a bench
Of abolition Judges to interpret the laws.
! But when we look at what has been deter
mined we find the same to be nothing more
nor less than this
! In the 10Th vol of Howards Reports, page 1876
! it is stated that the supreme Court Of the United
States decided in the Drcd Scott as follows
Ist. "The territory thus acquired is acquired
ty the people of the United States for their com
mon and equal benefit, through their agent and
trustee the Federal Government. Congress can
exercise no power over the rights Of persons cI
property Of a citizen in the Territory which is
prohibited by the Constitution. The Government
and the citzn. Whenever the territory is open for
settlement both enter with their respective ri ghts
defined and limited by the Constitution.
ID Congress have no ri ght TO prohibit citizens
Of any particular State or States from taking vi
their home there while it permits citizens Of otheI
eyes to one class Of citizens which it refuses to
other The Territory is acquired for their equal
and common benefit. and if open to any 1t must be
open to all upon equal and the same terms.
81 Ercry citizen has right 10 tase arat him iatd
Territory any article Of property rhich lie Constau
ton ofthe Uait.d Stotss reoogn'=es as Pr'perfy.
! 4;h Tie Constitution Of tie Jnifed Staites rccog
mixes si1res cs procer'y, and pledges tie F,ds,h
Etorernnent TO protect IL. And Congress cannot *
ercis. any moe au:hosity over property Of thai
description than it may constiuionaily exercise
over properly Of any other kind.
5th The act of Congress, therefore, prohibiting
n citizen Of the United States taking with him hi
slaves when he removes TO TIE territory in question
to reside is aa exercise Of ant,orty orer prrafe pro
mn, ,rseA IS no. toarrante9 by the Constitution and
the removal of the plnntif by his ner 10 tha
! Territorv gave him no title 10 freedom
Ga. "W i, romans territory Congress may leg
ea,e oyo1 il within the scope OF its ttutlons
rp,rers IL relation t. citizens e the United States
and essablish a Territorial government. ard the form
oi this local .c7.rnr.ant must be regulated by tn
discretion Of Cor but ith pew n'i exceed
IN these ~hirh 'ongrc-s ,ts,it bv the 'cns u q