Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1860-12-15

edies, land lie rSfeEred to none other, to
which the States were authorized to resort
on such occasions, lie concludes BY saying
that the legislatures Of the States might
have made direct representation to Con-
gress, with view to obtain resembling Of
The two offending acts, or they might have
represented to their respective Senators in
Congress their wish that two-thirds thereof
would propose any explanatory amend
rnent to the Constitution; or two-thifds OF
themselves, II such had been their option,
might, by an application to Congress, have
obtained d Convention for tic very same
object This IS the very course which |
earnestly recommend, III order to obtain an
explanatory amendment to the Constitu-
ton on thesuhject of slavery. This might
originate with CONGRESS OF the State Leg
islatures, as may be deemed most advisable
TO obtain the object. The explanatory
amendment night be confined to the final
settlement of the true construction OF the
Constitution on three special points: First,
an express recognition of the right Of
property in slaves in States where it now
exists or may hereafter exist. Secondly,
the duty Of protecting this right in all the
common territories throughout their terri
toria existence, and until they shall be adj
United as States, into the Uuion, with or
without slavery, as their constitutions may
prescribe. Third, like recognition Of
the right of the master to his slave, who
has escaped from one State to another, to
be restored and delivered up TO him; and
the validity Of the Fugitive Slave Law, en-
acted for this purpose, together with
declaration thai all State laws impairing or
decreasing this right, are violations Of the
Constitution, and consequently null and
void.
1t may be objected that this construction
Of the Constitution has already been set
tied by the Supreme Court Of the United
States, and what more ought to be r.
quiredl The answer is that a very large
proportion Of the people Of the United
States still controyert the correctness Of
this d cision, and neyerwill cease from ag-
itation, and admit its binding force, until
clearly established by the people of the
several States in their sovereign character.
Such an explanation would, it is believed,
forever terminate the exciting discussions,
and restore peace and harmony among the
States. 1t ought not to be doubted that
such an appeal to the aybitraments estab-
lished by the Constitution itself, would he
received with favor by all the States Of the
CcnfcGeracy. In any event, it ought to be
tried in spirit Of consideration before any
of the States shall separate then4selyes from
the Union.
When | entered upon the duties or the
Presidential Office, the aspect ither offor-
eign nor domestic affairs was at all salts
factory. We were involved in dangerous
complications with several nations, and two
of our Territories were in state of revolu-
ton against our Government; restoration
Of tho African slave trade had numerous
and powerful advocates; unlawful preditary
expeditions were countenanced by many Of
our citizens, and were suffered, in defaAce
of the efforts Of our Government, to escape
from our shores for the purpose Of making
war upon the unoffending people Of neigh
boring Republics, with whom we were at
peace.
IL ..S1Ast.sv.s ~ 4hAsa Sssl--.l.-- !. is-i
ties, We experienced q revulslon OF mane-
tary affairs, soon after my advent, proving
of unexampled severity aud Of ruinous con-
sequences to the country. When we take
retrospect Of what was then our condition
and contrast this with its material prcsperi-
ty at tho time Of the late Presidential cleo
our grateful thanks to that nerciful Prosi-
dence, which has never forsaken lis, as q
nation, in all our trials.
OUR FOREIGN RELATIoNs-GREAT BRITAIN.
Our relations with Great Britain are of
the most friendly character Since the
commencement OF my Administration, the
two dangerous questions arising from the
Clayton and Bulwer treaty. and from the
right Of search claimed by the British Gov
eminent, have been amiably and honorably
adjusted The discoldant constructions Of
the Clayton and Bulwer treaty between the
two Governments, which at different peri
DDS OF the discussion, bore a threatening
aspect, have resulted in final settlement
entirely satisfactory to this Government.
= = The recent visit Of the Prince
Of Wales in appropriate character, 70 the
people Of this country, has proved to Be Il
most suspicious event in its consequences.
1t cannot fail to increase the kindred and
kindly feelings Of both countries in their po-
litical and social intercourse with each
other.
FRANCE.
With France, our ancient and powerful
ally, our relations continue to be of the
most friendly character. A decision has
recently been made by French judicial
tribunal, with the appreciation Of the I'M
perial Government, which cannot flil ta
foster the sentiments of mutual regard that
have SO long existed between the fs7o coun-
tries. Under the French law no person
can serve in the armies of France unless Ia
be French citizea. The law Of France
recognizing the naturalrig ht Of expatriation,
it follows as a natural consequence that d
Frenchman, by the fact Of having become
a citizen Of the United States, has changed
his allegiance and has lost his native char
acter. He eannot, therefore. Be compelled
81 ear,., - II, AZ .,t,,.;..e en., Ia