The Hillsborough recorder. [volume] (Hillsborough, N.C.) 1820-1879, 1860-12-19
THE RIGHT, THE PRACTICARILITY
AND THE POLICY OF SECESSION.

THE RIGHT, THE PRACTIgARILITY
AND THE POLICY OF SECESSION.
The heresy now so rife that the right to secede
was reserved by the States, in entering into
the federal compact, and the delusion that
secession may be accomplished peacefully,
have furnished theme for our eontempora-
~ of the New Orleans Pieayune, which il is
discussing ably, clearly and philosophically.
The Plcayune takes no part in merely par
tiZan contests, and is, therefore, free to con.
slider this subject from an appropriated point
Of view. 1t appeals 10 the annals Of history
TO attest that no instance has ever occurred
Of change in the allegiance Of any State OF
people. or any section Of a nation, without a
resort to arms. Society, il says. under what
ever form it be organized, so fears the effect
Of sudden political change, aud rulers, what
ever be the tenure of their power, SO love
The possession of authority, that even differ
ent races. uncaIgenial in character, religion,
habits Of thought and means ofhsppiness once
even unwillingly bound together in common
fealty TO one executive head, cannot break the
mosaic government thus constituted into its
original elements, giving them liberty for re.
arrangement On the principal OF natural and
national affinity, except By q terrible con-
yulsioa that spreads RUN aud desolation in
It's path. Tie Government Of the United
States. though unlike any other ia its ma,
chinery, has provided no means of escaping
this issue Of blood, when any Of lis constitu-
ent parts desire TO assume independence.
Indeed, of all forms Of union ever devised,
that existing between the States of this Re-
public is the ERNEST. the least dissouble.
Complex as it is, il ia not artificial. Lightly
a. it seems to constrain the action of the
States, it is interToyen through the whole
social fabric, as it is the oatgrowth of our
national life. The constitution is not mere.
" skillfUlly wrought system Of checks and
balances, resulting from the toilsOme study
Of statesmen and scholars, but also the natu.
raj expression Of the wants, the desires, and
the sympathies Of the people. leltin million;
Of human hearts before committed 10 immOr.
tal language, II is the solemn bond, beyond
allreyocaton, by which our foreiathers pledg
ed themselves and their property TO each 9th
er for ever, those Of each Independent, bat
feeble, commonwealth surreadering a part
Of is sovereignty for the closer union of all
to secure a national power aud prosperity.
No provision exists for its dissolution, ex-
eepi 81 the dissolution Of the government
itself.
Because the Union was created BY the
voluntary consent Of each Of the original
States, il does not follow that such consent
can be Withdrawn at will BY any single mem.
Der TO the compact, aud its obligations
and dates, its burdens aud demands be
avoided. A government resting on such
a basis wonid be as unstable as the ever
shifting sand. The sport Of every pDpa.
lar excitement, the victim Of every CONFLICT.
ing interest, VI plotting ambition, Of momen.
tary impalse, il would afford no guarantee 81
perpeigity. while lie hours bring round tie
circuit 81 a single year. To suppose that a
single State could Withdraw il vail, is TO
brand the statesmen Of the Revolution. con
yineed Of the weakness and certain destruc-
ton Of tie old confederation of the States, d
labOring TO perpetaate the evil they attempt.
ed 10 remedy. Their work, which has been
the marvel of the world, would be no govern.
ment AZ all the Oaths taken 70 support and
maintain il would BE bitter mockery az seri.
Gus obligations. and nothing would exist to
invite the confidence oi citizens or strang.
ers 10 IL protection.
Less strong would II be than business part.
nership u limited time. From this, neither
party who has entered into il can escape ex-
cept By due course of law. Withdrawal
II use member carries 10 rights VI posses
sion 81 property, 81 eOatrd Of tie Affairs 81
the partnership, unless the ihiHnclions Of
legal tribunals are Invoked 70 restrain all
action until tie matter 10 dispute Is settled.
A State seeding knows no law 20 maintain
its interest nor iiGdicaie its rights. The
right 10 seeede, on the other hand, places
The Government more al the mercy Of p1pg.
lar wbim thar the business interest 81 the
least mercantile establishment ia the cDGn.
r.! Il placed. by lie law Of the land.
Yet now tie cry ofsecession, - duty Of
lie south, tesoghds o. every hand, Grown
bold ~ the general doubt d tie success OF
conservatism ID de presen. contest. tbous.
ands IN every Gull State are not only ready
70 disrupt the Government, but each, fearful
VI tie pspalsr lteiihg 10 his osn STATE, call,
upon The citizens 81 otter states IL take the
lead. South Carolina IL urged not 10 wait
for consultation even with her sister states.
bat y presiplais eteai, ~ her isolated &C.
lion.
She il invited q dictate u her sister
States 70 fufte Ter opinions upon them,
though they are dIsappipted of and are dis. .
tastefsi. Jhs whole movement VI secession
has been one Of dietatigu and prescription.
The determination j openly ayosed d loree
unity VI seatimen, u Il cannot othrrWiis We
sseompiisksi.
Dsspetism seyef adopted more obnpsiogs
ceHrse, or ayssed i system III action more
dangerous 70 Che iibgrty Of the indiyidu.
Il. Fortunately. ~ these States. and al this
time. coercion and an attempt 70 oysrawe
viii have little effect. 70 preeipi.ate events.
y % make deadly breach Oh Southern soil.
10 attempt 70 control tie expression Of opin.
inn siI piace ths absiiofs 81 eli such al
tsmpis aadsf spseHl sItnsss