The weekly Mississippian. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1859-1864, 1860-02-15
The Resolutions of the Mississippi
Legislature.

Z
which were adopted by the Mississippi Legis-
laturc, and approved by her Chief Magistrate,
declaratory of the right of the citizens of the
Southern States to protection of their proper
ty IN the common Notwithstanding the
duty of the Southern Staies, to take such de-
cided action IS viii protect them from the con-
sequences Of the electonofa Black Republican
to the Presidency, by the sectional party
whose sole aim Is the destruction of Southern
institutions. upon the overthrow of the ma
tionl compact, under the forms of law-ac-
cepting he inyitstion of South Carolina for o
Convention of the menaced States-and APP
pointing Commissioner to the ancient Com
monwealth Of Virginia, for the objects therein
set forth
The resolutions were adopted with great
unanimity. They were opposed in the Senate
BY but single member, Mr.. Buck, of yicks-
burg. and in the House by not exceeding three
or four Representatives Differences of epin-
ion existed among the majority who passed
them; but these differences were merely in
reference to the proper form Of expressing
ideas and planof action, which were enter
tanned in common.
A more remarkable instance Of unaninlity
upon grave issues. involving consequences the
most momentous we will venture to affirm,
il not to Be found IN the legislative records Of
any other State or astion. And fact not to
be overlooked in this connection, is the impor-
tant one that the resolutions faithfully reflect
the popular sentiment Of the State. They are
the concentrated voicsof patriotic and chiv-
alrous people, which las come up from the
hills and the valleys of &c State, and finds ut
tsrapcs in the solemn and deliberate action Of
their Senators and Representatives, and the
of their Executive.
And to show that these resolutions are not
the language of mere idle boat, or meaningless
menace, It is well to mention that with no
ess unAnimity, the same body.which adopted
them, also passed bill re-orgshizng the mill
tn Of the State, and appropriatins $50, 900 to
the purchase Of arms, 80 as to place her in
readiness for Whatever consequences may flow
from the excuses Of the dominant sectional par
ty Of the North, and for whatever measures o.
protection may be advised by the Convention
Of aggrieved States, and ooncurred % by the
people when summoned to act in their soYe
reign capacity.
Conscious Of the purity Of motive, as we are
Of the wisdom, from which these resolutions
have sprung, and sincerely DESTROYS that the
South may be united in the bonds Of brother
hood, for the maintenance of common canse,
TO meet the dangers by which she is threaien-
ed, we commend them to the impartial juag-
ment and cheering approval of our brethrenof
the Southern press, and to the whole people,
and the constituted authorities of the South.
ern States.
RESOLUTIONS.
l. Resolved, bg the Legislature of the State of
Missfssigpi, That the Constitution of the Uni
ted States recognizes property in slaves, and
the Government created by it cannot, nor can
sny tribunal acting under its authority, wheth-
or Il be Executive, Legislative or Judicial, with
In its appropriate sphere, justly withhold from
the owners Of slaves that adequate protection
for their slave property, TO which the owners
ofproperty Of other kinds are entitled, or which
from its nature they may further require to
secure them in possession and enjoyment Of
2. That the election of President of the Uni
ted States, by the votes of one section of the
Union only, on the ground that there exists
an irreconcilable conflict between the two sec
tions, in reference to their respective systems
Ioflabcr, and with an ayowed purpose of hostil-
ity 10 the institution Of slavery as it prevails
in the Southern States, and IS recognized by
the compact Of Union, would 30 threaten
destruction Of the ends for which the Consti-
tuition was formed, a. to justify the slave
holding States in taking counsel together for
their separate protection and safety.
3. That in order 10 be prepared for such
contingency, Mississippi accepts the invitation
Of South Carolina, to her sister slave-hoIding
States, TO meet IN Convention, and proposes the
first Monday in June next, and Atlanta.
Georgia, e. suitable time aud place to meet
10 counsel together and recommend the action
they should take in such m event, which shall
b reported to the Governor, who shall con-
ysne the Legislature, If in his Judgment it may
81 required; and that this Legislature at its
present session, proceed to elect seven dele
eatss 10 attend the said Convention ut Atlanta.
4 That Commissioner be appointed by
the Governor 10 proceed to the Capital Of Viz
gina, and express to the people Of that Com
nonwsalth, through her Executive, the indig-
nation that Mississippi feels ct the outrage
committed in the recent invasion of her soil,
and the readiness and determination Of Missis-
sippi to unite with her or any other slave
holding State, in repelling any assailment of
their people or their rights-and that said
Commissioner also present to her Executive,
9 copy Of these resolutions, and invite her CO.
operation 10 the proposed Convention.
5. That the Governor Of this State be re.
quested To Transmit Q copy Of these resolutions
TO the Governor Of each Of the slave holding
States Of this Union, to be laid before their
Legislatures and invite their cooperation.
j. A. P. CAMPBELL.
Speaker Of the House Of Rep.
JAMES DRANE,
President Of the Senate.
Approved February 10th, 1860.