The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1860-12-05
N u M B E r 43.

Constitution for dissolvng the Union. and
1t is very probable that the patriots who
framed the instrument, had no idea that
loathsome faua,icism, pandered 10 hv
Northern politicians. would ever II, AXE it
necessary tor the safety OF the South that
they should dissolve the compact on ac-
count OF its violation by the other section
OF the Coniederacy, but it must he re.
mem bered as n rule Of universal applica.
lon, that violation Of compact or
agreement by one party releases the 9TH
er party from its binding obligation, and
the only question is, who is to Judge of
The iniraction. From the very nature of
the cnse. in a compact with sovereigus,
there can be no umpire, unless one lie pro
vided by the instrument itself aud in the
language Of MIR. Jefferson, leach State
must Judge OF the iufraclion and the
mode and measure Of redress" A com.
pact between Sovereign States. with the
understanding that the majority should
put Their construction upon It's pr, visions,
Nou'u not be worth the paper upon which
1t was written. Majurilies need no bro
lection, for they can protect themselves,
but m's'or'unes inss, upon Constitutions
10 restrain the majority. and 10 allow it
to pui its construction upon the compact,
is equivalent to giving them the absolute
power 10 govern the minority irrespective
of any restraints.
The simple statement of the case leach
State entered the Union under the con,
stl,utIon ; the Federal Government, is the
agent OF the States, created Cor special
! purposes, and clrCumscribea in it's action
by ire articles OF agreement. or iD other
! words, the Constitution Whenever the
States having lower to control this agent
! permit or command him TO violate the
compact, each State, no, having surren.
dered It's sovereignty, has r right to re.
monstrate or withdraw, as she NAV think
proper, and no earthly power has the
night 10 prevent her.
1t is urged by some rs an argument a.
gainst secession, that the existing govern.
ment would be destroyed by a State Sc
cedng that the revenue laws would be
come imperative, and the wheels Of GOV
ernment stand still. My answer is this.
that in the exercise Of an undoubted tight,
and being forced to exercise it by the par.
ty that is likely 10 suffer, it cannot COM
plain OF the consequences Of it's own acts.
Ii South Carolina secede, the gove,nme
will be in no worse condition, except for
very short time, than it would have been
If South Carolina had never entered into
the Union, which is acknowledged on all
hauds. shs was not bound to do.
The idea that majority must always
govern, which has laker possession of The
Northern mind, lis as mischievous rs it ia
iaIIlcl"us, and is contradic,ed by all the
analogies Of Republican Government.
II a mere majority is to govern. why have
two Houses Of Congress-a Senate aud
House Of Representatives Why give
the President the veto power? Why
submit the action Of all three to judicial
tribunal Why require jures to be
unanimous in giving their verdict I The
conclusion is irresistible that it is for the
protection Of minorities, anG the safety Of
the citizen. may be asked il y minori.
ty should govern My answer is, no;
bu' they should be able. by constitutional
restrictions, to restrain the majority from
acts Of injustice and oppression. In the
CO partnerships formed by individuals, the
majority Is not permitted to construe the
articles # agreement to the injury OF the
minority but in this case there is a disinr
teres.ed tribunsl to decide the question.
In compact between States, from the
nature Of the case. there can De no trbu.
nal TO decide violations Of it, and the
remedy must be dissolution Of tho agree
ment, without any right on The part Of
the States 10 prevent the withdrawal Of
any of the parties, otherwise might would
make right,and compact he an unmean-
ing and worthless piece Of parchment.
1t follows from the view presented,
that the Federal Government cannot
rlghuuIly use force TO prevent State
from seeding or force her back into the
Union but, in the language Of the late
Judge Harper, "men having arms IN their
hands may use them," and cannot too
earnestly urge upon YOU the importance
OF arming the State at the earliest prac,
ticable period, and thus be prepared for
the worst IL is gratifying to know that
II we must resort 10 arms in defence Of
our rights, and a blow should be struck
at South Carolina before the other States
move up in line, we have the tender Of
volunteers from all The Southern and
some Of the Northern States, to repair
promptly to our standard and share our
fortunes.
in urging the State to arm, it is no. to
be understood that we are defenceless; bv
ex'ming the report Of the Adjutant and
Inspector General. herewith transmitted
YOU will see that we have sufficient arms
to supply the number Of soldiers that will
probably be necessary for some time to
come and many OF our arms are Of the
most approved patters; but no one can
tell what day may bring forth, and il is
a wise precaution 20 prepare in time. I
cannot permit myself to believe that in
the madness OF passion an attempt will
be mnde by the present or next Admins
uation to coerce South Carolina, after se-
cession, by refusing TO surrender to her
the haIhn- defences or In inaazE.z;nn III