The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1860-12-12
= a m A T. E R LE p G. E R.


all the other duties depending upon their
own volition, ard required from the free
c!tiZons of free State as Il constituent
member of the Coniederacy.
But if we possessed this power, would it
be wise to exercise it under existing circum.
stances q! The object would doubtless be
TO preserve the Union. War would not
only present the most efiectua means Of
destroying it, but would Danish all hope of
its peaceable reconstruction. Besides, in
tho fraiernal conflict a vast amount of blood
and treasure would be expended, rendering
future reconciliation between the States
impossible. In the meantime, who can
foretell what would be the sutferings and
prvations of the people during its exis-
tence
The fact is, that our Union rests upon
public opinion, and can never be cemented
by the blood of its citzens shed in civil
war. Ii 1t cannot live in the affections of
the people, it mast one day perish. Con
gress possess many means OF preserving it
by conciiation, but the sword was not
placed IN their hand to preserve it by iorce.'
But he solemnly inv okes his countrymen
to pause and deliberate before they deter
mine TO destroy This, the grandest Temple
which has ever been dedicated to human
freedom since the world began and insists
that this ought to be the last desperate rem.
edy of despairing people, after every 9TH
er constitutional means Of conciiaiiuu had
been exhausted. lie recommends that be.
fore the remedy of dissolution is resorted
10, there be u Convention of the people of
all the Mates to obtain an explanatory
amendment of the Constitution on the sub.
ject of slavery and suggests that the
amendment be confined TO the final settle
ment of tie true construction of the Con-
stituIion on three special points:
/. An express recognition Of the right of
property i'll slaves in the States wh.re il
now exists or may hereafter exist.
,. The duty Of protecting this right in
all the common Territories throughout
their territorial existence, and until they
shall be admitted as States into the Union,
with or without slavery, ~ their constitu.
TONS may prescribe.
J. like recognition Of the master to
have his slave, who has escaped from one
State to another, restored and "delircred
up" to him, and of the validity Of the Fugi-
tive Slave law, enacted for this purpose. 10.
gethcr with Il declaration that All State laws
impairing or defeating this right, prc viola
tions of the CurstliuliCn. and are consc-
Guently null ard void.
The above embraces the material points
IN TIE Message on the question Of Scces-
sion and remedy for the grievances of the
South. The President, according to Mr..
Buchanan'n views. has no power 10 roercs
gress the power, aud if that bsdy should
attempt to enact the Force Bill, passed
under the recommendations of GENERAL
Jackson, he would be compelled To veto it.
lie seems, however, TO contemplate retain
ing possession of the Forts Mt Charleston
in any event, and To continue the collection
of customs for the support of the Federal
Government The officer in command Of
The Forts has instructions 10 act Siricily on
the defensive. This condition of things
cannot be submitted to BY South Carolina.
The possession of these Forts are essential
TO her we'll being 40 4 separate Government
and in the event ST secession she " III be
bound to attempt TO regain possession of
them at all Ia yards II the secession move
ment IS a general one, we believe that tie
Government property in each of the scce-
ding States will be abandoned otherwise
there would ensue " general war, which i,
IS evidently the policy and the purpose Of
the Government TO avoid. But should
South Carolina be the only State to sccede
"a contingency not likely 10 happen) the
course of tho Federal Government in re.
spect TO her, We believe will be such as j,
forcshadowed in tn" Message Upon the
whole the Message has materially diminish.
ed the probability Of civil war