New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1860-11-20
Mr.. Pierce, when tho Abolitionsts and Free-Soilers
Were in the minority in both Houses Of Congress.

Mr.. Pierce, when tho Abolitionsts and Free-Soilers
Were In the minority in both Houses Of Congress.
Assuming, therefore, that the Southern people and
Their Senators and representatives deem their rights
and institutions entirely safe under the Constitution
and laws they now stand and only desire TO be let
alone without any interference by Congress with
tier domestic concerns, the question arises whether
Mr.. Lincoln and lis party viii have the power, even
If they have the disposition to disturb impair the
rights and institutions of the South either in the States
orhe territories or in the District OF Columbia They
certainly cannot do il under the existing laws. Will
they have the power TO repeal or change these laws
10 enact others II is well known that they Will
be in minority in both houses of Congress, with the
Supreme Court against them. In the Northern States,
there have been elected already sufficient number of
Democratic members OF Congress, bold and true ma
tionsl men, pledged to the Cincinnati Platform and the
doctrine of non-intevention by Congress with the
question of Slavery in the States and Territories and
the District of Columbia, who, added to the Southern
representatives,, will give at least twenty majority
against Mr. Lincoln and his party on all these ques-
tons In the Senate there is also decided and reli-
able majority. Hence no bill pas either house Of
Congress mpairing or disturbing the nights or In
stitutions Of the Southern people IN any manner what
ever UNLESS portion Of The Southern Senators and
representatives absent Themselves so as to 'pe a" a6o-
Ht,on mojortyia consequence Of Their absence.
In a minority in both houses of Congress, with the
SuIIeme Court TO eXpound the laws and restrain all
illegal and unconstitutional acts, the President will be
utterly poweress for evil il he should have the dispo
sitiOn to do wrong. Even IN the distribution OF his
patronage he would be dependent upon the Senate Tor
the confirmation of bis nominees ~ office, 30 that he
cannot appoint bad to Office without the consent
OF those in whom the South contdes. partisan Pres
dent thus tied hand and foot, poweress for good or
evil without the consent and support OF his political
opponents, should be the object OF pity and conulser
alton rather than of fear and apprehension by brave
and chivalrous people. What good or harm can he do
TO anybody except to humble the pride and wound the
ensibihties of large portion OF the American people
by occupying the chair once filled by Washington, JEFF
ferson Madison and jackson Does this fact furnish
sufficient for destroying the best government of
which the history of the world gives an example
Four years will soon pass away, when the balot-box
will furnish peaceful legal and constitutional rem
edy for all the evils and grievances with which the
country may be afflicted.
IT, in the mean time, any act shall be perpetrated
which shall violate or impair the rights of any citizen
or State or shall endanger the peace and safety of any
portion of people, Tor which the Constitution and
laws shall fail TO provide adequate and efficient reme-
dies the time will then have arrived Tor those VINO
think the Constitution has been disregarded and the
Federal power perverted TO purposes inconsistent with
their safety honor and equality TO consult and deb-
crate upon the nature, extent and mode of redress.
do not anticipate, do deem it possible in the
present condition of the country that, under the adj
niinstration of Mr.. Lincoln, any act can be perpe-
tated that would destroy or impair the constitutional
right of the citizen, invade the reserved rights of
the States upon the subject of Slavery; but, II should
find mvself painfully mistaken this point, have
no hesitation In expressing my deliberate conviction
that such on outrage would not only make the South
ern people amt, but would arouse aud consolidate
all tie conservative elements of the North in firm and
determined resistance by overwhelming majorities.
In such an event, the South would occupy impTeg
nabe position. With her own people united and ami
mated by one seutiment-the unfaiteing resolve TO
maintain and defend their rights and liberties
by the blood of their fathers and guaranteed by the
Constitution of their country, they could safely rely
upon the Justice of their and confidently expect
the sympathy of the civilized world and the choicest
blessings of Divine Providence while struggling for the
hight. Under these circumstances can perceive no just
cause no reasonable ground such rash and precpi
tate action would plunge into the horrors of revou-
tOn anarchy, and bankruptcy the happest people, The
most prosperous country and the best government the
sun of heaven ever shed his genial rays upon To
those if any such there may be, who look upon dis
union and Southern COntedeI1cy as thing desirable
in ITSELF and are only waiting for opportunity to
sccomplisb that which had been previously resolved
nnonLtbe election of Mr. Lincoln may furnish pre-
text for precipating the Southern States into revou
ton But to those who regard the Union under the
Constitution as our fathers made it, the most precious
legacy ever bequeathed to free people by patriotic
ancestry and are determined TO maintain II as long
their rights and liberties, equality and honor pro-
tected by it, the election OF Mr. Lincoln III my humble
OPINION presents just cause, no reasonable excuse
for Oismiion.
Having discussed all the questions at issue freely
and elabrately in my addresses ~ the people during
he recent canvass 90 not perceive that any patriotic
objects can be advanced by any further public dis
cus,ons on part prior to resumlng my seat IN the
Se,ate That the passions and aIimosies engendered
Inv recent contests may give place to and
ptriotisn that calm and wise c0unsels may prevail,
aud fraterna feeling be restored that the COnstiu
ion NAV be preserved inyioate, and the Union MAIN
taned forever is the ardent hope and fervent prayer
of your friend and fellow-citizen. g. A. DOUGLAS.
Nelc- Orleans, Nov 10 HOO