The Constitutional. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1860-1861, 1860-08-20
THE ISSUE or THE DAY.

contrast with those that have for many
years preceded it. Heretofore We have
had two great national parties Both, it
is true, wore at war with each other, vet
it was war of p,inGiplcs--a question Of
propriety as to what line Of policy the
Government should pursue in order ensure
the greatest amount of happiness aud
prosperity to all; line Of policy, too, not
embraced in one issue. but extending
through the whole rauge # poIitics-aIl
Of which were argued before the people
with spirit and ability. While both par
ties were thus aTaycd in antagouism TO
each other upon Governmental policy,
both were distinguished alike for patriot
ism as well as for firm attachment 10 the
union Of the States.
To-day the condition of affairs is exactly
the reverse. We have 4 surplus Of parties,
each with their respective candidates, ami
mated by bitter animosity towards one
anothcr-and more hostility pervading all
sections than has ever existed in any pre-
vious Presidential canvass. At the same
time there is IN absence of all political
theories or practical questions of national
policy to discuss-all are thrown aside to
give place TO the question of slavery in
the Territories" which is now the bnlv
issue before the country. Men of ultra
views at the North maintain that to Con
gress belongs jurisdiction over the subject,
and it should exercise It's authority TO pro-
hibit slavery from entering into any Of the
Territories. Men with equal ultra views
at the South entertaining the same belief.
contend that Congress should legisate
slavery into the Territories while third
class, taking their stand upon middle
platform, claim that Territories are equal
sovereigns with the States, and consc-
quently should decide the question for
themselves.
Regulating these several opinious rs
all alike foreign to the true incoming and
spirit of the Constitution, which throws is
broad mgis over the whole land, eusuring
TO all Of every section equal protection,
and guaranteeing to all lis mc-tirnablc
blessings. We propose to inquire what is
the true doctrine of the Constitution, and
in doing so, turn to the t. s. Suprcm,
Court, which no one will deny IS the only
and competent power to speak.
This Court in the famous " bred Scott
decision" declares tina; Territories are the
common properly of MI the States, i'll
which all have equal rights; that tlither
he emigrant from the North may 90 with
lis implements and utensils, and thilhor
he emigrant from tie South may 90 with
lis slaves-toth finding Ike protection
lnder the Federal compact This then Is
he doctrine Of the Constitution the only /
doctrine in accordance with reason and !
common sense-thc doctrine eapousrd by !
he Constitutional Union party, and |
aught by John Bell and Edward Everett. !
Again: When the compromise meas !
res of 80 were pending in Congress, /
Daniel Webster upon this very point Ut
cred the following language; 1T is &
uestion for the decision Of the people in
heir State sovereignty, and there may be !
certainly is no inproprie-
YIN extending the exercise Of any
over in the Territorial government for
ne establishment or exclusion of slavery.
1t has been advanced that these peo-
lie, whilst a Territory, have Il right to do
ny thing and every ;hing that belongs
, the right of man. / cannot conceive
lat they have. We have always gone
pom the ground that these Territorial
Governments were in state Of pupilagc,
nder the protection or patronage of the
Ieneral Government. The Territorial
legislature has n constitution prescribed
y Congress. They have no power not
iven by that Congress. They must act
thin the limits of the Constitution grant
/ them by that Congress, or else their
cts become null and void. The people
nder the Territorial government are not
sovereignty; they do not constitute a
'vereignty, and do not possess any of tie
ghts incident to sovereignty. They are,
You so please to denominate it, in a
ate of inchoate government and sovcr-
gnty."
Mr.. Bell also during the same discus
on, upheld like views, and declared,
The flag of the Union protects tho citi-
IN in enjoyment Of his rights Of property
every description, recognized as such in
ny Of the States, on every sea, and in