The weekly pioneer and Democrat., 1861-02-15


racy would not attempt to improve the
Constitution ofthe United States 1t would
recognize the obligation of all existing
treaties-those respecting the African slave
trade included. 1t will be willing to assume
q just proportion OF the public debt, and |
account for all the property belonging to !
the United States which they were COM
PEELED to take for self defence. They would
recognize the right of the inhabitants OF the
Valley of the Mississippi to the free navi-
cation of the Mississippi without tax or
toll of any kind. They hoped for peace,
but the decision of this question depends on
the free states. He had no doubt if the
issue was fairly presented to the people of
the states they might have cefulsepara-
tion, with probability Ofa complete or par
tial reconstruction, but with the present re.
presentation in either branch of Congress
be could indulge in no such hope, and they
must be prepared to resist coercion under
any pretext. The North might, if it chose,
consider them bound to the Union, and deny
the right, be would not say of secession, but
revolution or rebellion, if it chose to call it
so.4 1t might ignore the Declaration of
Independence and attempt to reduce the
South to subjection. 1t might declare a
blockade, but the South would meet them
and permit no introduction OF commerce or
manufactures from the North, and would
meet them on the sea under the old flag, for
they did not intend to give up the flag-it
belonged to the South as much as the N North.
They could get vessels from the same places
that now carry on the slave trade-New
York and New EOgland. He referred to
Blockade of the ports, and thought foreign
nations would not permit it; but the South
would not commence the fight. He denied
the chargesthat the movement was but the
consummation of long contemplated plot,
and claimed that it was the calm aud de-
liberate action of the people. He referred
to the many kindnesses received in the
Senate chamber, and bade the Senate fare
well.
Mr.. Benjamin argued against the asser
tion that Louisiana could not 60 out of the
Union because she was bought as the pros
perty of the United States. Louisiana was
acquired under treaty which guaranteed
to The citizens of the territory protection to
property. He claimed that she had special
reasons for going out, because the treaty
stipulations under which she was acquired
were broken entirely by the government.
! He claimed that the charge of rebellion
against the South was an admission of op-
preston, for never, in the history of the
world, did millions rise in rebellion against
honor and Justice, and when the people with
common consent, revolt, it must be the
criminal against whom the revolt is aimed
The people in the South glory in such trea-
son as glowed in the soul of Hampden
burst from the lips of Henry, and shed a
halo around the name of Washington
He concluded with tribute to the friends
OF the South in the Northern States, and
bade the Senate farewell. Applause in
the gallery.]
In the House, the Louisiana Representa-
tives retired, with the exception of Mr.
BoUl1GNY, who declared for the Union, anc
opposed secession.
= In St. Louis, case has arisen which
promises that secession in its legal aspects
will speedily be tested. We copy from ths
st. Louis Democrat
We have been furnished with an extract
from an answer about to be filed in tn.
Circuit Court of this county, in the suit O
: a we'll known New Orleans bank against 6
I prominent city banker to recover large
sum:
The defendants further state that the plaintiffs wheh
er chartered by law not, associ.u of pe
sons citizens of the State Of Louisiana, dom ced
| doing business therein, ard acknowledging aesitnc,
thereto, and have abjured all allegiance the Uniet
States of America that said State of Louisiana he's
ceded and revOlted gainst the Uuited states
America, and is at with the same that tn plain
ifs and all other persons who citizens OF said
| aud domciled therein, and acknowledging alleg"nc,
thereo aen enemies OF the United States of Amer
ca and of the State OF Missouri, and have right Il
maintain any suit in the Courts o! the State OF Missouri
Whereupon defendants ask that this suit may b.
| dismissed, dc
Defendants' Attorneys.
This defence, if persisted in to the las
resort, would carry the question of the righ
of State to secede, to the Supreme Cour
of the United States for settlement. It,
prosecution opens the door to variety o
legal questions; and will be watched witt
interest.