The Buchanan County guardian. (Independence, Buchanan County, Iowa) 1858-1864, 1861-03-05

formed a Union. Unitedly they resisted
the aggressons of the mother country
unitedly they declared their indepeu-
dence, that of right they were free and
independent - and united, they waged a
long and fierce war against Great Britain,
which was finally closed by recognition
of that independence which has ever since
been the the pride and boast of the Amer
ican people.
Mr.. Hindman.-Will the gentleman
permit me to call his atten ton to fact
which he seems to have forgot ? The
treaty between Great Britain and the col
onies merely recognized the Independence
of each one of the thirteen colonies BY
name. 1t did not recognize our indepen-
dence as nation or a league.
Mr.. Nandever.-These United States
did not separately negotiate with the
mother country. Unitedly they declared
their independence, and unitedly they
negotiated the terms of the treaty. The
same authority that commissioned George
Washington to lead the armies of the
United Colonies, authorized the COM
missoners to treat with the mother coun-
try for the independence of the United
States of America; and when in the
treaty of peace the colonies were enumer-
ated it was for the purpose of recogniz-
ing and acknowledg ging their united in
dependence, and not their separate nation
al existences. The allegiance the colo
uies owed to Great Britain. was thus
transferred to the United States of Amer
ica.
Now, sir, what was the next step =
After the acknowledgment of our indie
pendence for the purpose Of forming
more perfect Union, the Consultation of
the United States was ordained. By
whom Ii was ordained in the name OF
the people of the United States. The
very men who had put their hands to the
Declaration of our independence few
years before, pledging their lives and
their sacred honor TO maintain il the
men who, by their heroic deeds in battle,
and their moderation and frmness in
council, had achieved our liberties and
rights TO be separate and independent
nation, then gathered themselves in coun-
Gil again and framed Constitution which
was ordained in the name OF the people
OF the United States. say, then, that
every particle of sovereignty which any
one of those thirteen original States has
to-day, was derived through the Union,
aud from no other source whatever The
allegiance which they once owed to the
mother country was transferred to the
United States and they owe their allegi.
ance to-day to the United States.
Now, submit, il we shall consent TO
this dismemberment, and acknowledge
their independence of this United States
Government, how know we but that Eng
land may claim TO have some interest in
these abseondng States Why, sir, one
OF the conditions Of the treaty, which ac-
( knowledged our independence was that
the navigation of the Mississippi should
be forever free How know we. il the
Independence of the States which have
gone out shall be acknowledged, but that
France OF Spain may have something to
say in reference 10 that matter, because
\ they, too, have an interest in the nayiga-
Iion Of the Mississippi river They NAV
] claim that their sovereignty reattaches.
because then cession Vas made 10 the
/ United States OF America Think you
/ that England Is going to consent 10 any
serious interruption of her trade and
commerce with the people living upon
I the head waters OF that great stream ?
VIII she consent that q colony OF iree-
hooters, 10 call them BY no more oppro-
brious epithet, shall exercise control over
the mouth of that river, even should the
United States relinquish lis jurisdiction
commend these considerations to tie
attention OF all whom i, may concern,
Now, what Is the preteNt for this cru.
SADIE against the Union. which | must bo
permitted TO say, is one Of the most trea-
sonable aud wicked undertakings ever
projected against this or any other Gov
ernment, and which | honestly believe
deserves. and will receive. the lust Judy
ment OF Heaven upon the heads of its
guilty authors ? What is the pretext
That party has succeeded in eleclinr A
President OF the United Slales-a party
that believes in the ancient policy Of re-
suieting slavery in territories There is
no claim oil right 10 interfere with on
attack slavery in the States. Such de-
sign Is expressly disclaimed and con-
demned by all parties But in reference
10 the common domain, we are in favor
OF the ancient policy. Our opponents
ask us TO consent to incorporate Into the
Constitution new guarantees which shall
reverse the past action Of the govern.
ment, aud IT We do not, they threaten to
break up the Government
Let me call the attention Of the gen.
tlemen 10 the condition of the Territories
when we formed this constitution. From
the Northwestern Territory. out of which
has been carved so mauy States, slavery
vas excluded by the act of the Govern
ment. That restrictive policy was adopt,
. ed before the Constitution Who con.
sented 10 il The people of Virginia.
The statesmen of Virginia OF that day
sanctioned that policy. Ii at thar day
they saw no good reason for not conse mt.
ing TO the ratification of the Constitution
merely because slavery was not protect
ed or guaranteed in the Territories of the