Clarksville chronicle. (Clarksville, Tenn.) 1857-1865, 1861-04-26
For ths Chronicle.
For the Chronicle.
THE CONFLICTING DOCTRINES

OF the North and SOnh IN respect 10 The subject Of
Sinverv.
The doctriue Of the South Oh the subject OF sls-
very confirmed by the Supreme Court on several
occasions, is to the following effect:
1sr Property in slaves, as in other subjects has
used in accordance with the nature of such prop
erty.
20. Property in slaves existed in the several
States from their earliest history and rccogniz-
ed by the Constitution Of the United States in form
ing the Federal Union.
30. Property in slaves is not divested conhsca-
ted by its removal 10 the public Territories, or its
escape to another State but is protected by the Con-
stitution like any other property.
4TH. Only persons of the African race are sub
ject to slavery and those manumited, or set free
are incapable of becoming citizens of the United
States. The South contends further, that negroes,
or men of the African race, should never be
permitted to exercise the right of voting, should
never hold Office and should never be allowed to
give their testimony against white man.
These doctrines are vital and fundamental to the
social, domestic and political prosperity of the South
and the maintainance aud protection of her "pecu-
liar institutions"
On the contrary the Black Republican, or anti
slavery party, now the dominant power in the
Northern Union, and in possession of the Federal
Government, assert and maintain the following
doctrine:
lsr Slaves not property: in the nature o.
things property can not exist in man. Therefore
the slave has the natural right to seek his liberty,
and to use all the power he possesses to obtain it
to slay his master, or any one who stands between
him and his liberty and it is right and moral to aid
him in 20 doing.
2D. The "peculiar institution" it exists in the
Southern States is not a normal condition, but
founded in local law and usage, limited and conhn-
ed to those States; and though immoral and an
evil in itself, yet the Federal Government has nc
power, under the Constitution, to abolish it. This
object (ths abolition of slavery though greatly de-
sired by the North, can only be effected by mora
suasion, agitation, disturbance kidnapping, or th,
opelations of the underground railroads. "pecu-
liar abolition institution
Sd. The normal condition Of all the Territories
of the United States is that of freedom" " The
Constitution of tsown force, does rot carry slavery
into the Territories; and the new dogma to that
effect :" is dangerous political heresy"
4TH. Neither "Congress or Territorial Legisla-
turc, or any individuals, have authority to give e-
gal existence to slavery in any Territory of tn,
United States
bTH. The doctrine that the Supreme Court ha
he power TO settle questions Of constitutional law
is repudated by the North and by Mr.. Lincoln
Inaugural address, as inconsistent with the right o
the people to govern themselves.
! Such is the radical and irreconcilable conflict o
doctrine between the South aud the North in re
ly practicable solution of this pestilent embroglio
which, after mature reflection suggests itself to my
mind, is the peaceable separation of the two sec
tions. Let us part in peacelet US divide oui com
mou inheritance, adjust our common obligations
aud, preserving as sacred treasure cur commo
Iprineples-let each set up for itself, and let tn
Lord bless us both. A course like this heroic sui
lime, glorious, would be something altogether un
the wonder and astonishment of the christian ma
tions. 1t would do more to command tor America
institutions the homage and respect of mankin
than all the armies and fleets OF the Republic.
would be victory more august and imposing tina
any which can be achieved by the thunder of can
non and the shock of battle.
SOUTHERN wATCHMAN
Montgomery County, April 25, 1861,