The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1861-01-04

|: local authorizes, a6 much IN the provinces
Of Great Britain, as in the United States
! of America. # tsi' s..i
| The trainers of the Constitution recog.
nized the difficulties of the problem, as to
how much power it was necessary to bestow
upon the central government and how much
upon the local authorities. They felt the
fearful weakness of the old confederated
structure, even when that was sustained by
the strong pressure of the revolutionary
war; and they thought they had remedied
its defects, and given respectable authority
/ and power to the present system, by the
Articles of the Constitution. The final test
for that Constitution has now come. We
have repeatedly undergone these threats of
secession and rebellion have been repeat.
eddy told that our government was but a
compact; and that, unless our entire de-
pertinent pleased the self-sufficiency of
South Carolina, secession would be the
alternative. In short, during the whole
period of our history, we have been annoyed
by the snarling of petty cur at our heels
in the shape of South Carolina. We have
tried coaxing and Cancellation; tried to
enlarge the ambition of her public men,
and the patriotism of her citizens, beyond
the narrow limits of her State lines, and
the sel6shness OF her immediate interests.
Remonstrance has proved as futile as con-
ciliation.
South Carolina has learned nothing from
the past, and gives no promise for the fu-
ture. At the present moment she has not
even the excuse urged in other cases,-of
the passage by the Federal Government of
an unconstitutional law. No one contends
that the authority against which she rebels
has committed an unconstitutional act, or
passed an unconstitutional law, nor that
there is danger of either being done. Other
States,-far more interested in the question
than South Carolina can be,-while fully
claiming their rights, claim them in the
Union, and under the Constitution others,
still, say they will at least strive for them
in the Union first, and out of the Union,
only, should that strife be Intellectual. South
Carolina alone secedes-rebels first, and
probably intends to argue after. Ill.
In this emergency, one final argument re-
mains to US, and we must apply it., or our
Constitution and our Government are
failure. We must crush the intractable,
lawless spirit of rebellion beneath the iron
heel of force. We must compel these uneasy,
restless spirits to be quiet. We must en-
force the laws. Unless we do this, our
Government crumbles away by virtue of its
inherent ineficiency. If we cannot even
attempt to put down rebellion Of slave
owners, on what principle can we attempt
to coerce the manufacturers of Pennsylva.
MIA, should they rebel and demand tariff?
If the doctrine of non.resistance is correct
with respect to South Carolina, is it not
equally so for any other part of the country !?
Can we coneede to her, and not to others
Or, if it be replied that none others are so
precipitate in their action, shall we then
offer premium to anarchy and rebellion?
The truth of the matter, is, that this
Southern action must be resisted. If this
government is to stand, rebellion must be
successfully resisted. If successful resist
ance is impossible, then another and a
stronger government must rise upon its
ruins. One way or the other, the conflict
must be met, and ended. .s#
80 The question now before the American
people, for solution, is far greater and more
momentous than that Of slavery. 1t is q
question whether Republican form of gov.
eminent, as exempli6ed in the Constitution
of the United States, is sufficient and effec'
tnal for a great nation; and, if no better
Constitution can be had, then, whether self
government, after all, is not the merest
"fabric of vision" that, at the first touch
Of popular violence, must fall, "and leave
not wreck behind" Let us all recognize
these facts; and, recognizing, let Us act upon
them. Let the people of Minnesota ex'
press theiryo;ce for the support afthe Gon:
stitution, and tie enforcement ;oi tke:kws
Let such . .stor,n:!of popular. Indignation
burst Upon the:tiaHoroaz: head .dfhi&: 1Ihs
now controls at Washington, that he will
be compelled to resign, and give place te
those who still retain some love, and cherish
some hope, for the Federal Union And
let US pray, that, if our country shall at last
perish in the struggle that seemingly mus
come, che ehall at least die nobly in the de-
fence of her constitutional rights; in uphold
ing the cause Of law and order, as the bes
safeguard of human liberty; and with til,
stains of her life's best blood crimsonins
her breast. ssi- ga 5r'es 5r; ere W
| 49, "t frf