Smyrna times., 1861-06-06
MISCELLANEO JUS.
European Precedent for America.


The only Government in the world which
resembles our own in all it's essential features
is that of Switzerland. II is composed OF
twenty two Cantons, each one independent in
the exercise Of every function that does not
conflict with the national pact, which is the
paramount law of the land. II has preceded
US in the same experience through which we
are now passing, and has settled for itself tor
all time the great question which must sooner
or later arise in all cOnfedernted Staies-the
relative power and authority Of the general or
local Governments.
Soon after 1880, the example Of the Revolu.
tons in France, which drove the Rourbons from
power, gave rise 10 political differences and
Disturbances in Switzerland, which increased
in magnitude aHd violence ill, in l846. seven
Cantons, Luzerne. Uri. Schwytz, Unterwaldsn,
Friburg. Zug aud Vslais, formed a defensive
and offensive league, or Sonder6und, armed,
and assumed hostile relations to the National
Diet. The legality Of such an organization
was denied. as being contrary to the sixth Sec
ton OF the National Pact, which provided that
"nO alliance should be formed by the several
CGntOns among each other, prejudieial either
to the general Confederacy or to the rights of
the other Canions." This provision in the
Swiss Constitution corresponds almost exactly
with that Of our own. forbiddng oil combina-
tlons or alliances between the States. The
National Diet voted the SOndsrLund 10 be IL
legal, aud declared it to be void. The seced.
ing Cantons protested against this decision. re-
fused to acknowledge the right of the ma ajority,
aud 9th parties prepared for hosGiliIies. Several
IN iecisve actions took place, until the Diet
prepared an overwhelming force and complete
ly routed the rebels. In the meantime the
five great Powers-France, Eng nd, Russia
Prussia and Austria--interposed, and offered
to mediate upon the following terms:
} First-That the Cantons composing tn,
Sonderbund should be allowed to appeal Il
the Holy See for counsel and advice.
, Second--That the Diet should undertake 4
, protect the Contons whose sovereignty wa
E threatened.
] Third-That the SonderLund should be die
solved.
Fourth--That there should be general ant
: mutual disarmament.
II Fltth--That the Diet should not infringe O
b in any respect modify the National Pact with
s on; the unanimous consent Of all the Canton.
All this was excellent Southern rights doc
J. trine, WHICH. had it prevailed, would have le
D. to lnteTminabie wars; TO the entire disiLtegru
u tlon of the Republic, and the division OF III
ID CanIOns among the neighboring Powers
t. Austria wanted some, France others, Will
d, Prussia had an hereditary claim to ano,he
!" But the Swiss, though few in numbers, hav
= ever been distinguished for acting upon the
y convictions and upon principle, irrespective
s. the magnitude of the Power opposed to then
a and have iu this way persevered 10 all Il
= storms Of revolutions and conquest that ha
liz swept over Europe. their nationality aud ierr
re tory unimpaired. They rejected the profFer,
sn offices Of the great POwsrs. assigning iheref
uI these reasonss .ss f>sil s 2 - ae- (.
ys First-That the cause alleged for an appe
de TO the Holy See for advice did not exist.
Second That.he spirit ofshs proposed m
sat dialion, which pos the Dist and SOEdybui