Bedford inquirer. [volume] (Bedford, Pa.) 1857-1884, 1861-02-15
VOL. 81. NO. 7.

out disorder; that II has been more faithfully
executed than certain corresponding laws in
the southern States; and that in no case has
an alleged slave escaped except Rhan adjudged
free by the commissioner.
That the legislation of the fifteen States
named proves the imputations cast upon them
false; or if they have the appearance Of truth
there il no reason to doubt that the laws will
be revised, and placed in proper shape; bat if
this we're not so, there is remedy for the case
in the Union, and under the Constitution.--
That the election of an adverse President has
always hitherto been peacefully acquiesced in
| by those now victorious; that the mere cleo
ton Is not an offence; that the opinions of the
President elect are grossly misrepresented aud
| perverted IN the State papers before named;
that If disposed, he could not do what ia
wrongfully attributed to him; and that, as the
next Congress would be constituted, the Pres
Ident would be powerlesS TO control legisla-
ton. That the question of citizenship is one
of constitutional law, which tribunals have
been specially erected to decide. And thar
the last complaint is predaetion-nol a fact
"a prediction not founded on true statement
of past or present occurrences, and With no
probability or possibility of realization
Such are their proclaimed grievances and
complaints; such, also, in brief, the facts which
prove them groundless; or, if to any extent real
remedial within the Union. Never did rebel
people so fimsiiy justify themselves. 1t would
be wonderful if any one believed thoir reasons
satisfactory for defending so grave step. In
deed, think it demonstrable that the members
OF the convention felt the weakness of their
statements and their cause. 10 the debate upon
the declaration, Mr.. Maxey Gregg objected that
|; was silent on the tariff and the unauthorized
expenditures of Government, while it laid ssthe
man stress upon the incompatible unimportant
point relative to fugitive slaves" and the laws
OF northern States IN relation thereto. He
further protested against weakening their cause
By tconhning themselves to these miserable
fugitive slave laws" Mr.. Keitt, defending the
address aud its omission Of the tariff, reminded
Dir. Gregg that all of South Cardinals Repre-
sentatIves in Congress had voted for tie PRES
ent tariff. With regard to the fugitive slave
law, of whose non-execution complaint is made,
Mr.. heitt said he had very great doubts about
the Propriety Of the fugitive slave law;' and
Rhett said he had doubt Of its constitutional
II, and had expressed il when q member of the
Senate, Touching the tso-oaIled) epersonaE
liberty bills Mr. Wardlaw thought tao stress
laid upon them gave the address 600 much
the appearance of special pleading" Judge
Withers intimated very distinctly that the
causes stated were rot sufficient to secure his
! name to the act of secession; bot be signed it
by reason Of other causes, not stated, which
were controlling.
Looking over tae proceedings of the convea-
ton and the Legislature, ] can end but the
following additional causes stated anywhere;
and present them, SO as to make their case
complete. One is named in the report of a
commi,tee Of the Senate of the State, namely
that the people of the slaye-holding States par
iWo>thirds of the revenue of the country. In
the same spirit, the Nayor of New York, 10
his late message, claims for that city that it
contributes in revenue two-thirds of the ex.
peuses of the Unred States" These two self.
eXaggeratng authorities thus account for one
third moro revenue than is received, and re-
lleve the bulk of the population of the country
from all agency in supporting the Government
Another is stated by Judge Wlthers, and is
to the effect that a jury in Pennsylvania, about
thirteen years ago, failed to fud true YER
dict in a case of death arising out of the re-
capture of slaves. And another ho states
thus, IL his report from the committee on the
relations of the slaveboldIng States: The DIS
satisfaction with the government is not attrib-
utable to "anything in its structure, but to the
false CLOSES and dangerous misuterpretations
and perverson Of suudry Of its provisions,
even to the extent, in one particular, of SO
covering up the real purposes of certain logis-
iation (meaGt TO protect domestic manufactures
IN one seetion) as to estop the Supreme Court
IN It's opinion, from iudicaliy perceiving its
real design,
This completes the adreary catalogue, . as made
by the champions of disunion. How pitful tho
list But it was the best possible. Not one has
the ring of reality not viii bear the test of
fact Several members expressed dissatisfaction
with the papers but none could strengthen them
aud they were adopted. Thus they stand upon the
page of history, challenging criticism and iudg
ment, being remarkable for sophistrr in aren
ment as inaccuracy in statement. What the verdict
OF mankind will be, who can doubt upon reading
TINS paragraph trola the speech of Judge Witbers.
uttered immediately before signing the ordinance of
secession
"I think il every member Of the convention
should draw up indictment against the people OF
the nnfalthful confederate States, and you mighg
nave any number of addresses upon that subject
yoH uoald probably find ttUo re1y nearly alike -
Since, therefore, every ones taste and Judgment
cannot be answered, if there be no substantial Oh
lection to the addresses before us, think there
IS not,it is proper to vote for them, and shall Dc
500
Surely, those grievances cannot be very actual
or well defined which no two of one hundred ami
ffty-nye members of convention elected for the
purpose did or could agree in stating. Such CON
fesSion is, itself, complete as an arraignment ana
condemnation of South Carolina, and defence OF
the Government sought to be oyerthrown.
turn willingly from this mcrtifying exhibition
OF naddened men seeking to pull down the pillars
OF the Republic. say m9ddened for what else
induced this passage in their address
sit is now too late to reform or restore the Gov
eminent of the United States A In con61ence in
the North is lost 10 the South The iathfalness of
hall censnry has opened gulf OF separation be-
tween them which no promises or engagements can
fn