The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1861-05-22

GROUND AND LOFTY TUMBLING OF MAssA
GREELEY-A long leader is published In
yesterdays Tribune, commenting on the report
of Mr.. Rhett, of South Carolina, to the COME
derate Congress, as Chairman Of the Committee
on Foreign Affairs, recommending "a bill re-
cognizing the existence Of war between the
United States and the Confederate States"
In this report Mr. Rhett contends for the right
Of secession, and Massa Greeley knocks down
the argument by quoting Webster and the con-
stitution-knocks down the argument which
himself 60 earnestly urged last November and
December, and up to the very day of the bonn
bardment Of Fort Sumter. Mr.. Rhett says
There is not one word in the constitution of
the United States which denies this right (the
right Of secession) and nothing but a plain
specific alienation Of it can wrest it from the
States. Ia seeding, therefore, from the United
States, the Confederate States have only exer.
cised right inherent in all sovereignties. y
But they have a right to Withdraw from the
Union by virtue of another and broader
principle. In l776 the Southern and Northern
States were colonies of Great Britain. The
British government set up the pretension to tax
them unjustly, and, as they thought, without
authority. They refused obedience to the
taxes, threw off the British government, and
set up government for themselves In their
Declaration Of independence they justified
their course upon the broad ground that
the people have right to alter and
abolish their government" nc. What said
Greeley last November? eff the cotton States
unitedly and earnestly wish to withdraw peace
fully from the Union, we think they should and
would be allowed to do 80. Any attempt TO
compel them By force to remain ,oould be con-
trdyy TO The principles enancioted IN the ipn,or-
tai Declaration Of Independence contrary 10
the fundamental IDEAS on aohich human liberty is
based" Again, Greeley quotes the Declare
ton Of Independence, to the effect that "go-
vernments derive their just powers from the
consent Of the governed, and it is the right of
the people to alter and abolish them" &C.. and
adds" We do heartily accept this doctrine, be-
lieviDg it intrinsically sound, benefcent, and
one that, universally accepted, is calculated to
precent the shedding Of seas Of human blood.
And if it justified the secession from the British
empire of three millions of colonists in I've,
zee do not see ,ol.y aco,dd not justify tie seces
sion Of .ire millions Of Soutteners from he
Iederai Union IN 1861"
Ii there is any difference between Rhett's
reasoning and Creeley's it is that, while both
cite the same authority. Greeley's argument is
the stronger Of the two in favor OF the abso
lutte, unconditional right of secession; and we
defy Jefferson Davis and all his Cabinet to put
The case so forcibly in their own behalf as
Massa Greeley has done for them in the fore
going extracts. But now he jumps Jim Grow,
and declares that seas of blood must be shed
TO prevent secession. We would suggest to
Dan Rice the propriety Of giving Massa Gree
ley an engagement in his circus Ills exhibit
tons of ground and lofty tumbling woald
bring immense crowds. There is none to match
him in that line on this eide of the Atlantic.