The daily exchange. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1858-1861, 1861-06-07
BALTIMORE.
FRIDAY, JUNE Z, 1861.

usurpations on the ground of the exigencies of
the case, have certainly very singular notions of
the OF ect for which the Constitution was formed,
and have evidently reflected but little upon the
nature and consequences Of the plea which they
thus admit in his behalf. They seem to suppose
that the Constitution was established for our con-
venience merely, and not for our protection; that
it was intended as a sort Of manual for the
guidance of Congress and the Administration, so
far as the ordinary routine of business is con-
cernei, and not as the immutahle law to which
the government is bound faithfully to conform in
times OF difficulty and peril; that it is binding on
the latter when tariffs, posofce contracts or Ter
ritoral questions are under consideration, but
becomes imperative whenever an issue arises
which involves our dearest rights and our most
vital interests. They seem to have forgotten that
it was established not less to restrain the govern
ment than TO protect the people; that its provi-
sions designed as barriers to the nation
from the despOtic domination of any INSCRIPTIONS
man or party, and 10 afford the minority adequate
defence against the aggressiOns of reckless or
Infatuated majority. Surely the founders of our
government imagined for moment that
citizen, and the limitations which were imposed
upon rulers were only TO be respected so long
as neither mob nor President was tempted to
invade the one or TO disregard the other They
nay have contemplated as possible contingency
the destruction or Reputation Of the Constitution
by the withdrawal Of number of the States or
the revolt of large part of the people, but they
dream laf
exist which would justify its violation by those
who might still continue to live under it. They
did not suppose that, in that portion Of the nation
which might still profess to be governed by it the
liberties and rights of the people would be rodden
down, or arbitrary power would be exercised by
the Administration in any exgency or under any
pretence whatsoever. They wished TO secure the
freedom and safety of the citizen in periods of ex-
citement as well as in quieer times; to impose re-
strictions upon the Government which should
control its action in grave political coniunctures
as well as in its ordinary operations They knew
that constitutional guarantees are COMPARATIVELY
worthless, except at the very moment when
mems rights are threatened; and when they
sustained from comforting on the Executive the
powers which it has now usurped. they did so
because they feared such powers might be used to
Cypress the people, or to carry ont the unlawful
designs OF the Government at precisely some such
crisis as has now occurred. Such, then, were the
objects which the trainers of the Constitution had
In view. 1t is obvious that their intentions have
been wholly set at nought by the proceedings of
the present Administration; and that if the apo-
ogy behind which Mr.. LINCOLN seeks to shelter
himself be tolerated, then the Constitution may as
well be avowedly abrogated throughout the
land at once. The idea that any political
or military necessity can excuse a fragrant
violation of the Constitution, is subversive
OF the whole theory of our Government:
and if we assent TO any such doctrine. we had
better admit the failure of our political system and
Immediately set about establishing some other in
its stead. If the President can disregard for an
instant the provisions of our great charter in ODE
dience to the behests ola ''higher law" or "mili-
"tary necessity" we are at the mercy of as pure
despotism as ever sutjugated a people. Tie I'M
checked VIII, the varying caprices of the
majority are henceiorh to stand in the
ste"d of laws constitutional provisions
The President need only secure that sane
ton, and he may overturn our institutions
or Cypress an individual at his pleasure He NAV
raise armies and navies and he may employ
these, at home or abroad, at his discretion. pro-
vded he can get up popular feeling in his favor.
If his schemes have not been undertaken in obe
dience TO the demand of an irresponsible majority
OF the people he may, nevertheless, pursue them
securely, If, by any means whatsoever, he can
afterwards induce majority Of Congress to an
prove his course. 1t is farce to talk about our
having Government or a Constitution. or to saw
that the President is anything more than the rem
reSen'ailve OF mob law, when we suffer him to en-
list an army, to levy war; and to suspend the writ
OF ha6eas corpus, and admit thii any necessity ex-
cuses these acts, or that any subsequent endorse
ment by Congress can justify them. Those who
are TOO blind to foresee he ultimate consequences
OF these doctrines, may study them in the present
condition of our own Stale. Maryland is OUTRAGED
and lusulted simply because it answers the mr.
poses OF the Northern people that she sboud he 60
treated. Her citizens are denied their riobtO
and subjected to a CALLING and tyrannous domino
ton, because the Administration and its adberents
desire her to remain silent and inactive. She ,s
compelled TO become quasi party TO n war
which she believes to be ruinous and unjust
and she is TO be saddled with burtheasome
taxes IN order to pay debt which the
Government has Illegally incurred at the
dctaton of the Northern press and peo-
pie In reply 10 her protest against the
unconstitutional course of the Administration
she receives nothing but the cool assurance that
Congress will sanction it, as tit was in the mower
OF Cong ess to lead the nation back from the ABYSS
into which it has been plunged, and to blot on.
the consequences and the memory of the wrong
that has been done. What the lot of MARYLAND il
to-day may be the fate of any State tomorrow.
Our liberties are trodden down now, but the in
situations of any other section may, and inevita-
bly, will be, overturned a few months or n fav
years hence if political and military me-
cess'ies are to override the Constitution, and the
majority IS to determine, without even the forms
OF law, when the exigency justifes resort to ar
Ditrary measures. Unless the downward natb
"h'ch THIS government has been so steadily fol-
lowing tor the past three months be sneed;lv ro-
traced, it is safe to predict that free qorernnon+
will soon come to an end in this country. ora :,
may be doubted whether the perfect and perma-
nent restoration of the Constitution in the North
ern Conederacy is not now as hopeless as the re-
construction of the UNION.
II. -. I