The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1861-01-22

TIE PEopIE-THEIR RIGHTS AND PRIvI-
LEeEs.-One Of the fundamental principles of
this repubIc consists in the right of the people
to govern themselves. In despotic govern
ments single individual, or few individuals,
are supposed to possess the divine right to
govern and make laws for the people. In a
political emergency, or crisis in the affairs Of
the nation, the despot and his satellites deter
mine the course of action which his subjects
shall pursue, and they are expected to act as
passive instruments in his hands to enforce his
will But in republic the people rule-the
people are appealed to in all affairs appertain-
ing to their government-the people judge and
decide relative to all matters in which the well
fare Of the nation is involved. Especially when
unusual dissatisfaction, excitement and actual
revolution exist is it the right and duty of the
people in their sovereign majesty to judge and
to speak respecting the subject in controversy.
A new and unexpected state of things now
exists. Dissatisfaction, alarm and actual reyo-
luton are now shaking our political fabric to
its very foundations. Within the past few
weeks new condition of affairs has arisen,
the dissolution of our glorious Union. Since
the election of Mr.. Lincoln new and dangerous
complications have arisen in the governmental
household and it is proper, just and impera-
tive that the voice of the sovereign people
shall speak and be needed.
In crisis like the present, when
ruin threatens to overwhelm the nation,
%hn nxfra al Of t1,a
North or Of the South to interpose
his radical notions in the place Of the sove-
reign will of the people. 1t will never do for
the Wades, the Summers or the Hales of the
North, or the Toombses, the Iversons or the
Yanceys of the South, to obtrude themselves
before the people, and dictate to them what
shall or what shall not be done in the present
alarming crisis. No; the people alone are the
arbiters and sovereigns Of this important ques-
ton of union and harmony, or dissolution and
anarchy.
These ideas have been suggested from read
ing the proposition of Mr.. Bigler, of Pennsyl-
yania, with regard to taking the sense of the
people" upon the questions at issue between
the two sections Of our country. Surely no
reasonable man can object to the submission of
Mr.. Bigier's propositions to the people. No
man who is at heart a patriot can desire to pre-
vent pablo expression of opinion upon ques-
tions 80 important as those now pending be-
fore the country.
No sane man doubts that the Union is in
danger No one denies that the crisis is the
most important one which has ever occurred in
this or any other country. And yet afew radical
political partisans have thus far held the desti-
mics Of this republic in their own hands. These
demagogues have set up their own peculiar
partisan ideas-their own abstract views Of
right and neutrality-suspicious. the integrity Of this
Union and the welfare and happiness Of thirty
millions ofpeople.
Will these radical gentlemen allow the peo-
pie to express an opinion upon the PROPOSE
tions of Mr.. Bigler? viii they permit the mil
lions who are directly interested in the ques-
ton to vote upon the subject Or will they,
by their votes in Congress, prevent the voters
from uttering their sentiments in this great
emergency?
Upon the votes Of few republicans in Con-
gress does this grave point depend. If they
are willing that the popular voice shall once
again be heard, this sectional question will be
forever settled. But If they refuse to permit
the people to vote and TO express their present
sentiments, will it not be the duty and right Of
the people to rise in their might, overthrow
such incendiary psrtisans, and assert their full
rights and privilegesY