Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1863-06-23

thory compel with the whole Hiitargor OF the ma
iou necessary refractory States to conform to the Fsde
raj requstOn (See Journals of the Legislature OF New
York and Congress- also Rives life of Madison vol page
802) Also in the year the Legislature OF virginia
passed resolution implying and s0s to the
States and invoking its exercise See journal oil t9e VIE
gnia House of Delegates Nay session. 7s4 pages IL ana
H. and Hennings Statutes, vol Il pp 4Ol 4oS 49, ana
Az also Rives life Madison vol pages S0S and 664 665
This resolution has generally been regarded as the OF
spring of Patrick Henry and as the assertion was made 70
true In the debates of the Virginia Convention the
ratification of the Federal Constitution this resolution was
referred to; and Mr.. George Nicholas appealing to Mr.
Henry, said, al the gentleman recognizes bis
child" and it was not dsowned. (See Robertsons De
bates of the Virginia Convention of 1888, also Rives life
Some years after this (4th of August 1871 Mr.. Jeer-
in letter addressed to Col Edward Darlington says
has been often said TO be generally believed that
Congress has power by the Confederation to enforce
thingj for example, contributions Of money 1t was not
necessary give them that power expressly they have
it by the law of nature When two parties make
pact there results to each of compelling the other
to execute it." See Jeersons writings vol H. page zO0'
also Rves' life of Madison, VOL i. page 80SD .
Similar opinions from others of the ablest Statesmen OF
that might be adduced but is unnecessary Enough
fen of the greatest of all American statesmen past or
present, living dead" who are determined not TO De
convinced that the greatest aud wses statesmen OF In
revolutionary era had never conceived OF the
the right of secession much less attempted its
And having disposed of the question OF the seces
sion portion of the States in 1882 and think OF the
right of secession under the Constitution of the ontea
States we will simply say that believe in the right OF
revolution for sufficient cause, and that in our opoh
in pursuance OF that right 1--WE fear without sufficient
cauSe that the Southern States engaged IN war
for independence But is useless TO discuss the
now that " the die is cast" ~,
And now arises the question does the right of State
States seeede from Confederate States exist
We without hesitation, 6Lsoe that At does MOI
because ofany express stipulation to that effect IN the Con
stltutlnn ITSELF because 1T Is deduclbe from theT
of government expressed in their written
BY any means-far from it; but because It was PeiieGt
understood and acted upon by all the States that th
Union was VOLsntEry association OF States
sort tenancy at t0-a league between Jree sooeregn
and independent States from which any of them might
withdraw at pleasure mere COnederacy OF States oil Az
solute sovereignty and equal rights. But Virginia, TO
make donbly sure in her act of rahcatlon
reserved the right sesde at pleasure and was received
those terms and all the States have equal rights II
follows matter course, that The same right extends
TO all her sister States.
And now, perhaps you, Mr. Editor, and your rea-
ders apology for the space have occupied, and the
great length which your patience has been taxed but
hupe what have written will mob prove unneresting or
DAVIDSON.
June, 1868.