New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1871-02-10
SOVEREIGNTY.

We notice of late in the journals OF new
Orleans attempts to re-establlsh, by
lengthy and labored arguments, the doc
trine of State sovereignty. "Ihe times
have been that when the brains were out
the man would die and one would sup
pose that the doctrine i'll question got so
terrific "a fracture OF the skull in the late
war that we should hear no more Of 1t.
But some beresies have strange vitality,
and the sagacious Solomon long ago re-
marked that even though you bray a fool
ia a mortar, yet the foolishness Will not
depart from him.
For the benefit Of our younger readers
we will briefly state the reasons why, as
matter of fact the States of our country
are not sovereign, and to save words and
spare the feelings Of our Democratic
neishbors, We will Use the State Of Rhode
Island as IN example.
1t is not necessary to irGaire what the
mighty commonwealth of Rhode Island
was in the time of Roger Williams, or
even in 1888. The practical question is,
what is she under the constitution of the
United States under which We now live
and have lived with considerable happi-
ness since 1887?
First-It is we'll settled principle Of
public law that u sovereign State Lay es-
tablish such a form of government: AS II
NAV choose. But Rhode Island has not
this right. If she should yearn after 4
king. and attempt. for example. to confer
this dignity on Mr.. Sprague, as William l,
her uncle Samuel would say, mo-" So.
in this respect, she is not sovereign.
Secoud-It is we'll settled that sover-
eign State may coin money. emit bills ct
credit, and make legal tender. But Rhode
Island has not these rights. SO. in this
respect, she is not sovereign.
Third-It is we'll settled tina: the e>-
Enlistment of posts. postofiices and post
roads is an attribute Of sovereignty, and
one of increasing Importance. But Rhode
Island has no rights in this regard; and
so, in this respect, she is not sovereign.
The most industrious collector Of post
age stamps will never find one with the
head Of either Jenckes or Sprague on it.
Fourth-It is we'll settled in public law
that q sovereign State may establish
State religion. prohibit the exercise Of
other forms Except in domestic life, pos
siblv,. and exact such tests rs It chooses.
But Rhode Island can not Go this: and
so, in this respect, she is not sovereign.
Fitth-It is Well settled that every
sovereign State has right to form with
othe. powers whatever treaties may ap-
pear to be conducive to its interests. pro-
yide1 such treaties DO not violate the
rights Of some third sovereign party. But
Rhode Island has not this right. and Ill
this respect she is not sovereign.
Sixth-It is rule Of public law that
sovereign States are of equal dignity. sDb-
iect to certain rules Of ceremonial. But
Rhode Island has no such right. II her
Governor should seek admittance TO a
congress of sovereign powers he might be
admired as very worthy gentleman. but
he would rec Give no official recognition.
SO, in this respect, she is not sovereign.
Seventh-It is rule that mo nation is
obliged to give an account Of its actions.
There is no curt in which one sovereign
can be sued by another. 1t takes a war to
settle litigation between severe; gns
But Rhode Island may be sued in a cou:t
of tn. United States. and so, in this Ie-
spect, she is no: sovereign.
Eighth-The right Of embassy is a
cherished right Of sovereignty. and am
bassadors have many sacred privileges in
virtue of their character. But Rhode
Island can send no ambassador. and So
in this respect, she is not sovereign.
Ninth-A sovereign power can always
declare war. This is her method Of en-
joying the luxury Of going to law. But
Rhode Island, formidable as she is. has
not this privilege. and SO. in this respect,
she is not not sovereign.
Tenth-A sovereign can il time Of
peace keep an army and a navy. OF any
size, and no other sovereign has right to
say she shall not. though the latter may
respectfully inquire, perhaps. what 1t all
means. But Rhode Island can not exer-
else this cherished right, and so in this
respect she is not sovereign.
Eleventh-A sovereign may make
treaties of all kinds with other sovereigns.
But Rhode Island can make TO treaty.
and so in this respect she is not sover-
eiSn.
Twelfth-It is great attribute Of SOW
ereignty to lay embarSoes. and to impose
duties on imports and exports. and gen
orally to regulate commerce with other
sovereign powers. But Rhode Island can
do none of these things, and SO in these
respects she is not sovereign.
Thirteenth-A sovereign State can ex-
ercisc the important right Of asylum.
She may harbor all the criminals on earth,
and it is only by her own consent. tacit or
express. that she gives them up. Hence
the numerous treaties OF eXtradition.
But Rhode Island has not this right. II
Uncle Samuel chooses to give up tug!-
tive from the justice Of Russia her con-
sent is neither required nor requested.