Year: 1859

. rect, that decision Of the supreme court involve


the repeal Of q clause In the constitution. Th
conclusion is unavoidable and inevitable. The
sir, where are WEI If the states are prepared t
sanction proceeding like this, in one case, it ma
easily be done in another, and we have no consti
tuition. If they are prepared to stand idly by
and see the pillars of the constitution one b.
ono, thrown down by usurping hand, then fare
well to the constitution forever.


But such is not their mission. For wise pur
pose, upon the adoption of the Constitution th
States refused to merge themselves into one unds


inguishable whole, but chose to preserve their in
divduality as separate and distinct States, tn,
wisdom of which every days experience doe'
hourly reveal.


When, therefore, the Constitution is violated i
is their duty to resist the assault. In such ar
emergency, 1t behooves the States to exercise the
powers they have reserved to themselves.


1t is the only resource in our power-it is the
only instrumentality by which the tendency to
Capitalization and usurpaton can be resisted. 1t
is, in short, the only means by which the Consti
tuition can be preserved. Then is it not the duty
OF the State to declare itself upon this occasion


Are you not satisfed-frst, that the Constitu.
ton does provide for trial by jury, in the cases
alluded to in this bill Second, that the Consti-
tuition, not having been repealed or altered in any
part, the provsions still in force Third, that it
is the duty Of the State to see that this vital pro-
vision shall be uniformly enforced? Can we, in the
face of the acknowledged truth of tn facts alleg
ed escape this conclusion?


But have consumed far more time than had
intended, and will give way for others who may
wish to engage in this discussion.


have cndeavored to establish two propositions
first that it is the legal right, and the moral du'
ty Of the State, to withhold her aid and her sane
tion. by forbidding the use Of her jails and the
services of her officers, in assisting to consign in
noccnt human beings to the jaws of slavery sec'
ond, that there is such thing as constitutional
right to trial by jury. where the question is that
Of liberty, and that it is the solemn and impera'
tive duty Of the State to maintain that right at
every cost and at all hazards.


If you believe this, support this bill if you be
lieve this vote for it, and predict that the day
will come when you will look back upon that vote
with pride and satisfaction.


In saying these things, sir, do not present
myself as the special champion of the colored
people, or any other cast or class in society bu
loathe injustice and oppression, whoever may be
its victims. Moreover sir, love my native State
and would have her tho Gibralter of freedom
as we'll as the Keystone Of the Union. aul
proud of her benevolent institutions of her sys'
tenn of common schools Of the industrious, pat
riotic and intelligent character of her people, To
promote hec wolfaic and preserve her good name,
is the first wish Of my heart. 1 love the glorious
prncip Piles upon which her institutions are based
and cannot see her depart from them without rails.
ing my humble voice to prevent it.