The original of this book is in the Cornell University Library. There are no known copyright restrictions in the United States on the use of the text. http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924030469542 STATE DOCUMENTS ON Federal Relations THE STATES AND THE UNITED STATES. BDITBD WITH NOTES BY HERMAN V. AMES, Ph.D. PUBLISHED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF HISTORY, OF THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA. Sold by the Department of History, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pa. , and by Longmans, Green & Co., New York. i PHILADBLPHIA, I906. Copyright, 1906. By HERMAN V. AMES. CONTENTS. NUMBER. FAOK. 1. Rhode Island seeks a Commercial Union. 1789 . . . . .1 2. Virginia on Assumption of State Debts. 1790 2 Georgia and the Federal Judiciary. 1793 . . ... 7 3. Message of Governor Telfair . . 8 4. Act Declaratory of Retained Sovereignty of the State. 9 New Hampshire and the Federal Judiciary. .... II 5. First Remonstrance of the Legislature. 1794 12 6. Second Remonstrance of the Legislature. 1795. . . 13 Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions. 1798, 1799 . 15 Replies of the States. 1799 . ..... . , . . 16 7. Delaware to Virginia . . 16 8. Rhode Island to Virginia - . . . .... 17 9. Massachusetts to Virginia. . . 18 10. The Pennsylvania House to Kentucky. . . 20 11. The Pennsylvania House to Virginia . . . . .22 12. The New York Senate to Virginia and Kentucky . . 22 13. Connecticut to Virginia . 24 14. New Hampshire to Virginia and Kentucky. 24 15. Vermont to Virginia. . ... 25 Massachusetts on the Embargo. 1809. . 26 16. Answer of the Senate .... ,28 17. Answer of the House .29 18. Resolution on the Enforcement Act . 34 19. Delaware and the Embargo. 1809 . 36 Connecticut and the Enforcement Act. 1809. ... 38 20. Speech of Governor Trumbull . . 39 21. Resolutions of the General Assembly .40 22. Rhode Island on the Embargo. 1809 . . ... 42 Pennsylvania and the Federal Judiciary. 1809 . . . 45 23. Resolutions of the Legislature ... .46 24. Reply of the General Assembly of Virginia. 1810 49 25. Rejoinder of the House of Representatives of Pennsylvania. 1810 , 51 26. Resolutions of Pennsylvania against the Bank. 181 1. ... 52 27. Resolutions of Virginia against the Bank. 181 1. . 54 Massachusetts and the Militia Question. 1S12-14. . . 54 (3) 4 CONTENTS. NUMBER. PAGE. 28. Letter of Governor Strong to Secretary ofWar. 1812. 56 29. Opinion of the Judges of Massachusetts. 1812 . 57 30. Connecticut on the Militia Question. 1812 . . . 59 31. Rhode Island and the Militia Question. I812 . 62 32. Vermont and the Militia Question. 18 13-14 ... 63 Governor Chittenden's Speech. 1813 . . . . . . 64 33. Massachusetts on Extension of Territorial Limits. 1813. 65 34. Massachusetts on the Embargo. 1814 . . ■ 6g 35. Connecticut on the Conscription Bill. 1814 • 76 Massachusetts and the Call of the Hartford Convention. 1814 • • 77 36. Report adopted by the General Court ... 78 37. Circular Letter calling the Convention . . -79 38. Rhode Island's Resolutions of Acceptance. . . . . .81 39. Resolutions of the Hartford Convention. 1815. . 83 Replies of the States. 1815 86 40. Reply of New Jersey. ... 86 41. Reply of New York ... 87 42. Resolutions of Pennsylvania against the Bank. 1819 89 Replies of the States. . 90 43. Reply of South Carolina. 1821 , . . ... 91 44. Reply of New York. 1823 ... .... . . 92 45 Ohio on the Bank and Federal Judiciary. 1821 , . 93 46. Reply of Massachusetts. 1822 . . loi 47. Virginia on Jurisdiction of the Federal Courts. 1821 . . . 103 Kentucky and the Federal Judiciary. 1821-25 105 48. Message of Governor Adair. 1823 106 49. Resolutions of the Legislature. 1823. ... . 107 50. Remonstrance of the Legislature. 1824 108 Kentucky and the Federal Judiciary ( Continued) in 51. Message of Governor Desha. 1825 112 Georgia and the Creek Indians Controversy. 1825—27 113 52. Letter of Governor Troup to General Gaines. 1825 115 53. Letter of Governor Troup to the War Department. 1825 . 116 54. Letter of Governor Troup to the Secretary of War. 1825 .• 118 55. Resolutions of the Legislature. 1826. . -119 56. Letter of Governor Troup to Georgia Delegation. 1827. . . 122 57. Resolutions of the Legislature. 1827 . . . 123 Georgia and the Jurisdiction of the Cherokees. 1826-31 124 58. Resolutions of the Legislature. 1827. . 125 59. The Legislature and the Case of Tassels. . . . 127 Georgia and the Jurisdiction of the Cherokees ( Continued). 1831-35 128 60. Message of Gov. Lumpkin relative to Worcester. 1831 129 Resolutions of other States on Georgia's action . 1 150 CONTENTS. 5 NUMBER. FAGB. 6l. Report and Resolutions of Connecticut. 183I 131 Tariff and Internal ImpTOTcments 133 63. Report of House of Representatives of South Carolina. 1820 134 63-65. South Carolina on Powers of Federal Government. 1824-25 136-139 66-67. Resolves of Virginia. 1826-27 140-143 68. South Carolina and the Harrisburg Convention. 1827. . 144 69. Georgia on the Tariff and Internal Improvements. 1827. 146 70. North Carolina on the Tariff. 1828 I48 71. Remonstrance of Alabama. 1828 150 72. Counter Resolutions. 1828 151 Remonstrance Against the Tariff of 1828 152 73. Resolutions of South Carolina. 1828 152 74-75. Georgia on the Tariff of 1828 '53-155 76. Resolutions of Mississippi. 1829, 156 77. Resolutions of Virginia. 1829 156 78-80. Counter Resolutions of Kentucky, Louisiana and Pennsyl- vania. 1830-32 i . . . . 158-163' » Progress of Nullification in South Carolina 164 81. Resolutions on State Rights. 1830 165** 82. The Nullification Movement and the Reply to Jackson. I 1831. . 165-168 83. Ordinance of Nullification. 1832 ... ... 169 / 84. Reply to Jackson's Proclamation. 1832 173 85. South Carolina's Call for a Convention. 1832 . . 176 ^ 86. Delaware's Reply to South Carolina's Call. 1833. ... 177 Replies of the Co-States to South Carolina. 1832-33. 178 87. Georgia on a Southern Convention . ... 179 88. Alabama Proposes a Convention . . . . 180 89. Resolves of North Carolina . 183 90. Report and Resolves of Mississippi 183 91. Resolves of Virginia 185 92. South Carolina's Final Action. 1833. ... . 188* The North-Eastem Boundary Controversy. 1831-32 190 93. Resolutions of Maine. 1832 190 94. Resolutions of Massachusetts. 1832 . . .... 191 Early Resolutions on Slavery , 193 95. The House of Representatives on the Powers of Congress, 1790 .... 194 96. Resolutions of Virginia on Colonization, 1800-1816 . . 195 The Missouri Contest, 1819-1830 . 196 97-100. Resolutions of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Virginia and Vermont. . . . 197-203 6 CONTENTS. NUMBER. PAGE. loi. Ohio on Emancipation and Colonization, 1824 . . . 203 102-104. South Carolina's Reply to Ohio and the Federal Govern- ment, 1824 .. . 204-208 105. Message of Governor Troop of Georgia, 1825 208 Resolutions on the Colonization Society, 1 827- 1832 . . . 209 106. Resolutions of Delaware, 1827 .... . 210 107. Resolutions of Georgia, 1827 ... 211 The South on the Abolition Question, 1831-39 214 108. Resolutions of South Carolina, 1835 . . .... 216 Reply of the Northern States, 1836-39 . . 220 109. New York in Reply to the South . . . . 220 Slavery in the District of Columbia and the Right of Peti- tion, 1836-44 . 221 no. Resolutions of Massachusetts, 1837 222 111. Resolutions of New York, 1840 223 Annexation of Texas, 1837-45 224 112. Resolution of Vermont, 1837 225 113. Report of the Legislature of Mississippi, 1837 225 114. Report and Resolution of Alabama, 1 837 227 115. Resolution of South Carolina, 1844 . . 229 116-117. Massachusetts opposes annexation, 1843-45 229-232 Inter-State Controversies, 1837-43 232 118. South Carolina on Georgia-Maine Controversy, 1839 . . 234 119. Virginia's Controversy with New York, 1840 235 120. Resolutions of Mississippi, 1841 . , 235 South Carolina's controversy with Massachusetts 237 121. Resolution of South Carolina, 1844 , 238 Replies to Massachusetts' proposal to abolish representa- tion for slaves . 239 122. Virginia Reply, 1844 . . . . 239 123. Massachusetts against the Mexican War and Slavery. 1847 . 241 124-125. Resolutions on the Wilmot Proviso. 1846-50 . 243-247 126. Vermont on Slavery. 1847 • • • 247 Demand for New Fugitive Slave Law . . 249 127. Virginia on Rendition of Fugitive Slaves. 1S49 . . 250 Calling a Southern Convention. 1850 253 128. Mississippi Calls a Southern Convention. 1850 . 254 Resolutions on Proposed Compromise Measures. . 258 129. Resolutions of Georgia. Feb., 1850 . . 259 130. Resolutions of Connecticut. 1850 , 261 131. Resolutions of the Nashville Convention. 1850 262 Actions of the Southern States on the Compromise 269 CONTENTS. NUMBER. 13a. The Georgia Platform. Dec, 1850 133. South Carolina Asserts Right of Secession. 1850-52 134. Virginia on Action of South Carohna. 1851. The North on the Compromise 135. New Jersey on the Compromise. 1852 136. Louisiana on the Cuban Situation. 1854 137-138. Resolutions on the Kansas-Nebraska Bill. 1854. 139-140. Resolutions on the Kansas-Nebraska Act. 1854.-55 . 141. Massachusetts on the Fugitive Slave Law. 1 855. . . 142-143, Resolutions on the Disturbance in Kansas. 1855-57 144. Resolutions on the Assault upon Sumner. 1856 . . 145-146. Resolutions on the Dred Scott Decision. 1857-59 . . 147. Resolutions on the Lecompton Constitution. 1857-58. 148. Wisconsin Defies the Federal Courts. 1859 . 149. New York Denounces the Slave Trade. 1859. . . Resolutions on the Harper's Ferry Raid. 1859 150. Tennessee Condemns the Republican Party. 1859 151. South Carolina Proposes a Southern Convention. 1859 Inauguration of the Secession Movement. i86o 152. The Mississippi Legislature Justifies Secession, i860 153-154. Coercion or Compromise. 1860-61 Extension of the Secession Movement . . . 155. Mississippi on the Causes of Secession. 1861 . . . PAGE. 271 272 27s 277 278 280 280-383 284-288 288 289-293 293 295-298 299-302 303 305 306 308 309 310 3" 313-316 317 3>8 PREFACE. The following collection of documents on the relations of the Stales to the Federal Government, 1 789-1861, comprises typical papers covering the official action of various states in different sections of the country, relative to the chief political and consti- tutional issues in our history. The documents have been selected especially with a view to illustrate the development of the doc- trines of broad and strict construction, the prevalence of the " compact theory " of the Constitution and the doctrine of" State Rights," State opposition to the Federal Judiciary, and the differ- ent phases of the slavery controversy, culminating in the seces- sion movement. The truth of the statement of Alexander John- ston, that " Almost every State in the Union in turn declared its own sovereignity and denounced as almost treasonable similar declarations in other cases by other States," is fully sustained by the following documents. In making the collection I was soon confronted by the fact that some of the most valuable illustrative material could only be secured with great difficulty, owing to the inaccessibility or scarcity of the volumes containing the desired documents, or the record of legislative action. Indeed I early learned that nothing approaching a complete collection of the legislative documents of the several States was in existence, although the authorities of the Congressional Library and the New York Public Library were endeavoring to secure such. As a result of this experience I have been deeply impressed with the importance of more attention being paid to the collection and systematic study of this class of State documents, for I believe that only in the light of these records can we realize the full significance of our national de- velopment. PREFACE. This compilation was prompted primarily to meet the need for illustrative material in connection with courses in the Constitu- tional History of the United States given in the University of Pennsylvania. In view of the fact that so few of the resolutions of the State Legislatures and other official documents of the various States were accessible to the general reader, it was believed that a publication of a series of selections from these important, but little used sources would be welcomed by others. This expecta- tion has been fulfilled by the reception given to the successive numbers as they have appeared. With the completion of the series, in the hope of increasing their value and facilitating their use, the several numbers are now presented in one volume. Herman V. Ames. Philadelphia, October 30th, igot. STATE DOCUMENTS ON FEDERAL RELATIONS: THE STATES AND THE UNITED STATES. I. Memorial from the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations. September Session, 1789. In June of 1789, the Rhode Island Assembly for the sixth time defeated a reposition to call a convention to consider the ratification of the Federal onstitution, but hoping to avert hostile tariff legislation by Congress, it had issed in May an impost law providing for the collection of the same duties on iports as Congress might lay upon imports into the Union. In September, ter re-enacting the law passed by Congress (July 31, I U. S. Stat, at Large, J), they sent the following memorial, an overture for a commercial union. Dngress, anticipating the receipt of the memorial, passed an act suspending e impost law in favor of Rhode Island and North Carolina until January 15, rgo. (Sept. 15, I U. S. Stat, at Large, 100. Memorial received, Sept. 26, •.nate yournal, I Cong., 89 (ed. 1820).) Finally the Rhode Island Assem- y called a convention for March I, 1790, and requested a further suspension ■ the revenue laws. Congress granted an extension until April I. The con- ;ntion, however, adjourned without completing its work to May 24. In con- quence of its action, the Senate on May 18 passed a bill prohibiting all immercial Intercourse with Rhode Island after the 1st of July next, and ithoiizing the government to demand of that State the payment of its portion the continental debt without delay. {Annals of Cong., i, 976; S. y., 1 ing., 142.) This attitude of the Senate, together with the open threats of erclon in the public press, apparently had an important influence on the nvention. That body ratified the constitution, May 29, 1790, by a vote of . to 32, also proposing a series of amendments. References: The text is from Rhode Island Colonial Records, X, 356, also ghtly changed in American State Papers, Miscellaneous, I, 10. For the. 2 STATE DOCUMENTS history, of prime importance is F. G. Bates, Rhode Island and the Formation of the Union, Chaps. V, VI (N. Y., 1898); cf. Arnold's Rhode Island, II, 536-564 (4th ed.); Curtis, Constitution, II, 598-604 (ed. i860), or I, 692- 697 (ed. 1897); 'SSaol'^ Debates, I, 336, 337. To the Fresident, Senate and House of Representatives of the eleven United States of America, in Congress assembled: The critical situation in which the people of this state are placed, engage us to make these assurances, in the behalf of their attachment and friendship to their sister states, and of their disposition to cultivate mutual harmony and friendly intercourse. They know themselves to be a handful, comparatively viewed, and although they now stand as it were, alone, they have not separated themselves, or departed from the principles of that Confederation which was formed by the sister states, in their struggle for freedom and in the hour of danger. They seek by this memorial to call to your remembrance the hazard which we have run, the hardships we have endured, the treasures we have spent, and "the blood we have lost together in one cominon cause, and especially the object we had in view — the preservation of our liberty — wherein ability considered they may truly say, they were, equal in exertions with the foremost. The effects whereof in great embarrassments and other distresses, consequent thereon, ■we have since experienced with severity, which common sufferings and common danger we hope and trust will yet form a bond of union and friendship not easily to be broken. Our not having acceded to or adopted the new system of government found and adopted by most of our sister s.tates, we doubt not have given uneasiness to them. That we have not seen our way clear to do it, consistent with our idea of the principle upon which we all embarked together, has also given pain to us ; we have not doubted but we might thereby avoid present difficulties, but we have apprehended future mischief. The people of this state from its first settlement have been accustomed and strongly attached to a democratical form of government. They have read in the constitution an approach toward that form of govern- ment from which we have lately dissolved our connection at so much hazard of expense of life and treasure, — they have seen with pleasure the administration thereof, from the most important MEMORIAL OF RHODE ISLAND 2 trusts downward, committed to men who have highly merited, and in whom the people of the United States place unbounded confidence. Yet, even on this circumstance, in itself so fortunate, they have apprehended danger by way of precedent. Can it be thought strange then, that with these impressions, they should wait to see the proposed system organized and in operation, to see what further checks and securities' would be agreed to, etc. [and] established by way of amendments before they would adopt it as a constitution of government for themselves and their pos- terity? These amendments we believe have already afforded some relief and satisfaction to the minds of the people of this state : And we earnestly look for the time, when they may with clearness and safety, be again united with their sister states under a con- stitution and form of government so well poised, as neither to need alteration or be liable thereto by a majority only of nine states out of thirteen, a circumstance which may possibly take place against the sense of a majority of the people of the United States. We are sensible of the extremes to which democratical govern- ment is sometimes liable; something of which we have lately experienced, but we esteem them temporary and partial evils compared with the loss of liberty and the rights of a free people. Neither do we apprehend they will be marked with severity by our sister states, when it is considered that during the late trouble, the whole United States, notwithstanding their joint wisdom and efforts, fell into the like misfortune. That from our extraordinary exertions, this state was left in a situation nearly as embarrassing at that during the war. That in the measures which were adopted, government unfortunately had not the aid and support from the monied interest, which our sister states of New York and the Carolinas experienced under similar circumstances, and especially when it is considered that upon some abatement of that fermentation in the minds of the people which is so common in the collision of sentiments and of parties, a disposition appears to provide a remedy for the difficulties we have labored under on that account. We are induced to hope that we shall not be altogether con- sidered as foreigners, having no particular affinity or connection 4 STATE DOCUMENTS with the United States. But that trade and commerce upon which the prosperity of this state much depends, will be pre- served as free and open between this and the United States as our different situations at present can possibly admit. Earnestly desiring and proposing to adopt such commercial regulations on our part as shall not tend to defeat the collection of the revenue of the United States, but rather to act in conformity to, or cor- porate [co-operate] therewith, and desiring also to give the strongest assurances that we shall during our present situation use our utmost endeavors to be in preparation, from time to time, to answer our proportion of such part of the interest or principal of the foreign and domestic debt, as the United States shall judge expedient to pay and discharge. We feel ourselves attached by the strongest ties of friendship, kindred and of interest with our sister states, and we cannot without the greatest reluctance look to any other quarter for those advantages of commercial intercourse which we conceve to be more natural and recprocal between them and us.^ 2. Virginia on the Assumption of State Debts. December 23, 1790. Virginia especially was opposed to the act for the assumption of State debts, as she had already paid off the greater portion of her revolutionary debt. Jefferson, nearly a month prior to the adoption of this memorial, wrote Morris: " The States of Virginia and North Carolina are peculiarly dissatisfied with this measure. I believe, however, that it is harped on by many to mask their disaffection to the government on other grounds. Its great foe in Virginia is an implacable one." (Patrick Henry.) Jefferson's Works, (ed. 1854), III 198; Writings (Ford's ed.), V, 250. In addition to this memorial, the Legislature of Virginia also passed reso lutions, Dec. 21, 1790, one of which pronounced the law in question " repug nant to the Constitution of the United States, as it goes to the exercise of a power not expressly granted to the general government." Hening's Statutes. XIII, 234. As soon as this resolution had passed the House of Delegates, Hamilton wrote to Chief Justice Jay: "This is the first symptom of a spirit which must either be killed or will kill the Constitution of the United States ' The formal indorsement is omitted, which practice will be followed usually VIRGINIA ON ASSUMPTION 5 I send the resolution to you that it may be considered what ought to be done. Ought not the collective weight of the different parts of the Govern- ment to be employed in exploding the principles they contain ?' ' Correspond- ence and Public Papers of jfohn jfay. III, 405. (N. Y., 1891.) Jay replied: " To treat them as very important might render them more so than I think they are. * * * The assumption will do its own work; it will justify itself, and not want advocates. Every indecent interference of State assem- blies will diminish their influence; the national government has only to do what is right and, if possible, be silent. If compelled to speak, it should be in a few words strongly evinced of temper, dignity, and self-respect." Ibid., 410. These resolutions were presented to the Senate by Monroe on January 13, 1791, and to the House by Madison on the following day, and communicated by the President on January 17, but Congress took no important action thereon. In Maryland resolutions pronouncing assumption as dangerous to the inde- pendent existence of the State government were defeated by the casting vote of the Speaker of the House. North Carolina likewise condemned the measure in vigorous language. References: Text in Hening's Statutes, XIII, 237-239 (PhUa., 1823); also in Amer. State Papers, Finance, I, 90, 91 . For comments, see Jefferson's Works, III, 152, 166, 167, 198; Jay's Correspondence and Public Papers, III, 405, 410; Hamilton's History of the Republic, IV, 479, 480; McMaster's United States, I, 593. For references on the previous opposition to funding in Congress, see MacDonald's Documents, 47; Channing and Hart's Guide, §158- In the House of Delegates, ] Thuesday, the I 6th of December, 1790. j The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Virginia to the United States in Congress assembled. Represent, That it is with great concern they find themselves compelled, from a sense of duty, to call the attention of Congress to an act of their last session, intitled "An act making provision for the debt of the United States," which the General Assembly conceive neither policy, justice nor the constitution warrants. Republican policy in the opinion of your memorialists could scarcely have suggested those clauses in the aforesaid act, which limit the right of the United States, in their redemption of the public debt. On the contrary they discern a striking resemblance between this system and that which was introduced into England, at the revo- lution; a system which has perpetuated upon that nation an enormous debt, and has moreover insinuated into the hands of 6 STATE DOCUMENTS the executive, an unbounded influence, which pervading every branch of the government, bears down all opposition, and daily threatens the destruction of everything that appertains to English liberty. The same causes produce the same effects ! In an agricultural country like this, therefore to erect, and concentrate, and perpetuate a large monied interest, is a measure which your memorialists apprehend must in the course of human events produce one or other of two evils, the prostration of agriculture at the feet of commerce, or a change in the present form of foederal government, fatal to the existence of American liberty. The General Assembly pass by various other parts of the said act which they apprehend will have a dangerous and impolitic tendency, and proceed to show the injustice of it as it applies to this Commonwealth. * * * Your memorialists turn away from the impolicy and injustice of the said act, and view it in another light, in which to them it appears still more odious and deformed. During the whole discussion of the foederal constitution by the convention of Virginia, your memorialists were taught to believe ' That every power not granted was retained," under this im- pression and upon this positive condition, declared in the instru- ment of ratification, the said government was adopted by the people of this Commonwealth ; but your memoralists can find no clause in the constitution authorizing Congress to assume the debts of the states ! As the guardians then of the rights and interests of their constituents, as sentinels placed by them over the ministers of the foederal government, to shield it from their encroachments, or at least to sound the alarm when it is threat- ened with invasion, they can never reconcile it to their con- sciences, silently to acquiesce in a measure, which violates that hallowed maxim : a maxim on the truth and sacredness of which the foederal government depended for its adoption in this Com- monwealth. But this injudicious act not only deserves the censure of the General Assembly, because it is not warranted by the constitution of the United States, but because it is repugnant to an express provision of that constitution ; this provision is " That all debts contracted and engagements entered into, before the adoption of this constitution, shall be as valid against the United States under this constitution as under the confederation," GEORGIA AND THE FEDERAL JUDICIARY 7 which amounts to a constitutional ratification of the contracts respecting the state debts in the situation in which they existed under the confederation, and resorting to that standard there can be no doubt that in the present question the rights of states as contracting with the United States must be considered as sacred. The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Virginia con- fide so fully in the justice and wisdom of Congress upon the present occasion, as to hope that they will revise and amend the aforesaid act generally, and repeal in particular, so much of it as relates to the assumption of the state debts. December the 23d, 1790. Agreed to by the Senate. Georgia and the Federal Judiciary. 1792, 1793. A suit instituted by Chisholm agaipst the State of Georgia came up for a hearing before the Supreme Court in the August term of 1792, but the case was postponed to the February term of the next year, in order that the State of Georgia might have time to deliberate on the measures she ought to adopt. A resolution was introduced into the Georgia House of Representatives, De- cember 14, 1792, declaring that this suit " if acquiesced in by this State would not only involve the same in numberless law-suits for papers issued from the Treasury thereof to supply the armies of the United States, and perplex the citizens of Georgia with perpetual taxes, in addition to those the injustice of the funding system of the United States hath already imposed upon them, but would effectually destroy the retained sovereignty of the States, and would actually tend in its operation to annihilate the very shadow of State govern- ment, and to render them but tributary corporations to the government of the United States," therefore the State of Georgia would not be bound by the de- cision of the Supreme Court in such cases, but would regard it "as unconsti- tutional and extra-judicial." It further recommended " an explanatory amend- ment " to the constitution. Apparently the resolution was not adopted, but it represents the policy which the State followed. At the February term of the Supreme Court a written remonstrance on behalf of the State was presented, but otherwise the State declined to appear. The opinion of the Court was ren- dered February 18, 1793. It was ordered that unless Georgia should appear, or show cause by the first day of the next term, judgment by default should be entered against the State. At the opening of the next session of the Legisla- ture of Georgia, in November, 1793, the Governor called attention to the case in his message as given below. The House of Representatives adopted a re- port authorizing the preparation of an address to the I^egislatures of the several 8 STATE DOCUMENTS States, "requesting their concurrence in a proposal for an explanatory amend- ment to the Constitution of the United States, in the second section of the third article," and they also passed a bill, " Declaratory of the retained sov- ereignty of the State" an extract from which follows. Apparently this meas- ure did not pass the Senate, as the present Secretary of States writes that an examination of the manuscript laws for 1793 fails to disclose it. State sovereignty was aroused elsewhere ; two days after the decision of the Court was pronounced a proposed amendment, containing the exact language of the present eleventh amendment, was introduced in Congress by Senator Sedgwick of Massachusetts, against which State a similar suit was pending. The Legislatures of Massachusetts, Connecticut and Virginia each proposed an amendment; the former declaring that the power claimed by the Supreme Court was " dangerous to the peace, safety and independence of the several States and repugnant to the first principles of a Federal Government." Vir- ginia pronounced " the decision of the Supreme Federal Court incompatible with and dangerous to the Sovereignty and Independence of the Individual States, as the same tends to a general consolidation of- these confederated Re- publicks." Congress sent the proposed amendment to the States March J, 1794, and its ratification was announced by a message of the President, Jan- uary 8, 1798. At the February term of the Supreme Court 1794, judgment was rendered for the plaintiff, and a " Writ of Enquiry " awarded, but never executed, as the adoption of the eleventh amendment prevented the threatened conflict of authority. References: The Texts are in The Augusta Chronicle and Gazette of the State, December 22, 1792; November (j, 16, 23, and December"], 1793. This paper contains the House Journal.' Massachusetts resolutions, Resolves of Mass. (MS.), IX, 108; Copy of Connecticut and Virginia resolutions in Massa- chusetts Archives. In HoUingsvvorth v. Virginia (1798), 3 Dallas, 378, it was held that the XI Amendment applied to prior cases. Chisholm v. Georgia, 2 Dallas, 419, 479, 480. For history of this case and the amendment, see Cohen V. Virginia, 6 Wheaton, 406; Ames, Proposed Amendments, Amer. Hist. Assoc. Report, 1896, II, 156, 157, 322; McMaster, II, 182-186; V, 402; Story, Commentaries, II, 481, 482. Thorpe, Const. History I, 176-178. 3. Extracts from the Message of Governor Edward Telfair, Dated November 4, 1793. The Augusta Chronicle and Gazette of the State, Saturday, November g, ifgs. Notwithstanding certain amendments have taken place in the ZFederal Constitution, it still rests with the State Legislatures to » I am indebted to Mr. William Harden, Librarian Georgia Historical Society, for tran- scripts of these texts and examination of newspaper files. GEORGIA AND THE FEDERAL JUDICIARY g act thereon as circumstances may dictate. A process from the Supreme Court of the United States, at the instance of Chis- holm. Executor of Farquhar, has been served on me and the Attorney General. I declined entering any appearance, as this would have introduced a precedent replete with danger to the Republic, and would have involved this state in complicated difiSculties abstracted from the infractions it would have made on her retained sovereignty. The singular predicament to which she has been reduced by savage inroads has caused an emission of paper upwards of one hundred and fifty thousand pounds since the close of the late war, a considerable part of which is yet outstanding, and which in good faith and upon constitutional principles is the debt of the United States. I say were action admissible under such grievous circumstances, an annihilation of her political existence must follow. To guard against civil discord as well as the impending danger, permit me most ardently to request your most serious attention to the measure of recommending to the Legislatures of the several States that they effect a remedy in the premises by an amendment to the constitution ; and that to give further weight to this matter the delegation of this state in Congress be required to urge that body to propose such an amendment to the said several Legis- latures. « * * 4. Act Declaratory of the Retained Sovereignty of the State. Extracts from Ihe Journal of the House of Representatives, Tuesday, November 19, T793. The Augusta Chronicle and Gazette of ihe State, Saturday^ November 23, and December 7, 1793. The House proceeded to resolve itself into a committee of the- whole, to take under consideration a bill to be entitled an act declaratory of certain parts of the retained sovereignty of the State of Georgia — Mr. Speaker left the chair. Mr. McNeil took the chair of the committee— and some time being spent therein, Mr. Speaker resumed the chair, and Mr. McNeil from the committee of the whole reported that the com- mittee had taken the said bill under consideration, had gone lO STATE DOCUMENTS through the same, and had made several amendments thereto, which he reported. And the bill as reported amended, being read, a motion was made by Mr. Waldburger to strike out the following section therein : And be it further enacted. That any Federal Marshal, or any other person or persons levying, or attempting to levy, on the territory of this State, or any part thereof, or on the Treasury, or any other property belonging to the said State, or on the property of the Governor or Attorney- General, or any of the people thereof, under or by virtue of any execution or other compulsory process issuing out of or by authority of the Supreme Court of the United States, or any other Court having jurisdiction under their authority, or which may at any period hereafter under the constitution of the said United States, as it now stands, be con- stituted, for, or in behalf of the before mentioned Alexander Chrisholm, Executor of Robert Farquhar, or for, or in behalf of, any other person or persons whatsoever, for the payment or recovery of any debt, or pretended debt, or claim, against the said State of Georgia, shall be, and he or they attempting to levy as aforesaid are hereby declared to be guilty of felony, and shall suffer death, without the benefit of clergy, by being hanged. And on the question for striking out as aioresaid, the yeas and nays being required, are as follows : Yeas. Messrs. Bamett, Burnett, Games, Fort, R. Jones, J. Jones of Chatham, Waldburger, and Winn-8. Nays. Messrs. Barrow, Early, Greer, Howell, Hardin, Harris, J. Jones of Burke, G. Jones, Jack, Kemp, Lanier, M'Neil, Rutherford, Simms, Stuart, Walker, Watkins, Worsham, and Wilkinson— 19. So the motion was lost. Ordered, That the bill be engrossed for a third reading. Extracts from the Journal of the House of Representatives, Thursday, November 21, 1793 : * * * A bill to be entitled an act declaratory of certain parts of the retained sovereignty of the State of Georgia was read the third time. And on motion made — Resolved, That the bill be inserted at full length on the journals of this House. NEW HAMPSHIRE AND THE JUDICIARY 1 1 Resolved, That the bill do pass under the title of " An act declaratory of certain parts of the retained sovereignty of the State of Georgia." Ordered, That the clerk do carry the same to the Senate and desire their concurrence. New Hampshire and the Federal Judiciary. 1794, 1795- The first of the following remonstrances was due to a decision rendered by the United States Circuit Court for the District of New Hampshire, October 24, 1793, enforcing the decree of the Court of Appeals in Cases of Capture, in a case growing out of the capture of the brigantine ' ' Susannah " by the privateer the " McClary " in October, 1777. The latter vessel was owned and manned by citizens of New Hampshire, but was acting under the commission and author- ity of Congress. The Courts of New Hampshire condemned the " Susannah " and her cargo as lawful prize, and refused to grant an appeal to Congress as contrary to the law of the State. A petition for an appeal in this case {^Treadwell and Penhallow v. brig Susannah") was, however, sent to Con- gress, and its prayer granted by the Court of Commissioners, June 26, 1779, by virtue of the Resolves of Congress of November 25, 1775 {Journal of Con- gress [ed. 1800], I, 241, 242.) The case came up for trial before the legal successors of this body, the newly erected Court of Appeals in Cases of Capture (Resolves of January 15, 1780, Jour, of Cong., VI, 10) in September, 1783. This Court reversed the decision of the New Hampshire Courts. Here the case rested until Elisha Doane, one of the appellants, finally brought proceed- ings in the Federal Circuit Court of New Hampshire in 1793, with the result as indicated above. On a wi4tof error the case was brought before the Supreme Court of the United States, and jiidgment was given, February 24, 1795, in the case of Penhallow et al., v. Doane' s Administrators, maintaining the jurisdiction of the United States Courts, and confirming the decision of the in- ferior courts. The second of these remonstrances was presented to Congress three days later. References: Texts: Amer. State Papers, Misc., I, 79, 123, 124. See the case of Penhallow v. Doane, 3 Dallas, 54, for full facts in the case. For his- tory of the United States Courts prior to the adoption of the Constitution, and incidentally of this case, see J. F. Jameson, The Predecessor of the Supreme Court, in Essays in Const. History, ch. I; J. C. Bancroft Davis, Courts of Appeal in Prize Cases, 131 ■ United States Reports, Appx. xxix-xxxiv. 12 STATE DOCUMENTS 5. First Remonstrance of the Legislature, February 20, 1794. State of New Hampshire : To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States in Congress assembled : The remonstrance of the Legislature of the State of New Hampshire, showeih : — That the citizens of the State of New Hampshire adopted the federal constitution of the United States under the full conviction that more extensive general powers were necessary to be vested in Congress than they ever possessed or pretended that they possessed, when they were entirely dependent on the good-will or the resolves of the several States. But by this adoption they did not then intend, nor does their Legislature now choose to admit, that the confederation was in force prior to March, 1781, or that the federal constitution existed with respect to New Hampshire before June, 1788. That a question respecting the powers of Congress and the powers of the several States previous to the constitution or the confederation has been de- termined in the circuit court for the district of New Hampshire, held at Exeter on the 24th day of October, 1793, in which the foundation of the action was, whether this State, prior to an ex- press grant to Congress, had a right to pass a law final in every way concerning the capture of vessels by this State, or citizens thereof, from the British, the enemy we were then engaged with in war. That the determination of this circuit court was, that the State of New Hampshire had no such powers but that Con- gress, or a court commissioned by them, could nullify the laws of any particular State ; could control their several courts ; and that in fact, the constitution of 1789 was unnecessary to be adopted, as it contained no new grant of powers, but only a confirmation of old ones. ******* The states are forbidden by the federal constitution to make any retrospective laws. The Legislature conceived that Con- gress was under the same obligations ; and that their courts could not rejudge cases that were finally adjudged by courts existing prior to its adoption. In fact, the Legislature conceive, and feel no inclination to relinquish the idea, that Congress, in its NEW HAMPSHIRE AND THE JUDICIARY I 3 origin, was merely an advisory body, chosen by the several States to consult upon measures for the- general good of the whole; that the adoption of measures recommended by them was entirely in the breast of the several States or their Legislatures ; that no measure could be carried into effect in any State without its agreement thereto ; that the subsequent powers of Congress entirely depended upon the express grants of the State Legisla- tures; that the Legislature of this State, so far from agreeing to the exercise of the power by Congress or its courts, now determined by the circuit court to have belonged to them, on request from Congress, did not grant, but denied it; that the declaration of independence received effect from its being acceded to by the Legislatures of the several States ; and that the confederation was the first act binding upon the States which was not expressly agreed to by them individually ; that a declara- tion by any body whatever contrary thereto is subversive of the principles of the revolution ; unsettling all the proceedings of the State Governments prior to the existence of the constitution ; and will inevitably involve the States, and this State in particular, in confusion, and will weaken, if not perhaps destroy, the National Government; the true principles of which the State of New Hampshire has, and will always endeavor to maintain. The Legislature of New Hampshire, therefore, again protest and remonstrate against the exercise of any such powers by Congress, or any court or body of men appointed by them, and request that measures may be taken to prevent and annihilate such illegal acts of power. 6. Second Remonstrance of the Legislature, January 16, 1795- To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States in Congress assembled : The Memorial of the Legislature of New Hampshire, showeth : That impelled by a firm attachment to the first principles of a free Government, and the accumulated distresses of a number of their citizens, they again remonstrate to Congress against a viola- tion of State independence and an unwarrantable encroachment in the courts of the United States. 14 STATE DOCUMENTS [Here follows a statement of the case as they view it.] That this State had a right to oppose the British usurpation in the way it thought best ; could make laws as it chose, with respect to every transaction where it had not explicitly granted the power to Congress; that the formation of courts for carrying those I laws into execution belonged only to the several States; that / Congress might advise and recommend, but the States only could ' enact and carry into execution ; and that the attempts repeatedly made to render the laws of this State in this respect null and void is a flagrant insult to the principle of the revolution ; is establish- ing a Government they hoped to be a blessing on the uniform plea of arbitrary power, on an implication of grants of jurisdiction not intended to be included, nor even in contemplation. Can the rage for annihilating all the power of the States, and reducing this extensive and flourishing country to one domination, make the administrators bUnd to the danger of violating all the principles of our former Government, to the hazard of convulsions in endeavoring to eradicate every trace of State power, except in the resentment of the people? Can the constitutional exercise of the power of Congress in future be in no other way established than by the belief that the former Congress always possessed the same? Can the remembrance of the manner of our opposition to tyranny, and the gradual adoption of federal ideas, be so pain- ful as to exclude (unless forced into view) the knowledge that Congress, in its origin, was merely an advisory body ; that it en- tirely depended upon the will of the several Legislatures to en- force any measure they might recommend ; that the inconveni- ences of this principle produced the confederation ; and, even at that late day, it was declared that powers not expressly delegated to Congress are reserved to the States, or the people, respectively ; that the experience of years, of the inefficacy of thirteen Legis- latures to provide for the wants and to procure the happiness of the American people, caused the adoption of the present constitu- tion — an adoption totally unnecessary, in point of principle, if the claims of former Congressional power are established. Forced by events, the Legislature of New Hampshire have made the foregoing statements ; and while they cheerfully acknow- ledge the power of Congress in cases arising under the constitu- KENTUCKY AND VIRGINIA RESOLUTIONS 15 tion, they equally resolve not to submit the laws, made before the existence of the present government by this (then independent State) to the adjudication of any power on earth, while the free- dom of the Federal Government shall afford any constitutional means of redress Impressed with the singular merits of the present case, and de- precating the many and complicated evils which must be the necessary consequence of establishing the power claimed by the courts of the United States, and its tendency to produce disaffec- tion to our Government, the Legislature of New Hampshire rest assured that a speedy and just decision will be had, and that the rights of State Governments and the interests of their citizens will be secured against the exercise of a power of a court, or any body of men under Congress, of carrying into effect an unconstitutional decree of a court instituted by a former Congress, and which, in its effects, would unsettle property and tear up the laws of the several states. Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions. 1798, 1799. It has been deemed unnecessary to reprint these resolutions in this series, as this has already been done in various publications. Among the most accessible and convenient of such reprints may be mentioned the following : American History Leaflets, No. 15. (loc. A. Lovell & Co., New York, 1894.) William MacDonald, Editor. Select Documents, illustrative of the History of the United States, 148-160. (The MacmillanCo., New York, 1898.) Howard W. Preston, Documents, illustrative of American History, 283-295. (Putnam's, New York, 1886.) The Federalist {¥ aid' s ed., New York, 1898), Appx. 679-686. Elliot's Zl^iato, 528-532, 540-545 (ed. 1861). For a fac- simile of a copy of the Kentucky resolutions of 1798, as sent to the other States, cf. Writings of Jefferson (Ford's ed.. New York, 1896), VII, inserted between pages 288 and 289. Jefferson's draft is to be found in his Writings (Ford's ed.), VII, 289-309; fTiJr/fi (ed. 1856), IX, 464-471. Also import- ant portions in Am. History Leaflets, No. is, 17-21. For history of the same, cf. E. D. War6eld, Kentucky Resolutions of ijgS (New York, 1887). For additional bibliography, cf. Channing and Hart, Guide to American History, § 165. 1 6 STATE DOCUMENTS Replies of the States. Copies of the Virginia and Kentucky resolutions were sent to the " Co- States." Replies were made to Virginia by the legislatures of New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York (different re- plies from the Senate and the House), Delaware, Pennsylvania (the House) and Maryland. Replies to Kentucky were adopted by the following: New Hampshire (same as to Virginia), Vermont, Rhode Island (similar as to Vir- ginia), Connecticut, New York (the House, same as to Virginia), Pennsylvania, Delaware (similar as to Virginia), Maryland (the House). No State seems to have adopted resolutions at this time approving of the Kentucky and Virginia resolutions. It was in answer to these replies that the second set of Kentucky resolutions (Nov. 22, 1799) and Madison's Report for the Virginia Legislature (1800) were adopted. The minority in the Virginia Legislature issued an " Address containing a Vindication of the Constitutionality of the Alien and Sedition Laws.'" References: The replies to Virginia from the New England States, the Senate of New York, and from Delaware are in Elliot's Debates (ed. 1861), IV, 532-539; also in a pamphlet entitled The Virginia and Kentucky Reso- lutions, etc., published by Jonathan Elhot (Washington, May, MDCCCXXXII), 9-15; additional replies are in The American Historical Review, V, 244-252, supplementing an important article by F. M. Anderson, on Contemporary Opinion of the Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions, ibid., 45-63, 225-244. The most important of the replies from eight of the States, either because of the previous or subsequent attitude of these States toward the Federal Govern- ment, or because of the declaration in regard to the function of the Federal Judiciary, are here re-printed. 7. Delaware to Virginia.' In the House of Representatives, Februaiy 1, 1799. Resolved, By the Senate and House of Representatives of the state of Delaware, in General Assembly met, that they consider the resolutions from the state of Virginia, as a very unjustifiable interference with the General Government and constituted au- thorities of the United States, and of dangerous tendency, and therefore not fit subject for the further consideration of the General Assembly. Isaac Davis, Speaker of the Senate. Stephen Lewis, Speaker of the House of Representatives. Test, John Fisher, C. S. John Caldwell, C. H. R? [Elliot's Va. andKy. Res., etc., 9]. ^ Similar reply sent to Kentucky. ' The formal indorsements are omitted in the other cases. REPLIES OF THE STATES 17 8. The State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations to Virginia.' In General Assembly, February, A. D. 1799. Certain resolutions of the Legislature of Virginia, passed on the 2 1 St of December last, being communicated to the Assembly, — 1 . Resolved, That, in the opinion of this legislature, the second section of the third article of the Constitution of the United States, in these words, to wit, — " The judicial power shall extend to all cases arising under the laws of the United States," — vests in the Federal Courts, exclusively, and in the Supreme Court of the United States, ultimately, the authority of deciding on the con- stitutionality of any act or law of the Congress of the United States. 2. Resolved, That for any state legislature to assume that au- thority would be — I St. Blending together legislative and judicial powers; 2d. Hazarding an interruption of the peace of the states by civil discord, in case of a diversity of opinions among the state legislatures ; each state having, in that case, no resort, for vindi- cating its own opinions, but the strength of its own arm ; 3d. Submitting most important questions of law to less com- petent tribunals ; and, 4th. An infraction of the Constitution of the United States, expressed in plain terms. 3. Resolved, That, although, for the above reasons, this legis- lature, in their public capacity, do not feel themselves authorized to consider and decide on the constitutionality of the Sedition and Alien laws, (so called,) yet they are called upon, by the ex- igency of this occasion, to declare that, in their private opinions, these laws are within the powers delegated to Congress, and pro- motive of the welfare of the United States. 4. Resolved, That the governor communicate these resolutions to the supreme executive of the state of Virginia, and at the same time express to him that this legislature cannot contemplate, with- out extreme concern and regret, the many evil and fatal conse- quences which may flow from the very unwarrantable resolutions aforesaid, of the legislature of Virginia, passed on the twenty-first day of December last. [Elliot's Va. and Ky. Res., 9, lo.} * Similar reply sent to Kentucky. 1 8 STATE DOCUMENTS 9. Massachusetts to Virginia. In Senate, February 9, 1799. The legislature of Massachusetts, having taken into serious con- sideration the resolutions of the state of Virginia, passed the 21st day of December last, and communicated by his excellency the governor, relative to certain supposed infractions of the Constitu- tion of the United States, by the government thereof ; and being convinced that the Federal Constitution is calculated to promote the happiness, prosperity, and safety, of the people of these United States, and to maintain that union of the several states, so essential to the welfare of the whole ; and being bound by solemn oath to support and defend that Constitution, feel it unnecessary to make any professions of their attachment to it, or of their firm determination to support it against every aggression, foreign or domestic. But they deem it their duty solemnly to declare that, while they hold sacred the principle, that consent of the people is the only pure source of just and legitimate power, they cannot admit the right of the state legislatures to denounce the administration of that government to which the people themselves, by a solemn compact, have exclusively committed their national concerns. That, although a liberal and enlightened vigilance among the people is always to be cherished, yet an unreasonable jealousy of the men of their choice, and a recurrence to measures of ex- tremity, upon groundless or trivial pretexts, have a strong ten- dency to destroy all rational liberty at home, and to deprive the United States of the most essential advantages in relations abroad. That this legislature are persuaded that the decision of all cases in law and equity arising under the Constitution of the United States, and the construction of all laws made in pursuance thereof, are exclusively vested by the people in the judicial courts of the United States. That the people, in the solemn compact, which is declared to be the supreme law of the land, have not constituted the state legislatures the judges of the acts or measures of the Federal Gov ernment, but have confided to them, the power of proposing such amendments of the Constitution, as shall appear to them necessary REPLIES OF THE STATES 1 9 to the interests, or conformable to the wishes, of the people whom they represent. That, by this construction of the Constitution, an amicable and dispassionate remedy is pointed out for any evil which experience may prove to exist, and the peace and prosperity of the United States may be preserved without interruption. But, should the respectable state of Virginia persist in the as- sumption of the right to declare the acts of the National Govern- ment unconstitutional, and should she oppose successfully her force and will to those of the nation, the Constitution would be reduced to a mere cypher, to the form and pageantry of authority, without the energy of power. Every act of the Federal Govern- ment which thwarted the views or checked the ambitious projects of a particular state, or of its leading and influential members, would be the object of opposition and of remonstrance ; while the people, convulsed and confused by the conflict between two hostile jurisdictions, enjoying the protection of neither, would be wearied into a submission to some bold leader, who would estab- lish himself on the ruins of both. The legislature of Massachusetts, although they do not them- selves claim the right, nor admit the authority, of any of the state governments, to decide upon the constitutionality of the acts of the Federal Government, still, lest their silence should be construed into disapprobation, or at best into a doubt as to the constitu- tionality of the acts referred to by the state of Virginia ; and as the General Assembly of Virginia has called for an expression of their sentiments, do explicitly declare, that they consider the acts of Congress, commonly called " the Alien and Sedition Acts," not only constitutional, but expedient and necessary. [Here follows a discussion of these acts.] * * * The legislature further declare, that in the foregoing sentiments they have expressed the general opinion of their constituents, who have not only acquiesced wthout complaint in those particular measures of the Federal Government, but have given their explicit approbation by re-electing those men who voted for the adoption of them. Nor is it apprehended, that the citizens of this state will be accused of supineness, or of an indifference to their con- stitutional rights ; for while, on the one hand, they regard with 20 STATE DOCUMENTS due vigilance the conduct of the government, on the other, their freedom, safety, and happiness require that they should defend that government and its constitutional measures against the open or insidious attacks of any foe, whether foreign or domestic. And, lastly, that the legislature of Massachusetts feel a strong conviction that the several United States are connected by a common interest, which ought to render their union indissoluble ; and that this state will always cooperate with its confederate states in rendering that union productive of mutual security, freedom, and happiness. In the House of Representatives, February 13,1799. Read and concurred. [Elliot's Va. and Ky. Res., 10-13.] 10. Resolutions of the House of Representatives of Penn- sylvania to Kentucky, February 9, 1799. Resolved, That in the opinion of this House the people of the United States have vested in their President and Congress, as well the right and power of determining on the intent and con- struction of the constitution, as on the ordinary subjects of legis- lation, and the defence of the Union ; and have committed to the supreme judiciary of the nation the high authority of ulti- mately and conclusively deciding upon the constitutionality of all legislative acts. The constitution does not contemplate, as vested or residing in the Legislatures of the several states, any right or power of declaring that any act of the general government " is not law, but is altogether void, and of no effect ;" and this House considers such declaration as a revolutionary measure, destructive of the purest principles of our State and national compacts. That it is with deep concern this House observes, in any section of our country, a disposition so hostile to her peace and dignity, as that which appears to have dictated the resolutions of the Legislature of Kentucky. Questions of so much delicacy and magnitude might have been agitated in a manner more conform- able to the character of an enlightened people, flourishing under a government adopted by themselves, and administered by the men of their choice. That this House view, as particularly inauspicious to the general AN.Aj± ijAj^o \^i: mn, oTATES 21 principles of liberty and good government, the formal declaration by a legislative body, " that confidence is everywhere the parent of despotism, and that free governments are founded in jealousy." The prevalence of such an opinion cuts asunder all the endearing relations in life, and renews, in the field of science and amity, the savage scenes of darker ages. Governments truly republican and free are eminently founded on opinion and confidence ; their execution is committed to representatives, selected by voluntary preference, and exalted by a knowledge of their virtues and their talents. No portion of the people can assume the province of the whole, nor resist the expression of its combined will. This House therefore protests against principles, calculated only to check the spirit of confidence, and overwhelm with dismay the lovers of peace, liberty and order. That this House consider the laws of the United States, which are the subjects of so much complaint, as just rules of civil con- duct, and as component parts of a system of defence against the aggressions of a nation, aiming at the dominion of the world — conducting her attacks more by the arts of intrigue, than by her skill in arms — never striking, until she has deeply wounded or destroyed the confidence of the people in their government — and, in fact, subduing more by the infamous aids of seduction, than by the strength of her numerous legions. The sedition and alien acts this House conceive contain nothing terrifying, but to the flagitious and designing. Under the former, no criminality can be infered or punishment inflicted, but for writing, printing, uttering, or publishing false, scandalous and malicious aspersions against the government, either House of Congress, or the Presi- dent of the United States, with an intent to defame and bring them into contempt. Under the latter, the citizens of the United States have not anything more to fear, inasmuch as its operation will only remove foreigners, whose views and conduct are inimical to a government, instituted only for the protection and benefit of the citizens of the United States, and others, whose quiet and submission give them some claim to the blessing. Yet these laws are subjects of loud complaint. But this House forbears an examination into the cause, and only expresses its surprise that such an opposition to them exists ! Our country's dearest interest 22 STATE DOCUMENTS demands everywhere unanimity and harmony in her councils, and this House is unable to discover any means more favourable to those important objects, than confidence in the wise and honest labours of those, in whose hands is reposed the sacred charge of preserving her peace and independence. The voice of the greater number the constitution declares shall pronounce the national will ; but in the opinion of this House the provision is vain, unless it be followed by the unfeigned and practical acqui- escence of the minor part. Loud and concerted appeals to the passions of the community are calculated to produce discussions more boisterous than wise, and effects more violent than useful. Our prayer therefore is, that our country may be saved from foreign war and domestic strife. That it is the opinion of this House, that it ought not to concur in the design of the resolutions of the Legislature of Kentucky. On motion of Mr. Kelly, seconded by Mr. Strickler, Resolved, That the foregoing resolution be signed by the Speaker, and that the Governor be requested to transmit the same to the Governor of Kentucky. [Journal of the House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Pennsyl- vania, ix, 198-200. (Philadelphia, 1799.)] II. Resolutions of the House of Representatives of Penn- sylvania to Virginia, March ii, 1799. Resolved, That as it is the opinion of this House that the prin- ciples contained in the resolutions of the Legislature of Virginia, relative to certain measures of the general government, are calculated to excite unwarrantable discontents, and to destroy the very existence of our government, they ought to be, and are hereby, rejected. [Journal of House of Representatives, ix, 289.] 12. Senate of New York to Virginia and Kentucky.' In Senate, March 5, 1799. Whereas, the people of the United States have established for themselves a free and independent national government : And * For reply of the House of Representatives, cf . Amer. Hist, Review, v, 248, 249. REPLIES OF IHE STATES 23 whereas it is essential to the existence of every government, that it have authority to defend and preserve its constitutional powers inviolate, inasmuch as every infringement thereof tends to its subversion : And whereas the judicial power extends expressly to all cases of law and equity arising under the Constitution and the laws of the United States, whereby the interference of the legislatures of the particular states in those cases is manifestly excluded : And, whereas, our peace, prosperity, and happiness, eminently depend upon the preservation of the Union, in order to which a reasonable confidence in the constituted authorities and chosen representatives of the people is indispensable : And. whereas, every measure calculated to weaken that confidence has a tendency to destroy the usefulness of our public functionaries, and to excite jealousies equally hostile to rational liberty, and the principles of a good republican government : And, whereas, the Senate, not perceiving that the rights of the particular states have been violated, nor' any unconstitutional powers assumed by the general government, cannot forbear to express the anxiety and regret with which they observe the inflammatory and pernicious sentiments and doctrines which are contained in the resolutions of the legislatures of Virginia and Kentucky — sentiments and doctrines no less repugnant to the Constitution of the United States, and the principles of their union, than destructive to the Federal Government, and unjust to those whom the people have elected to administer it j wherefore. Resolved, That while the Senate feel themselves constrained to bear unequivocal testimony against such sentiments and doc- trines, they deem it a duty no less indispensable, explicitly to declare their incompetency, as a branch of the legislature of this state, to supervise the acts of the General Government. Resolved, That his excellency, the governor, be, and he is hereby requested to transmit a copy of the foregoing resolution to the executives of the states of Viringia and Kentucky, to the end that the same may be communicated to the legislatures thereof. [Elliot's Va. and Ky. Res., 13, 14.] 24 STATE DOCUMENTS 13. Connecticut to Virginia/ May, 1799. At a General Assembly of the State of Connecticut, holden at Hartford, in the said State, on the second Thursday of May, Anno Domini 1799, his excellency, the Governor, having communicated to this Assembly sundry resolutions of the Legislature of Virginia, adopted in December, 1798, which relate to the measures of the general government, and the said resolutions having been consid- ered, it is Resolved, That this Assembly views with deep regret, and explicitly disavows, the principles contained in the aforesaid reso- lutions, and particularly the opposition to the "Alien and Sedition Acts " — acts which the Constitution authorized, which the exigency of the country rendered necessary, which the constituted authorities have enacted, and which merit the entire approbation of this Assembly. They, therefore, decidedly refuse to concur with the legislature of Virginia in promoting any of the objects attempted in the aforesaid resolutions. And it is further resolved. That his excellency, the Governor, be requested to transmit a copy of the foregoing resolutions to the Governor of Virginia, that it may be communicated to the Legislature of that State. [Passed both branches unanimously; Elliot's Va. and Ky. Res., 14.] 14. New Hampshire to Virginia and Kentucky, June 15, 1799. In the House of Representatives, yune 14, 1799. The committee to take into consideration the resolutions of the General Assembly of Virginia, dated December 21, 1798; also certain resolutions of the Legislature of Kentucky, of the loth November, 1798, report as follows : The Legislature of New Hampshire, having taken into consider- ation certain resolutions of the General Assembly of Virginia, dated December 21, 1798 ; also certain resolutions of the Legis- lature of Kentucky, of the loth of November, 1798 : Resolved, That the Legislature of New Hampshire unequivocally express a firm resolution to maintain and defend the Constitution of the United States, and the Constitution of this State, against ^ For reply to Kentucky, cf. Amer. Hist. Review, v, 247, 248. REPLIES OF THE STATES 25 every aggression, either foreign or domestic, and that they will support the government of the United States in all measures warranted by the former. That the State Legislatures are not the proper tribunals to deter- j mine the constitutionality of the laws of the general government ; / that the duty of such decision is properly and exclusively confided to the judicial department. That, if the Legislature of New Hampshire, for mere speculative purposes, were to express an opinion on the acts of the general government, commonly called " the Alien and Sedition Bills," that opinion would unreservedly be, that those acts are constitu- tional, and, in the present critical situation of our country, highly expedient. That the constitutionality and expediency of the acts aforesaid, have been very ably advocated and clearly demonstrated by many citizens of the United States, more especially by the minority of the General Assembly of Virginia. The Legislature of New Hampshire, therefore, deem it unnecessary, by any train of arguments, to attempt further illustration of the propositions, the truth of which, it is confidently believed, at this day, is very generally seen and acknowledged. Which report, being read and considered, was unanimously received and accepted, one hundred and thirty-seven members being present. In Senate, same day, read and concurred unanimously. [Elliot's Va. and Ky. Jies., 14, 15.] 15. Vermont to Virginia,' October 30, 1799. In the House of Representatives, October 30, A. D. 1799. The House proceeded to take under their consideration the resolutions of the General Assembly of Virginia, relative to certain measures of the general government, transmitted to the Legislature of this State, for their consideration : Whereupon, Resolved, That the General Assembly of the State of Vermont do highly disapprove of the resolutions of the General Assembly of Virginia, as being unconstitutional in their nature, and dan- 1 For protest of the minority, cf. Amer. Hist. Review, V, 249-252. 26 STATE DOCUMENTS gerous in their tendency. It belongs not to State Legislatures to decide on the constitutionality of laws made by the general gov- ernment; this power being exclusively vested in the judiciary courts of the Union. That his excellency, the governor, be requested to transmit a copy of this resolution to the executive of Virginia, to be communicated to the General Assembly of that State : And that the same be sent to the Governor and Council for their concurrence. In Council, October 30, 1799. Read and concurred unani- mously. [Elliot's Va. andKy. Res., 15.] The General Court of Massachusetts on the Embargo. 180S, i8og. The embargo act, passed December 22, 1807 ( U. S. Stat, at Large, II, 451- 453)> was at first acquiesced in by the majority of the people in New England, and the Democratic- Republican party being in control of the State government of Massachusetts, the General Court passed a resolution, February 8, 1808, declaring that " we consider the imposing of embargo a wise and highly ex- pedient measure, and from its impartial nature calculated to secure to us the blessings of peace." {Resolves of Mass., 1808, 89, 90.) As the distress re- sulting from the embargo increased, resistance began to show itself, and grad- ually poUtical power returned to the party in opposition. The Federalists car- ried both branches of the legislature by a small majority in the spring of 1808, although the Republican Governor, James Sullivan, was re-elected. The change in the legislature is at once apparent in their " Answers " to the Gov- ernor's " Speech," June 9, 1808, in which the embargo is denounced and its constitutionality questioned. {Resolves of Mass., 1808, 164-173; see also Barry's Mass., Ill, 359, 360, note.) A similar spirit is shown in the Novem- ber session {Ibid., 207), and on November 18, 1808, the legislature instructed the State's delegation in Congress to procure the repeal of the embargo laws. {Amer. State Papers, Commerce and Navigation, I, 728-729.) But Congress, instead of repealing the obnoxious laws, passed a stringent enforcement act, which became a law January 9, 1809. ( U. S. Stat, at Large, II, 506-511.) This called forth the pent-up anger and indignation of the Federalists. The protests and resolutions of the various towns in the State vied with each other in their vehemence, and there were ominous whisperings of secession. (Adams, United States, IV, 408-419.) Such was the situation when the Gen- eral Court re-assembled, January 26, 1809. The Lieutenant-Governor, Levi Lincoln, an ardent supporter of Jefferson, succeeded to the duties of the MASSACHUSETTS ON THE EMBARGO 27 executive office, owing to the death of the Governor. In his "Speech " to the legislature, he deprecated the agitation against the laws of the land, con- demned the action of the town meetings as seditious and uncalled for, and suggested further restraints upon the licentiousness of the press as desirable. {Resolves of Mass., 1809, 221-229.) Both branches of the legislature " answered " with spirit, as the extracts given below show. They also adopted a Report and Resolutions on the petitions of the town-meetings, extracts from which follow; dispatched a Memorial and Remonstrance to Congress {Amer. State Papers, Commerce, etc., I, 776-778) issued an Address to the People of the Commonwealth, suggesting as " indispensable amendments" to the Fed- eral Constitution, one abolishing the three-fifths representation for slaves,' and another " to secure commerce and navigation from a repetition of destructive and insidious theories," and declaring that " nothing less than a perfect union and intelligence among the Eastern States can preserve to them any share of in6uence in the national government " {Patriotic Proceedings, 126-130; Hildreth, VI, 151-154); denounced the acts of the Lieutenant-Governor in detaching State militia to aid in carrying out the Enforcement Act " as irregu- lar, illegal and inconsistent with the principles of the constitution;" passed a bill " against unreasonable, arbitrary and unconstitutional searches," which was intended to prevent the execution of the Enforcement Act, but which was vetoed by the Governor; and finally, set apart a " Day of Humiliation and Prayer. ' ' The threatening attitude of Massachusetts and several of the other New Eng- land States led the federal administration to consent to the repeal of the Em- bargo, and the substitution of a non-intercourse act. (March 1 , 1809, U. S. Stat, at Large, II, 528—533.) The recent experience of the State led Governor Gore to suggest, and the Legislature to propose, June 20, 1809, an amendment to the Constitution, placing a limit on the duration of an embargo to " thirty days from the commencement of the session of Congress next succeeding that session in which said law shall have been enacted." {Resolves of Mass., 1809, 312, 3I3> 356' 357-) This recommendation appears to have received only the ap- proval of Connecticut, but was disapproved of by the legislatures of at least eight States. (Ames, Proposed Amendments, 264, 329.) References: In addition to the above, the texts of the important measures are given in The Patriotick Proceeding of the Legislature of Massachusetts, [Boston, 1809]; several are found in The American Register, 1809, Part II, 183-209 [Phila., 1809]; The Memorial to Congress is also given in Amer. State Papers, Commerce, etc., I, 776-778; Annals of Congress, 10 Cong., 2 Sess., 444-450; for debate on same and refusal to print in House of Rep., Annals, 538, 539; for history, see Adams, United States, IV, esp. 398-453; Hildreth, VI, esp. 75-79, 108-117, 151-154; McMaster, III, esp. 321-331; Barry, Massachusetts, III, 352-364; Adams, New Eng. Federalism, esp. ' Such an amendment had been proposed by the Legislature in 1804 as a protest against the annexation of Louisiana; for this, and the replies of the other States, see McMaster, III, 44-47; Ames, Proposed Amendments, 45, 46, 326. 28 STATE DOCUMENTS 372-379; Lodge, Cabot, 366-407 in passim; Quincy, Life of Josiah Quincy, 120-130, 138-165, 171-186; Writings of Jefferson [Ford's ed.], IX, 20Z, 227, 235-239, 244, 248-250; X, 352-354, 356; consult Channing and Hart's Guide, § 171; MacDonald's ZJoi-MOT^wto, 176, 177. 16. Extract from the Answer of the Senate, January, 1809. Resolves of Massachusetts (iSog), 231-235. May it please Your Honour, *«****♦ The people of New England perfectly understand the distinc- tion between the Constitution and the Administration. They are as sincerely attached to the former as any section of the United States. They may be put under the ban of the empire, but they have no intention of abandoning the Union. And we have the pleasure explicitly to declare our full concurrence with your Honour, " that such suggestions are not less a libel upon the great body of the New England people, than on their patriotism." As the government of the Union is a confederation of equal and independent states with limited powers, we agree with your Honour " that it is not unbecoming any member of the Union with firmness and moderation to question the justness or policy of measures while they are pending and ripening for adoption," and we learn with concern from your Honour, " that there are stages when questions " — without even excepting questions involving unalienable rights — " can be no longer open to con- troversy and opposition " — " stages when an end must be put to debate and a decision thence resulting be respected by its prompt and faithful execution, or government loses its existence and the people are ruined." * * « We owe it to ourselves and to the people distinctly to deny this doctrine, at once novel and pernicious. We beg leave to observe, that those rights, which the people have not chosen to part with, should be exercised by them with delicacy — only in times of great danger — not with " distraction and confusion " — not to oppose the laws, but to prevent acts being respected as laws, which are unwarranted by the commis- sion given to their rulers. Oa such occasions, passive submission, MASSACHUSETTS ON THE EMBARGO 29 would, on the part of the people, be a breach of their allegiance, and on our part treachery and perjury. For the people are bound by their allegiance, and we are additionally bound by our oaths to support the Constitution of the State — and we are responsible to the people, and to our God, for the faithful execu- tion of the trust. But your Honour is pleased to observe, that " the union have their favorite projects — states, towns and individuals have theirs " and to inquire whether " thus jarring with augmented resentments we are to rush together in ruinous collisions." Can it be necessary to remind your Honour that the aggressor is responsible for all the consequences, which you have been pleased so pathetically to describe? That the people have not sent us here to surrender their rights but to maintain and defend them? — and, that we have no authority to dispense with the duties thus solemnly imposed : We most heartily concur with your Honour, " that there is a point in national sensibility, as in the feelings of men, where patience and submission end." And when that crisis shall arrive your Honour may rest assured that the people of New England " will (as you have been pleased to say) rally round the national constitution." But, Sir they will not " cling " to an administra- tion which has brought them to the brink of destruction — they will not " keep their hold in the extremity of its exit," nor " sink with it into the frightful abyss." No, Sir ! The people of Massa- chusetts will not willingly become the victims of fruitless experi- ment. 17. Extracts from the Answer of the House. Resolves of Massachusetts (1809), 236-242. May it please Your Honour, We are unwilling to believe that any division of sentiment can exist among the New England States or their inhabitants as to the obvious infringement of rights secured to them by the Con- stitution of the United States ; and still more so that any man can he weak or wicked enough to construe a disposition to 30 STATE DOCUMENTS support that Constitution and preserve the union by a temperate and firm opposition to acts which are repugnant to the first principles and purposes of both, into a wish to recede from the other states. If a secession has been conceived by the states or people referred to in your Honour's communication, it is unknown to the House of Representatives, who absolutely disclaim any participation therein, or having afforded the least colour for such a charge. If ever such suspicions existed they can have arisen only in the minds of those who must be sensible that they had adopted and were persisting in, measures which had driven the people to desperation, by infringing rights which the citizens of Massachusetts conceive to be unalienable, and which they fondly hoped had been inviolably secured to them by the federal com- pact. The Legislature and people of Massachusetts ever have been and now are firmly and sincerely attached to the union of the States, and there is no sacrifice they have not been, and are not now, willing to submit to, in order to preserve the same, accord- ing to its original purpose. Of this truth your Honour must be conceived. That the regulation of our commercial intercourse and our national defence, is most wisely confided to the general govern- ment, is a truth so plain and palpable, that we should hold it unnecessary to be repeated here, were it not for the purpose of concurring with your Honour in the justice of the sentiment ; but the liberty of discussing the measures of our general government with freedom and firmness, though with fairness and moderation, is a right the House of Representatives never will relinquish. We cannot agree with your Honour that in a free country there is any stage at which the constitutionality of an act may no longer be open to discussion and debate ; at least it is only upon the high road to despotism that such stages can be found. At such a point the Government undertaking to extend its powers beyond the limits of the constitution, degenerates into tyranny. The people, if temperate and firm, will, we confidently rely, eventually triumph over such usurpations. Were it true, that the measures of government once passed into MASSACHUSETTS ON THE EMBARGO 31 an act, the constitutionality of that act is stamped with the seal of infallibility, and is no longer a subject for the deliberation or remonstrance of the citizen, to what monstrous lengths might not an arbitrary and tyrannical administration carry its power. It has only to pass through rapid readings and mid-night sessions, without allowing time for reflection and debate to the final enacting of a bill and before the people are even informed of the intentions of their rulers, their claims are riveted, and the right of complaint denied them. Were such doctrine sound, what species of oppression might not be inflicted .on the prostrate liberties of our country. If such a doctrine were true, our con- stitution would be nothing but a name — nay worse, a fatal instru- ment to sanctify oppression, and legalize the tyranny which inflicts it. Nothing but madness or imbecility could put at hazard the existence of a " balanced government, capable of operating and providmg for the public good," unless the administration of that Government, by its arbitrary impositions had endangered or destroyed the very objects for the protection of whch it had been instituted. Should such a case ever occur, on the administration who should usurp powers and violate such sacred obligations, must rest the odium of having ha/arded a government " so safe, so reasonable and so beyond everything else essential to the liberty and happiness of our fellow cti-'-ens." It cannot be denied, that jealousy and distrust have arisen among the people of Massachusetts, and much it is to be regretted, that they have been so well founded. A system of policy ruinous to their interests, and uncongenial to their enterprising spirit — a system for which the adrainstration has yet, in our opinion, assigned no adequate reason, has borne most heavily and unequally on the northern and commercial States. For relief from this oppression the people fondly looked to the meeting of Congress — but alas ! how fatally have their hopes been blasted : Their humble prayers have been answered by an act so arbitrary and oppressive, that it violates the first principles of civil liberty, and the fundamental provisions of the Constitution. At such a 32 STATE DOCUMENTS moment and under such a pressure, when everything which free- men hold dear, is at stake it cannot be expected and it ought not to be wished, that they should suffer in silence. The House of Representatives cannot admit that laws which operate un- equally are unavoidable. The government, in their opinion, has no right to sacriiice the interests of one section of the Union to the prejudices, partialities, or convenience, of another. We perfectly agree with your Honour in the general principle that, in a free government, the majority must determine and decide upon all existing or projected measures. But it will be recollected, that the decision of that majority, to be binding, must be constitutional and just. Government is formed for the security of the citizen, and the protection of its rights. When- ever his liberty is infringed, his rights violated or unprotected, if not absolved from his allegiance, he may demand redress, and take all lawful measures to obtain it. The early habits and constant practice of our fathers and ourselves have led us, on every great emergency, and on the pressure of political calamities, to resort to town meetings, wherein the general sense of the people might be collected. This practice, so wholesome and salutary, was one of the most influential means employed in bringing about the glorious revolution which established our independence. It was against these meetings, therefore, that the strong arm of royal power was elevated, in the year seventeen hundred and seventy-four, and they were prohibited under severe penalties. Had the British ministry of that day attended to the voice of the people so expressed, they would have avoided the evils which they had afterwards so much reason to deplore. The expression of the publick sentiment has become necessary to counteract the errours and misrepresentations of those who have falsely incul- cated upon the administration of the General Government a belief, that the measures they were pursuing were satisfactory to the people. From the suppression of these meetings would liberty have more to apprehend than from any other cause whatever. From such a cause should we most dread " the overturning the splendid edifice erected by the wisdom and MASSACHUSETTS ON THE EMBARGO 33 valour of our fathers." A privilege so wisely secured by our constitution, we cannot hesitate to declare, the citizens of Masaachusetts will never resign. ******* In the description which your Honour has drawn of the situation of our country previous to the adoption of the federal constitution, we cannot but observe the very strong resemblance which it bears to the picture of the present times. " Our gov- ernment humbled and inefficient, our Union a thread, our commerce unprotected, our revenue nothing, individuals embar- rassed, grievances complained of, our rulers censured, town and county resolutions published, combinations formed, non-compli- ance with the laws announced, property sold for one-third its value, the insolvent imprisoned, and the courts of justice stopped ;" that this description applies to the present state of parts, if not the whole, of our country, we believe will not be denied. Whence comes it that from a state of the most flourishing prosperity a few months should have produced a change so truly astonishing? It is not in the restless and unsteady habits of the people, till lately contented and happy, that we must look for the causes of these frightful calamities ; it is in the pernicious and dreadful consequences of this shallow system of Embargo and Non Intercourse, that we shall find the fruitful sources of our country's ruin. We do most sincerely hope that neither Virginia or any other state may ever succeed in " dictating measures to Congress and by a convulsed state of things force their adoption." However, such an usurpation might from various causes endure for a time, the returning good sense of the people would event- ually restore the equilibrium and effectually prevent those tem- pestuous scenes which your Honour has so eloquently described. " The importance and the interesting and perilous nature of the crisis," have excited the most alarming reflections in our minds, and we doubt not that every member of the Legislature will devote himself to the arduous yet necessary duty of " devising some reconciling expedient to quiet the agitated minds of our citizens," and relieve them from the weight of these unconstitu- tional restrictions. / 34 STATE DOCUMENTS i8. Resolutions of the Enforcement Act, February 15, 1809. The report and resolutions of the joint committee on petitions from the town meetings was made February 1, 1809. The same were adopted by the Senate, on the nth inst, by a vote of 19 to 18. {MS. Senate Journal, 1808-09, vol. 29, pp. 196-209.) The House concurred, on the 15th inst., by a vote of 205 to 139. {MS. House Journal, May, 1808-March, 1809, pp. 278-282. The Report and Resolutions are also given in Patriotick Proceedings, pp. 41-53. On viewing these provisions of the act under consideration, the committee do unequivocally declare their solemn conviction, that it is in many particulars, unjust, oppressive, and unconstitu- tional. They would by no means contend that this opinion, if confirmed and adopted by the legislature, would be decisive of the question. While the laws continue to have their free course, the judicial courts are competent to decide this question, and to them every citizen, when aggrieved, ought to apply for redress. It would be derogatory to the honour of the commonwealth to presume that it is unable to protect its subjects against all viola- tions of their rights, by peaceable and legal remedies. While this state maintains its sovereignty and independence, all the citizens can find protection against outrage and injustice in the strong arm of the state government. Any forcible resistance, therefore, by individuals, to the execu- tion of this act of Congress, is not only unnecessary, but would be highly inexpedient and improper; it would endanger the public peace and tranquility, and tend essentially to injure and put at hazard that cause, on which nearly the whole people are now so zealously united. The committee are deeply sensible of the accumulated distress which has so long oppressed the whole community, and borne with aggravation on some particular parts of it. They cannot too highly applaud the unexampled patience and forbearance which has been already exhibited under this pressure of undeserved calamities. And they would earnestly recommend the exercise of the same forbearance, until all those peaceable and orderly means which the constitution and laws of our country will permit, and all those political expedients, which our habits and usages can suggest, shall have been exhausted in vain. MASSACHUSETTS ON THE EMBARGO 35 It is to be regretted that no immediate and efficacious remedy- can now be proposed for these numerous and aggravated evils. The committee, however, consider it their duty to recommend, without loss of time, all such measures as have appeared to them to be now practicable, and calculated to remove or alleviate the publick distress ; they therefore ask leave to Report in part, A bill to secure the people of this common- wealth against unreasonable, arbitrary and unconstitutional searches in their dwelling houses — and also the following Resolutions. Resolved, That the act of the Congress of the United States passed on the ninth day of January in the present year, for enforcing the act laying an embargo, and the several acts supple- mentary thereto, is, in the opinion of the legislature, in many respects, unjust, oppressive and unconstitutional, and not legally binding on the citizens of this state. But notwithstanding this opinion, in order finally to secure a certain and permanent relief, it is earnestly recommended to all parties aggrieved by the oper- ation of this act, to abstain from forcible resistance, and to apply for their remedy in a peaceable manner to the laws of the com- monwealth. Resolved, That a suitable remonstrance be prepared, and immediately forwarded to the Congress of the United States, from this legislature, expressing their opinions and feelings on the several subjects of complaint contained in the said petitions, and particularly urging the repeal of the said act of Congress, passed on the ninth of January last. Resolved, That the legislature of this commonwealth will zeal- ously co-operate with any of the other states, in all legal and constitutional measures, for procuring such amendments to the constitution of the United States, as shall be judged necessary to obtain protection and defence for commerce, and to give to the commercial states their fair and just consideration in the govern- ment of the Union; and for affording permanent security, as well as present relief, from the oppressive measures under which they now suffer. Resolved, That the honourable the president of the Senate, 36 STATE DOCUMENTS and the honourable the speaker of the House of Representatives, be requested to transmit a copy of this report, and the resolutions thereon, to the legislatures of such of our sister states, as manifest a disposition to concur with us in measures to rescue our com- mon country from impending ruin, and to preserve inviolate the union of the states. 19. Delaware and the Embargo. January 30, 1809. Delaware, the only Federalist State outside of New England, next showed its opposition to the embargo policy of the administration, through the adop- tion of the following resolutions by the House of Representatives. When these resolutions were presented to the Senate, February I, a systematic attempt was made to defeat them, by motions to postpone, or to substitute other resolutions strongly indorsing the policy of the administration. These, however, were defeated, but several amendments modifying the language of the resolutions were agreed to, as follows: l) Striking out the words in the the third resolution, " as a war measure worse than futile." 2) Striking out the fifth resolution. 3) Striking out the words " unwise and arbitrary laws in the seventh resolution, and inserting in lieu therefor the words "laws how- ever oppressive." 4) Causing the last part of the eighth resolution to read " and that they will defend their country, when necessary, from the aggression of every foreign or domestic foe." Thus amended the resolutions were con curred in by the Senate by a vote of 5 yeas to 3 nays, but the House imme diately refused to accept the Senate's amendments. The Senate thereupon reconsidered their amendments, adhering to all, except the one striking out the fifth resolution, from which it receded. Thus the two houses failed to agree. But in December the Legislature passed resolutions disapproving.of the amend- ment to the Federal Constitution, proposed by Massachusetts, limiting the duration of an embargo. References: Text: — yournal of the House of Representatives, 1 808-1809, January 27 and 30, 1809, pp. 62, 63; Journal of the Senate, 1S08-1809, January 31, and February i, 1809, pp. 64, 65, 74-81. Dover, 1809. Resolutions disapproving amendment, Annals, II Congress, Part I, 658. In the House of Representaitves, January 30, 1809. Whereas, the measures pursued by the government of the United States, have justly excited considerable interest in the United States, and silence on our part might be construed into an ap- probation of those measures — Therefore, DELAWARE AND THE EMBARGO 37 1. Resolved, By the Senate and House of Representatives of the State of Delaware, in General Assembly met, That we cannot approve the policy of those measures that have annihilated the commerce of the United States, and brought distress and ruin on our citizens, while at the same time they have done no injury to the enemies of our country ; that we cannot approve the policy of an administration that does not act with impartiality and sin- cerity towards all foreign nations. 2. Resolved, That the people of the United States have a right freely to navigate the ocean, and to carry on a fair and honest commerce, and that we highly disapprove a policy that relin- quishes those rights, or dares not defend them. 3. Resolved, That we consider the embargo, as a war measure, worse than futile, as a measure injurious to ourselves, destructive to the best interests of the country, and evidently intended to be partial in its operations against the belligerent nations ; and that it becomes the United States, a great and gallant nation, to defend its rights in a manly, open, and efficient manner. 4. Resolved, That we consider the act to enforce, and make more effectual, an act, entitled, "An act laying an embargo on all ships and vessels in the ports and harbors of the United States," and the several acts supplementary thereto, approved on the ninth of January, one thousand eight hundred and nine, by the Presi- dent of the United States, as an invasion of the liberty of the people, and the constitutional sovereignty of the State govern- ments. 5 . Resolved, That it will be dangerous to the freedom of these States, to place at the disposal of the President of the United States a standing army of fifty thousand volunteers. 6. Resolved, That, in our opinion, the present embarrassed and unhappy situation of our country might have been avoided, if the administration had pursued the wise and prudent policy of the immortal Washington. 7. i?«(7/»,f^ nevertheless, that we have the fullest confidence, that the patriotism of the good people of the United States will induce them to submit to unwise and arbitrary laws, rather than resort to violence ; and that they will use the remedy pointed out by the constitution for the evils under which they suffer, rather 38 STATE DOCUMENTS than jeopardize the union of the States, and the independence of their country, by an open opposition to the laws. 8. Resolved also. That the legislature and people of the State of Delaware feel no foreign partiality, and that they will defend their country from the aggression of every foreign foe. Connecticut and the Enforcement Act. February, 1809. In Connecticut the Federalists had retained unbroken control of all depart- ments of the State government, and the great majority of the people sympa- thized with Massachusetts in its opposition to the embargo. Naturally, there- fore, upon receipt of the circular letter from the Secretary of War of January 18, 1809, requesting the governors to designate special officers of the militia, " of known respect for the laws," to aid in the enforcement of the embargo, Governor Trumbull replied, February 4, 1809, decHning to take the " respon- sibility " of complying with the request, on the ground " that neither the con- stitution nor the statutes of this State," nor " the constitution or laws of the United States," authorized such an act, and also stating that "the great mass of the citizens of this State " regarded the enforcement act as "unconstitu- tional in many of its provisions, interfering with the State sovereignties, and subversive of the guaranteed rights, privileges and immunities of the citizens of the United States." The Governor then called a special session of the Gen- eral Assembly, and addressed it in the famous speech given below. The legis- lature at once responded, passing, first, a resolution approving the action of the Governor in calling it together; next, a series of Resolves condemning the enforcement act and the attempts to carry it out, and finally issued an Address to the People in justification of the action taken. Resolves: The texts of the Resolutions and the Address of the General Assembly were officially published. A rare pamphlet (16 pages, 8°) without title page or imprint, but containing the above-mentioned documents, as well as the Enforcement Act, is in the Library of the Connecticut Historical Society, Hartford;' the Governor's Speech, the Correspondence of the Secretary of War and the Governor, and the Report and Resolutions proposed by the Com- mittee of the House of Representatives (nearly the same as later passed) are in The American Register for i8og (Phila., 1809), Part H, 176-181. The circular letter of the Secretary of War is also given in the Writings of Jefferson (^Ford's ed.^, IX, 237, 238. Consult the following general histories: Adams, IV, 417, 418, 455, 456; Hildreth, VI, 120, 121; McMaster, III, 331, 332; Schouler, II, 173, 193. See also references under Massachusetts and the Embargo. ^I am indebted to Mr. Albert C. Bates, Librarian, for directing my atten- tion to this pamphlet. CONNECTICUT AND THE ENFORCEMENT ACT 30 20. Speech of Governor Jonathan Trumbull at the Opening of the Special Session of the Legislature, February 23, 1809. Gentlemen of the Council, Mr. Speaker, and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives. Impressed with the importance of the communications which I have now to lay before you — prompted also by the concurrent petitions of a number of the citizens of this State, conveyed to me with their resolutions adopted in their several town meetings, convoked for the purpose ; and having had under my own con- sideration, the very alarming crisis of our national affairs, arising from a variety of measures adopted and contemplated by our national legislature, more especially from the permanency of the embargo, with the means resorted to for its more rigorous en- forcement, and particularly the late law of Congress, passed on the 9th day of January last, containing many very extraordinary, not to say unconstitutional provisions for its execution : I have viewed the prospect so momentous and threatening, that I have not hesitated to convene the Legislature of the State, at this un- usual time, in order that they may have an opportunity to con- sider and deliberate on the extraordinary situation into which our country seems about to be plunged, if not speedily prevented : and to devise such constitutional measures as in their wisdom may be judged proper to avert the threatening evil. It will be useful for the Legislature to take a view of the various measures of the national legislature, during their present and preceding sessions, not only those which have immediate relation to the embargo, but other acts which have been and are under their consideration, affecting the rights, interests, welfare, and even the peace of the Union. Indeed, it would be useful for the general good, if the State Legislatures were often to cast a watch- ful eye towards the general government, with a view, candidly to consider, and judiciously discern, whether the powers delegated to the United States are not exceeded, or are so exercised as not to interfere with or counteract those which are reserved by the people for their own management. When under the direction of a wise and prudent discernment, a temperate caution — not an 40 STATE DOCUMENTS over jealous disposition, such an examination will always prove a wholesome measure. On the present occasion, it will be unnecessary for me to enter into any particular statement of our private sufferings, or the threatening aspect of our public situation, in relation to the un- precedented acts of our General Government which are accumu- lating upon us. The individual feelings and experience of the members of this Legislature, now convened from all parts of the State, will speak the private distresses which have been produced by these acts : and your general information will give you, gentle- men, a correct view of the dangers which impend our public in- terests, liberty, rights and property, arising from the same source. Despairing of substantial relief from any other quarter, the people are now looking with anxious solicitude and hope, to the wisdom and direction of the Legislature of their own choice ; and seem confident that some mode may be devised to remove the pressure under which they are at present suffering. To your collected wisdom and prudence they submit the task. And may it not be hoped, that, with our united efforts under a temperate, discreet and firm consideration of our situation and circumstances, we may be able by the influence of divine aid, to fulfil the just and reason- able expectations of our fellow citizens? Whenever our national legislature is led to overleap the prescribed bounds of their con- stitutional powers, on the State Legislatures, in great emergencies, devolves the arduous task — it is their right — it becomes their duty, to interpose their protecting shield between the right and liberty of the people, and the assumed power of the General Government. ******* [American Register, 1809, Pt. II, 176, 177.] 21. Resolutions of the General Assembly. At a special session of the General Assembly of the State of Con- necticut, held at Hartford, on the twenty-third day of February, A. D. i8og. This Assembly have attended with anxious concern, to the several acts of Congress interdicting foreign commerce, and more especially to an act, approved on the 9th day of January last, by the President of the United States, under the title of "An Act, to CONNECTICUT AND THE ENFORCEMENT ACT 41 enforce and make more effectual an act laying an embargo on all ships and vessels in the ports and harbours of the United States." After solemn deliberation and advisement thereon, the General Assembly are decided in the opinion, and do Resolve, that the acts aforesaid are a permanent system of measures, abandoning undeniable rights; interdicting the exercise of constitutional privileges, and unprecedented in the annals of nations ; and do contain provisions for exercising arbitrary powers, grievous to the good people of this State, dangerous to their common liberties, incompatible with the constitution of the United States, and en- croaching upon the immunities of this State. Resolved, That to preserve the Union, and support the consti- tution of the United States, it becomes the duty of the Legisla- tures of the States, in such a crisis of affairs, vigilantly to watch over, and vigorously to maintain, the powers not delegated to the United States, but reserved to the States respectively, or to the people ; and that a due regard to this duty, will not permit this Assembly to assist, or concur in giving effect to the aforesaid un- constitutional act, passed, to enforce the Embargo. Resolved, That this Assembly highly approve of the conduct of his Excellency the Governor, in declining to designate persons to carry into effect, by the aid of military power, the act of the United States, enforcing the Embargo, and that his letter ad- dressed to the Secretary for the Department of War, containing his refusal, to make such designation, be recorded in the public records of this State, as an example to persons, who may hold places of distinguished trust, in this free and independent republic. Resolved, That the persons holding executive offices under this State, are restrained by the duties which they owe this State, from affording any official aid or co-operation in the execution of the act aforesaid ; and that his Excellency the Governor be re- quested, as commander in chief of the military force of this State, to cause these resolutions to be published in general orders : And that the secretary of this State be and he is hereby directed to transmit copies of the same to the several sheriffs and town clerks. Resolved, That his Excellency the Governor be requested to communicate the foregoing resolutions to the President of the United States, with an assurance that this Assembly regret that 42 STATE DOCUMENTS they are thus obliged under a sense of paramount public duty to assert the unquestionable right of this State to abstain from any agency in the execution of measures, which are unconstitutional and despotic. Resolved, That this Assembly accord in sentiment, with the Senate and House of Representatives, of the commonwealth of Massachusetts, that it is expedient to effect certain alterations in the constitution of the United States ; and will zealously co- operate with that commonwealth and any other of the States, in all legal and constitutional measures for procuring such amend- ments to the constitution of the United States as shall be judged necessary to obtain more effectual protection and defence for commerce ; and to give to the commercial States their fair and just consideration in the Union, and for affording permanent security, as well as present relief, from the oppressive measures, under which they now suffer. Resolved, That his Excellency the Governor be requested to transmit copies of the foregoing resolutions to the President of the Senate, and Speaker of the House of Representatives, in the commonwealth of Massachusetts, and to the Legislatures of such of our sister States, as manifest a disposition to concur, in restor- ing to commerce its former activity, and preventing the repetition of measures which have a tendency, not only to destroy it, but to dissolve the Union, which ought to be inviolate. General Assembly, special session, February, 1809. John Cotton Smith, Speaker of the House of Representatives. Jonathan Trumbull, Governor. Attest, Samuel Wyllys, Secretary. [Pamphlet containing Resolves, etc., 7, 8.] 11. Report and Resolutions of Rhode Island on the Embargo. March 4, 1809. The following resolutions were adopted by both branches of the General Assembly on March 4, 1809; in the Senate by a vote of 7 to 4, in the House, 35 to 28. Extracts from the report of (he Committee which submitted the RHODE ISLAND ON THE EMBARGO 43 resolutions are also given. Rhode Island appears to have been the last State to take action condemning the embargo. In New ?Iampshire resolutions against the embargo were rejected by the House, December 23, 1808, by a vote of 25 to loi. (^National Intelligencer, Jan. 6, 1809.) Many of the other States passed resolutions approving the policy of the administration, those of North Carolina, of December 5, 1808 {Amer. State Papers, Misc., I, 944, 945), and of Virginia, of February 7, 1S09 (^Acts of the General Assembly of Virginia, 1808-09, 99-I04)) ™ay be taken as typical. The report accom- panying the resolutions of Virginia is of considerable interest, as containing a reason for the failure of the embargo. It says: "If it has failed, in any degree, as a measure of constraint, your committee believe that it is not because our enemies have not felt its force, but because they believe we have felt it too sensibly; because the unfortunate opposition which the measure has met in some parts of the union, has inspired them with a fallacious hope, that we, our- selves, either could not or would not bear its privations." The text of the resolutions of Rhode Island is from Acts and Resolves of Rhode Island General Assembly held at E. Greenwich on the fourth Monday of February, 1809, 32, 33.' The State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations. The Committee to whom were referred the memorials, petitions and resolutions of the towns [here follow the names of twelve towns], beg leave to report * » * that it would be a paradox in the history of the human mind, if a people, who from the foundation of their government have ever manifested the most warm and zealous attachment to civil liberty, should regard with indifference its extinguishment. It would betray an ignorance of their true interests, if they did not esteem it the " more per- fect union of these States," as it is declared and provided for in the federal constitution as the parent and perpetuator of their political prosperity. That it would be a reflection on their discernment and sagacity, if they did not foresee that the dissolution of the Union may be more surely, and as speedily effected by the systematick oppression of the government, as by the inconsiderate disobedience of the people. That the people of this State, as one of the parties to the Federal compact, have a right to express their sense of any violation of its provisions and that it is the duty of this General Assembly as the organ of their sentiments and the depository of 1 1 am indebted to Mr. Clarence S. Brigham, Librarian of the Rhode Island Historical Society, for verifying the text of these resolutions. 44 STATE DOCUMENTS their authority, to interpose for the purpose of protecting them from the ruinous inflictions of usurped and unconstitutional Resolved, That the several acts of the Congress of the United States laying an embargo, by the permanent interdiction of for- eign commerce, and by the numerous and vexatious restrictions upon the coasting trade, do, in the opinion of this General As- sembly, infringe upon the undeniable rights and privileges of the good people of this State. Resolved, That the act of Congress of the 9th of January last, enforcing the several embargo acts, is in many of its provisions unjust, oppressive, tyrannical and unconstitutional. Resolved, That to preserve the Union and to support the con- stitution of the United States, it becomes the duty of this General Assembly, while it is cautious not to infringe upon the constitu- tion and delegated powers and rights of the General Government, to be vigilant in guarding from usurpation and violation, those powers and rights which the good people of this State have ex- pressly reserved to themselves, and have ever refused to delegate. Resolved, That a committee be appointed and instructed to prepare a suitable remonstrance, addressed to the Congress of the United States, expressive of the feelings and opinions of this General Assembly on the several subjects of complaint in the aforesaid petitions, memorials and resolves ; and praying the re- peal of the aforesaid obnoxious and oppressive laws, and that Congress will in their wisdom devise efiScacious measures for the preservation of the peace of the United States ; and that said committee report the same at the next session of the General Assembly. Resolved, That his Excellency the Governor be requested to transmit copies of the foregoing report and resolutions to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Repre- sentatives of the State of Massachusetts, and to the Governor of the State of Connecticut, and to the Legislatures of such other States as have manifested or may manifest a disposition to concur with us in the adoption of constitutional measures for the preser- vation of the Union of the States, and for the removal of the political evils under which we are now suffering. STATE DOCUMENTS ON FEDERAL RELATIONS: THE STATES AND THE UNITED STATES. Pennsylvania and the Federal Judiciary. The Olmstead Case. 1809. The following resolutions present the final phase in a conflict, of more than thirty years duration, between the United States and the State of Pennsylvania over their respective jurisdictions. This conflict grew out of the appeal of Gid- eon Olmstead from the judgment of the Pennsylvania Court of Admiralty, in regard to the distribution of the prize money in the case of the sloop "Active," in 1778, to the Committee of Appeals of Congress.^ This Committee reversed the decision, but their jurisdiction was denied by the Legislature and the other State authorities, and the enforcement of the decree was successfully withstood by the State until 1808. In that year the dispute was revived by the applica- tion of the Attorney General to the Supreme Court, in behalf of Olmstead, for a virit of mandamus commanding Judge Peters of the District Court to en- force the judgment previously given (1779). The application was granted by Chief Justice Marshall, February 23, 1809, in one of his most characteristic and important opinions, in which he solemnly declared, " If the legislatures of the several States may, at will, annul the judgments of the Courts of the United States, and destroy the rights acquired under those judgments, the constitution itself becomes a solemn mockery; and the nation is deprived of the means of enforcing its laws by the instrumentality of its own tribunals." ( U. S. v. Peters, 5 Cranch, 136.) Judge Peters issued the writ, but the attempt of the United States Marshal to serve it was resisted by a brigade of the State militia, under the command of General Bright, which had been called out by Governor Snyder, February 27, 1809. The Marshal thereupon summoned a posse- comitatus of two thousand men, but in order to avoid bloodshed, fixed the day for the service of the warrant to three weeks ahead. In the mean time ^ For action of New Hampshire in a similar case, cf. ante, pp. 11-15. 45] I a STATE DOCUMENTS [46 the Governor's appeal to President Madison to intervene was firmly declined. The Legislature, however, in justification of the action of the State, adopted an elaborate state rights report and the subjoined resolutions. The doctrines underlying these resolutions had been maintained by the Courts of the State in the opinions of Chief Justice McKean in 1792 in the case of Ross et al. v. Ritlenhouse (2 Dallas, 160), a case growing out of the Olmstead case, and in 1798 in the case of Res Publica v. Cobbett (3 Dallas, 473, 474). When these resolutions were presented to Congress, June 9, 1809, the House of Represen- tatives refused to print them by vote of 63 to 50. (^Annals, 258-260.) For the action of the States on this proposal, see No. 24. The Legislature, how- ever, at the same time, opened a way for retreat by placing at the disposal of the Governor a sum of money, equal to that in dispute, to be used as " might appear advisable and proper." On the 15th of April, the Marshal, eluding the vigilance of the militia, succeeded in executing his process, and two days later Chief Justice Tilghman, of the State Supreme Court, after presenting a forcible exposition of the rights of the State and of the United States {Bright- ly's Reports, Penna., 14, 15; Amer. Reg. 1809, 171), issued the writ oi habeas corpus, and the sum in dispute was finally turned over by the State authorities. Subsequently General Bright and others were tried for obstructing the process of the United States District Court in the Circuit Court, and were finally con- victed and sentenced to fine and imprisonment, but were pardoned by the President on the ground that " they had acted under a mistaken sense of duty." A Committee of the State Senate, March 3, 1810, reported in favor of a bill donating a tract of two hundred acres of land to each of the condemned, "in consideration of their services and sufferings," but the measure failed, {jour- nal 0/ the Senate of Penna. (1809-10), 382). References : Sources. For message of Gov. Snyder, Report of the Commit- tee and Resolutions, cf. Journal of the Senate of Penna., 1808-09, 268, 269, 295-307; Journal of the House, 615-629, 692-697, 786-798; Resolutions and correspondence given in Annals of Cong., 11 Cong., a Sess.,Pt. II, 2253-2269; Resolutions in Pamphlet Laws of Penna., 1808-09, 200; Amer. State Papers, Misc. II, 2-7; Annual Register, 1809, 150-175, 168-174; Niles' Register, XLIII, Sup. 24. Two contemporary pamphlets : The whole Proceedings in the Case of Olmstead v. Rittenhouse, by Richard Peters, Jr. (Phila., 1809) ; The Trial of General Bright in the Circuit Court of the United States for the District of Pennsylvania. (Phila., 1809.) General accounts: H.L.Carson in P^«KO. ^/a^. XVI, 385-393; also in The Green Bag,\ll, 17; Hildreth, VI, 155-164; McMaster, V, 403-406. Early history of the case set forth in U. S. V. Peters, 5 Cranch, 115. Davis in 131 U. S. Reports, Appx. XXIX- XXXIV; Jameson in Essays in Const. History, 17-23. 23. Resolution of the Legislature of Pennsylvania, April 3, 1809. »**#** And whereas the causes and reasons which have produced this conflict between the general and state government 47] PENNSYLVANIA AND THE FEDERAL JUDICIARY 3 should be made known, not only that the state may be justified to her sister states, who are equally interested in the preservation of the state rights ; but to evince to the Government of the United States that the Legislature, in resisting encroachments on their rights, are not acting in a spirit of hostility to the legitimate powers of the United States' coutts ; but are actuated by a dispo- ' sition to compromise, and to guard against future collisions of; power, by an amendment to the constitution : and that, whilst they are contending for the rights of the State, that it will be at- tributed to a desire of preserving the federal government itself, the best features of which must depend upon keeping up a just balance between the general and state governments, as guaran- teed by the constitution. Be it therefore known, that the present unhappy dispute has arisen out of the following circumstances : [Here follows a de- tailed statement of their view of the case.] Although the Legislature reverence the constitution of the United States and its lawful authorities, yet there is a respect due to the solemn and public acts, and to the honor and dignity of our own state, and the unvarying assertion of her right, for a period of thirty years, which right ought not to be relinquished, Therefore, Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, &c. That, as a member of the Federal Union, the Legislature of Pennsylvania acknowledges the supremacy, and will cheerfully submit to the authority of the general government, as far as that authority is delegated by the constitution of the United States. But, whilst they yield to this authority, when exercised within Constitutional limits, they trust they will not be considered as acting hostile to the General Gov- ernment, when, as guardians of the State rights, they can not per-', mit an infringement of those rights, by an unconstitutional exer- cise of power in the United States' courts. Resolved, That in a government like that of the United States, where there are powers granted to the general government, and rights reserved to the states, it is impossible, from the imperfec- tions of language, so to define the limits of each, that difBculties should not some times arise from a collision of powers : and it is to be lamented, that no provision is made in the constitution for 4 STATE DOCUMENTS [48 determining disputes between the general and state governments by an impartial tribunal, when such cases occur. Resolved, That from the construction the United States' courts give to their powers, the harmony of the states, if they resist en- croachments on their rights, will frequently be interrupted ; and if to prevent this evil, they should, on all occasions yield to stretches of power, the reserved rights of the States will depend on the arbitrary power of the courts. Resolved, That, should the independence of the states, as secured by the constitution, be destroyed, the liberties of the people in so extensive a country cannot long survive. To suffer the United States' courts to decide on State Rights will, from a bias in favor of power, necessarily destroy the Federal Part of our Government : And whenever the government of the United States becomes consolidated, we may learn from the history of nations what will be the event. To prevent the balance between the general and state govern- ments from being destroyed, and the harmony of the States from being interrupted. Resolved, That our Senators in Congress be instructed, and our Representatives requested, to use their influence to procure an amendment to the Constitution of the United States, that an impartial tribunal may be established to determine disputes be- tween the general and state governments ; and, that they be further instructed to use their endeavors, that in the meanwhile, such arrangements may be made, between the government of the Union and of this State, as will put an end to existing difficulties. Resolved, That the Governor be requested to transmit a copy of these resolutions, to the Executive of the United States, to be laid before Congress, at their next session. And that he be authorized and directed to correspond with the President on the subject in controversy, and to agree to such arrangements as may be in the power of the executive to make, or that Congress may make, either by the appointment of commissioners or otherwise, for settling the difficulties between the two governments. And, That the Governor be also requested to transmit a copy to the Executives of the several States in the Union, with a re- quest, that they may be laid before their respective Legislatures. {^Pamphlet Laws of Pennsylvania, 1808-09, 200.] 49] VIRGINIA ON THE FEDERAL JUDICIARY 5 24. Reply of the General Assembly of Virginia to Pennsylvania. January 26, 1810. The foregoing resolutions of Pennsylvania were not concurred in by a single State. On the contrary the Legislatures of at least eleven States passed reso- 1 utions of disapproval, as follows : New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Jersey, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, Georgia, Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee. See Journals of the Senate and House of Pennsylvania, for 1809-1812; Ames, Proposed Amendments, 160, notes, 329. The most elab- orate of these replies came from Virginia. It is of unusual interest owing to both the previous and subsequent action of Virginia relative to the jurisdiction of the Federal Government. The committee, to whom was referred the communication of the governor of Pennsylvania, covering certain resolutions of the legislature of that state, proposing an amendment to the constitu- tion of the United States, by the appointment of an impartial tribunal to decide disputes between the state and federal judiciary, have had the same under their consideration, and are of opinion that a tribunal is already provided by the constitution of the United States, to wit : the Supreme Court, more eminently qual- ified from their habits and duties, from the mode of their selec- tion, and from the tenure of their offices, to decide the disputes aforesaid in an enlightened and impartial manner, than any pther tribunal which could be erected. The members of the Supreme Court are selected from those in the United States who are most celebrated for virtue and legal learning ; not at the will of a singal individual, but by the con- current wishes of the President and Senate of the United States, they will therefore have no local prejudices and partialities. The duties they have to perform lead them necessarily to the most enlarged and accurate acquaintance with the jurisdiction of the federal and several state courts together, and with the admir- able symmetry of our government. The tenure of their offices enables them to pronounce the sound and correct opinions they may have formed, without fear, favor, or partiality. The amendment to the constitution proposed by Pennsylvania seems to be founded upon the idea that the federal judiciary will. 6 STATE DOCUMENTS [50 from a lust of power, enlarge their jurisdiction to the total annihilation of the jurisdiction of the state courts, that they will exercise their will instead of the law and the constitution. This argument, if it proves anything, would operate more strongly against the tribunal proposed to be created which promises so little, than against the Supreme Court, which for reasons given before had every thing connected with their appointment calcu- lated to ensure confidence. What security have we, were the pro- posed amendments adopted, that this tribunal would not substitute their w/Z/and \}(\€vi pleasure in the place oi law ? The judiciary are the weakest of the three departments of gov- ernment, and least dangerous to the political rights of the consti- tution ; they hold neither xh& purse nor the sword, and even to enforce their own judgments and decrees, must ultimately depend upon the executive arm. Should the federal judiciary, however, unmindful of their weakness, unmindful of the duty which they owe to themselves and their country, become corrupt, and transcend the limits of their jurisdiction, would the proposed amendment oppose even a probable barrier in such an improb- able state of things? The creation of a tribunal, such as is pro- posed by Pennsylvania, so far as we are enabled to form an idea of it from a description given in the resolutions of the legislature of that state, would, in the opinion of your committee, tend rather to invite than prevent a collision between the federal and state courts. It might also become, in process of time, a serious and dangerous embarrassment to the operations of the general gov- ernment. Resolved therefore, That the legislature of this state do disap- prove of the amendment to the constitution of the United States, proposed by the legislature of Pennsylvania. Resolved also, That his excellency the governor be, and is hereby requested, to transmit forthwith a copy of the foregoing preamble and resolutions, to each of the senators and representa- tives of this state in Congress, and to the executive of the several states in the Union, with a request that the same may be laid be- fore the legislatures thereof. [Acts of General Assembly of Virginia, 1809-10, 102, 103.] 5i] PENNSYLVANIA AND THE FEDERAL JUDICIARY 7 25. Extracts from the Preamble and Resolutions of the House of Representatives of Pennsylvania. February 3, 1810. Chagrined at the success of the Federal Courts, and disappointed with the replies of the other States to their proposal to amend the Constitution, both branches of the General Assembly of Pennsylvania, early in the year iSTo, drew up elaborate reports and resolutions reviewing the questions at issue anew. Extracts from the Report and Resolutions of the House of Represen- tatives follow. The Minority presented a long report sharply condemning the action of the State authorities and a series of resolutions in support of the jurisdiction of the Federal Government. This was offered as a substitute for the Majority report, but was rejected by a vote of 25 yeas to 67 nays. (^Jour- nal of the House, 1809-10, 403-424; Amer. Register, 1810, 113-136.) In the Senate a committee brought in an extensive report in justification of the position taken by the State, and resolutions renewing their proposal of a con- stitutional amendment for the establishment of a " disinterested tribunal " to determine disputes between the General and the State governments, and also recommending the reward of the members of the militia who had suffered conviction. {^Journal of the Senate, 1809-10, 376-382.') Neither these re- solutions nor those of the House were acted upon by the Senate. For Text and action thereon, cf. yournal of the House, 1809-10, 250-254, 402-426, 433-436; yournal of the Senate, 1809-10,226-233. * * * From this view of the subject, the committee are of opinion, that the constitution of the United States, has been violated by the decision of the judge, and the constitutional rights of the state invaded. The question then occurs, in what manner is a state to defend her rights against such invasion ? It has already been observed, that the constitution of the United States guarantees to each state a republican form of government ; that the powers not delegated to the United States, are reserved to the states respectively without entering into a detail of the rights reserved or not delegated, suffice it to say, that " the right of acquiring, possessing and protecting property is one." If this be not one of the powers not delegated, then indeed a state is in a worse and more degraded situation than the most obscure in- dividual, whose property cannot be taken from him when fairly acquired, without his consent, even for publick use, without a com- pensation. In the case before us, all the constituted authorities of the state, have uniformly asserted their rights, and protested against every attempt to infringe them. ^ STATE DOCUMEJNIta [52 It may be asked, who is to decide the question? If it be ■alledged the state has not the right, it may justly be replied, the power invading it, has not. It is a case unprovided for in the constitution, and there is no common umpire. * * * Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives, That after most solemnly declaring their readiness, cheerfully to submit to all legal and constitutional decisions of the federal courts, they cannot but express their highest disapprobation of what they conceive to be the illegal and unconstitutional conduct of the same in the case of Gideon Olmstead. {^g yeas to 33 nays.) Resolved, That the sovereignty and independence of the states, as guaranteed by the constitution of the United States, ought to be most zealously guarded, and every attempt to depreciate the value of those rights, and to consolidate these states into one general government, is hostile to the liberty and happiness of the people, and merits our most decided disapprobation. (88 to 2.) Resolved, That the governor was justified in the efforts which he made to sustain the rights and sovereignty of the state, and the promptitude and fidelity with which he executed his legal and constitutional powers, under the act of April second, one thousand eight hundred and three, merits our highest approba- tion. (60 to 33.) Resolved, That we highly approve of the conduct of our prede- cessors, in requesting the members of both houses of congress to use their best endeavours to have the constitution of the United States so amended, that an impartial tribunal be appointed to determine disputes between the general and state governments. Resolved, That the governor be requested to transmit a copy of these resolutions, together with the foregoing statement, to each of the senators and representatives in congress from this state. 26. Resolutions of Pennsylvania against the Bank. January 11, i8ii. The attempt to secure the renewal of the charter of the United States Bank in l8li, called out resolutions in opposition from the legislatures of Pennsyl- vania and Virginia. The following resolutions of the General Assembly of Pennsylvania are of especial interest in view of the state rights doctrines as- serted in the Preamble. As first passed by the House the language of the ■ S3] PENNSYLVANIA AGAINST THE BANK 9 Preamble was even stronger, and closely followed the text of the first resolve of the Kentucky Resolutions of 1798, but it was amended by the Senate by a vote of 20 to 8 and agreed to by the House in the form given below. References: Text given in Pamphlet Laws of Penna., i8ro-ii, 268, 269, also in Amer. State Papers, Finance, II, 467. Text as passed by the House with action of the Senate, Senate Journal of Penna., i8lo-ll, 92, 93, 104, 105. McMaster, III, 386-389; Adams, V, 207, 328-337; Schouler, II, 316. The people of the United States by the adoption of the federal constitution established a general government for special purposes, reserving to themselyes respectively, the rights and authorities not delegated in that instrument. To the compact thereby created, each state acceded in its character as a state, and is a party. The act of union thus entered into being to all intents and purposes a treaty between sovereign states, the general gov- ernment by this treaty was not constituted the exclusive or final judge of the powers it was to exercise ; for if it were so to judge then its judgment and not the constitution would be the measure of its authority. Should the general government in any of its departments violate the provisions of the constitution, it rests with the states, / and with the people, to apply suitable remedies. With these impressions, the legislature of Pennsylvania, ever solicitious to secure an administration of the federal and state governments, conformably to the true spirit of their respective constitutions, feel it their duty to express their sentiments upon an important subject now before congress, viz., the continuance /or establishment of a bank. From a careful review of the powers vested in the general government, they have the most positive conviction that the authority to grant charters of incorporation, within the jurisdiction of any state without the consent thereof is not recognized in that instrument, either expressly, or by a war- rantable implication ; Therefore, Resolved, By the Senate and House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, in General Assembly met. That the senators of this state in the senate of the United States, be, and they are hereby instructed, and the representatives of this state in the house of representatives of the United States be, and they hereby are requested to use every exertion in their power, to prevent the charter of the bank of the United States from being renewed, or any other bank from being chartered by Congress, lo STATE DOCUMENTS [54 designed to have operation within the jurisdiction of any state, without first having obtained the consent of the legislature of such state. Resolved, That the governor be, and he hereby is requested to forward a copy of the above preamble and resolution, to each of the senators and representatives of this state, in the Congress of the United States. 27. Resolutions of Virginia against the Bank. January 22, 1811. The following resolutions were disregarded by Senator Richard Brent, of Virginia, thereupon the General Assembly adopted a Report elaborately pre- senting an historical argument in favor of the doctrine of instructions and called upon Senator Brent to resign. Acts of Virginia, 1811-12, 143-152. Texts of following resolutions, Acts of Virginia, 1810-11, 121; ^0, Amer. State Papers, Finance, II, 467; Annals, 1810-11, 201. The General Assembly of Virginia view with the most serious concern the late attempts which have been made to obtain from Congress a renewal of the charter incorporating the Bank of the United States. This assembly are deeply impressed with the con-- viction that the original grant of that charter was unconstitutional j that congress have no power whatever to renew it ; and that the exercise of such a power would be not only unconstitutional, but a dangerous encroachment on the sovereignty of the states — Therefore, Resolved, That the senators of this state in the Congress of the United States be instructed, and our representatives most earn- estly requested, in the execution of their duties as faithful repre- sentatives of their country, to use their best efforts in opposing by every means in their power the renewal of the charter of the bank of the United States. Massachusetts and the Militia Question. 1812-1814. When war was declared against Great Britain, June 18, 1812, (K 5. Stat, at Large, II, 755) the Federalist minority issued an Address to their Consti- tuents, protesting both against the war and the manner in which the declara- 55] MASSACHUSETTS AND THE MILITIA QUESTION n tion of war had been secured. That this war was " a party and not a national war " and entered upon by the United States " as a divided people " was soon evident by the position taken by the authorities of several of the New Eng- land States, relative to the power of the Federal Government over the State Militia. By authority of the President, General Dearborn, on June 22, ad- dressed the Governors of Massachusetts and Connecticut, making requisition for certain detachments of their militia, for service in the defence of the coast, but did not include in the call any officer of a high rank. Governor Strong, . of Massachusetts, not considering the call warranted by the Constitution, did not comply with the requisition, for reasons set forth in his correspondence with the Secretary of War, and as later stated in his Speech to the Legislature. Renewed requisitions from General Dearborn, and the Secretary of War dur- ing July, finally led to the submission of the questions involved to the Supreme Judicial Court of the State. An extract from their decision follows : The attitude of Massachusetts and Connecticut was severely condemned by President Madison in his message of November 4, 181 2. (Richardson, Messages and Papers of the Presidents, I, 516.) The question still remained unsettled when in the summer of 1814 the coast of Maine was invaded, Gover- nor Strong at the request of General Dearborn, called out the militia, but as they were placed under the command of a general of the State instead of the United States, the administration refused to be responsible for their mainten- ance (Secretary of War Monroe to Strong, Sept. 17, 1814, State Papers, Mil- iiary Affairs, 1, 614), and left Massachusetts and the other New England States to defend thems'elves largely at their own cost. It was this situation that immediately led to the issuing of the call for the Hartford Convention. (See/orf, Nos. 36, 37.) In 1817 the State of Massachusetts presented its claim to the Federal Gov- ernment for reinbursement of the expenses contracted in maintaining the de- fence of the coast, and finally after an agitation of thirteen years, and the re- nunciation by the Governor and both branches of the Legislature of the prin- ciples maintained by the former authorities of the State, by act of May 31, 1830 (May session, 1823, Resolves of Mass., 1819-24, 634-636, 640, 641, 644, 645), Massachusetts was awarded about one-half of the amount of her claim, (f/. 6'. Stat, at Large, IV,. 428.) In 1827 the Supreme Court of the United States in Martin v. Mott (12 Wheaton, 19) decided adversely in a case in- volving the principles and position taken by the authorities of the New England States in regard to the constitutional rights of the Federal Govern- ment over the Militia. References : Sources. An Address of Members of the House of Represen- tatives of the Congress of the United States: To their Constituents on the sub- ject of the "^KS. with Great Britain (Boston, 1812); also in the Annals, 12 Cong., I sess., 2196-2221; Niles' Register, II, 309-315. The Senate of the Mass. Legislature, which was Republican, issued an Address to the People of the Commonwealth (Boston, 1812, 8°, 28 pages;; also in Niles, II, 308, 309; in which they " say with assurance, that a deep and deadly design is formed against our happy Umon.'' The House which was Federalist also issued An 12 STATE DOCUMENTS [56 Address to the People of Massachusetts (n. t. p., 1812, 8°, 14 pages); also in Niles, II, 417-419. The Correspondence between the Secretary of War, the Governor and United States military officers is given in the Annals, 12 Cong., 2 sess., Appx., 1295-1304; Amer. State Papers, Military Affairs, I, 321-325, 607-608, 610-614; •'Senate Doc, 18 Cong, i sess., II, No. 43, 135, 137-139. 142-164. All the important documents in connection with the Mass. claim are to be found in the above, and in Military Affairs, III, 8-10, 104-108; IV, 293-295; Resolves of Mass., 1828-31, 256-263; Cong. Debate, 1829-30, 357-359- General references: Adams, VI, 305, 309, 399-402; VIII, 219-223, 272; Barry, Mass., Ill, 379-390; Dwight, Hartford Convention, 233-275 in passim, 282-285; Hildreth, VI, 319-325. 372-374. 484-5°°. 531; McMaster, III, 543-546; IV, 231, 244-247; Schouler, II, 356,422-424; Von Hoist, I, 233-246, 259-260; Adams, New Eng. Federalism ; Kent, Commen- taries {lyh. ed.), I, 263-265; Story (5th ed.), II, 121-126; Winsor, Me- morial tiist. of Boston, III, 211-215, 303-311. 28. Extracts from the Letter of Governor Strong of Massachusetts to Secretary of War Eustis. August 5, 1812. The following extracts, together with the Opinion of the Judges, present briefly the reasons, for the refusal of Governor Strong to honor the call for the militia. The Governor's views are set forth more fuDy in his Speech to the General Court, October 14, 1812. (^Resolves of Mass., 1812-15, 75, 78; also extract in Dwight, 241-243.) The Federalist House in their Answer, ex- pressed their "unqualified approbation of the Governor's course." {Jbid., 82, 83.) The Republican Senate, in their Answer, dissented from the opinions of the Governor, and declared that " the jealousy with which your Excellency regards the authority of the National Administration might suggest an appre- hension for the safety of the Union." {Ibid., 86-88.) * * * As an opinion generally prevailed, that the Governor had no authority to call the militia into actual service, unless one of the exigencies contemplated by the constitution exists,^ I thought it expedient to call the council together, and, having laid before them your letter, and those I have received from General Dearborn, I requested their advice on the subject of them. The Council advised " that they were unable from a view of the Constitution of the United States, and the letters aforesaid, to ' " Congress may provide for caUing forth the militia to execute the laws of the Union, suppress insurrection, and repel invasion." 57] MASSACHUSETTS AND THE MILITIA QUESTION 13 perceive that any exigency exists which can render it advisable to comply with the said requisition. But, as upon important ques ■ tions of law, and upon solemn occasions, the Governor and Coun- cil have authority to require the opinion of the Justices of the Supreme Judicial Court, it is advisable to request the opinion of the Supreme Court upon the following questions, viz. : " ist. Whether the commanders in chief of the militia of the several states have a right to determine, whether any of the exi- gencies contemplated by the constitution of the United States exist ; so as to require them to place the militia, or any part of it, in the service of the United States, at the request of the Presi- dent, to be commanded by him pursuant to acts of Congress?" " 2nd. Whether, when either of the exigencies exist, authoriz- ing the employing the militia in the service of the United States, the militia thus employed, can be lawfully commanded by any officer, but of the militia, except by the President of the United States?" I enclose a copy of the answer given by the judges to these questions. * * * I am fully disposed to afford all the aid to the measures of the national government which the constitution requires of me, but, I presume it will not be expected, or desired, that I shall fail in the duty which I owe to the people of this state, who have confided their interests to my care. [Senate Doc. 13 Cong. 3 sess. Report of Com. on Military Affairs, Feb. 28, 1815, 34-38-] 2g. Extract from the Opinion of the Judges of Massachu- setts on the Militia Question, 1812.' On the construction of the Federal and State constitutions must depend the answers to the several questions proposed. As the militia of the several states may be employed in the service of the United States, for the three specific purposes of executing the laws of the Union, of suppressing insurrections, and of repelling invasions, the opinion of the judges is requested, whether the Commanders-in-Chief of the militia of the several states have a right to determine whether any of the exigencies aforesaid exist, so as to require them to place the militia, or any part of it, in the ' Signed by Judges Parsons, Sewall and Parlter. 14 STATE DOCUMENTS [58 service of the United States, at the request of the President, to be commanded by him pursuant to acts of Congress. It is the opinion of the undersigned, that this right is vested in the Commanders-in-Chief of the militia of the several states. The Federal Constitution provides, that whenever either of these exigencies exist, the militia may be employed, pursuant to some act of Congress, in the service of the United States ; but no power is given, either to the President or to Congress, to deter- mine that either of the said exigencies do in fact exist. As this power is not delegated to the United States by the Federal Con- stitution, nor prohibited by it to the states, it is reserved to the states, respectively ; and from the nature of the power, it must be exercised by those with whom the states have respectively en- trusted the chief command of the militia. It is the duty of these commanders to execute this important trust, agreeably to the laws of their several states, respectively, without reference to the laws or ofificers of the United States, in all cases, except those specially provided in the Federal Constitu- tion. They must, therefore, determine whether either of the special cases exist, obhging them to relinquish the execution of this trust, and to render themselves and the militia subject to the command of the President. A different construction, giving to Congress the right to determine when these special cases exist, authorizing them to call forth the whole of the militia, and taking them from the Commanders-in-Chief of the several states, and subjecting them to the command of the President, would place all the militia, in effect, at the will of Congress, and produce a mili- tary consolidation of the states, without any constitutional remedy against the intentions of the people, when ratifying the Constitu- tion. Indeed, since passing the act of Congress of February 28, 1795, chapter loi, vesting in the President the power of calling forth the militia when the exigencies mentioned in the Constitu- tion shall exist, if the President has the power of determining when those exigencies exist, the militia in the several states is, in effect, at his command, and subject to his control. No inconvenience can reasonably be presumed to result from the construction which vests in the Commanders in Chief of the militia, in the several states, the right of determining when the exigencies exist, obliging them to place the militia in the service 59] CONNECTICUT AND THE MILITIA QUESTION 15 of the United States. These exigencies are of such a nature, that the existence of them can be easily ascertained by, or made known to, the Commanders in Chief of the militia ; and when ascertained, the public interest will produce prompt obedience to the acts of Congress. Another question proposed to the consideration of the judges, is, whether, when either of the exigencies exist, authorizing the employing of the militia in the service of the United States, the mihtia thus employed can be lawfully commanded by any officer not of the militia, except by the President of the United States ? * * * The officers of the militia are to be appointed by the states, and the President may exercise his command of the militia by officers of the militia, duly appointed ; but we know of no con- stitutional provision authorizing any officer of the army of the United States to command the militia, or authorizing any officer of the militia to command the army of the United States. The Congress may provide laws for the government of the militia when in actual service ; but to extend this power to placing them under the command of an officer not of the militia, except the President, would render nugatory the provision that the militia are to have officers appointed by the states. * * •* [Senate Doc. 13 Cong. 3 sess. Report of Com. on Military Affairs, Feb. 28, 1815, 38-42.] 30. Report and Resolutions of Connecticut on the Militia Question. August 25, 1812. Upon the receipt of General Dearborn's requisition, Governor Griswold con- vened the Council, June 29, 1812. This body advised him not to comply with the requisition on grounds similar to those afterwards taken by the authorities of Massachusetts. Upon the renewal of the requisition by the Federal author- ities, Governor Griswold, on August 4, reconvened the Council, which body again recommended a non-compliance with the requisition, whereupon the Governor called the General Assembly in extra session on August 25, and in his message reviewed the situation. The General Assembly, on the same day, adopted a Report and Resolutions, extracts from which follow, and also a Declaration containing a justification of their action. In 1814 a similar con- troversy to that with Massachusetts arose between the State authorities and 1 6 STATE DOCUMENTS [6o the Federal administration over the commanding officer of the State militia, when called into the Federal service. References: Text, Report of Committee, August 25, 1812, on that part of the Governor's Speech which relates to his correspondence with the Secretary of War. (New Haven, 1812, 8°, 14 pages.) Also given in Niks, III, 22- 25. Message of Governor Griswold, Special Session, with documents accom- panying the same. (New Haven, 1812, 8°, 22 pages); also given in Niles, III, 4, 5. The text of these and earlier messages of the Governor and action of Council are given in Dwight, Hartford Convention, 243-248, 259-267; Proclamation of August 6, 1812, announcing proceedings of Council is in Niles, II, 389. Report of committee of Legislatare on the conflict over the command of the militia, Oct., 1814, Niles, VII, sup., 106, 107. For Corres- pondence of the Governor and the Federal authorities, see Amer. State Papers, Military Affairs, I, 325, 326, 608, 614-621; Annals, 12 Cong., 2 j^w., Appx., 1304-1310; Report of Com. on Military Affairs, Feb. 28, 1815, State Papers, 13 Cong., 3 sess., 18-22, 55—80. For general references, see ante p. 56. The committee consider it as of the highest importance, that no ground should be taken, on this subject, but that which is strictly constitutional, and that, being taken, it should be main- tained at every hazard. It is very apparent that the claim set up by the administration of the government of the United States, is, that when a war has been declared to exist, between this and any foreign country, the militia of the several states are liable to be demanded, by the administration of the government of the United States, to enter their forts, and there remain, upon the presumption, that the enemy may invade the place or places, which they are ordered to garrison and defend. And that for this purpose, they may be ordered to any part of the United States. =i(: =ifr If: % If: id ^if: If then the mihtia can be constitutionally required to man the garrison of the United States, they may continue to be so re- quired, as long as the danger continues to exist ; and to become, for all the purposes of carrying on the war, within the United States, standing troops of the United States. And a declaration of war made by the administration of the government of the United States, and announced to the governors of the states, will substantially convert the militia of the states into such troops. Before it is agreed that the states have ceded such a power to the 6i] CONNECTICUT AND THE MILITIA QUESTION 17 United States the question ought to be examined with much at- tention. On the fullest deliberation, your committee are not able to dis- cover that the constitution of the United States justifies this claim. The people of this state were among the first to adopt that con- stitution. They have been among the most prompt to satisfy all its lawful demands, and to give facility to its fair operations — they have enjoyed the benefits resulting from the union of the states ; they have loved, and still love, and cherish that union, and will deeply regret, if any events shall occur to alienate their affection from it. They have a deep interest in its preservation, and are still disposed to yield a willing and prompt obedience to all the legitimate requirements of the constitution of the United States. But it must not be forgotten, that the state of Connecticut is a FREE SOVEREIGN and INDEPENDENT State ; that the United States are a confederacy of states ; that we are a confederated and not a consolidated republic. The governor of this state is under a high and solemn obligation, "to maintain the lawful rights and privi- leges thereof, as a sovereign, free and independent state" as he is "to support the constitution of the United States,^' and the obhga- tion to support the latter, imposes an additional obligation to support the former. The building cannot stand, if the pillars upon which it rests, are impaired or destroyed. The same con- stitution, which delegates powers to the general government, in- hibits the exercise of powers, not delegated, and reserves those powers to the states respectively. The power to use the militia " to execute the laws, suppress insurrection and repel invasions," is granted to the general government. All othei: power over them is reserved to the states. And to add to their security, on the all important subject of their militia, the power of appointing their officers is expressly reserved. If then the administration of the general government demand the militia, when neither of the exigencies provided for by the constitution have occurred, or to be used for purposes not contemplated by that instrument, it would be not only the heighth of injustice to the militia, to be ordered into the service of the United States, to do such duty, but a violation of the constitution and laws of this state, and of the United States. Once employed in the service of the United States, the militia would become subject to the articles of war. 1 8 STATE DOCUMENTS [62 and exposed to be punished with death, if they should leave a service, which by the constitution of their country, they are not bound to perform. From an attentive consideration of the constitution and laws of the United States, it is evident to the Committee, that the militia of the several states are to be employed by the United States, for the purpose only of performing special services, in cases where no other miUtary force could be conveniently had or properly exer- cised ; and when those services are performed, they are to return to their several homes. The committee cannot believe, that it was ever intended that they should be liable, on demand of the president upon the governor of the state, to be ordered into the service of the United States, to assist in carrying on an offensive war. They can only be so employed, under an act of the legis- lature of the state, authorizing it. On the expediency of passing such a law, or adopting any measures which the war may render necessary, the committee do not consider it is as within their commission to decide. If congress, or the president of the United States shall apply to this state, to furnish troops to assist in carrying on the war, the request will doubtless meet with the attention which it will merit. The committee will only take the liberty to remark, that, should the manner in which the war is waged or prosecuted, induce the enemy to retaliate, by an actual invasion of any portion of our territory, or should we be threatened with invasion or attack from any enemies, the militia will always be prompt and zealous to de- fend their coimtry. The government of this state, as it ever has been, so it will con- tinue to be, ready to comply with all constitutional requisitions of the general government. Faithful to itself and posterity, it will be faithful to the United States. 31. Rhode Island and the Militia Question. October 6, 1812. The following extract from the message of Governor William Jones to the General Assembly, October 6, 181 2, gives the opinion of the Council of War upon the call for the militia made by the Federal authorities. For text see Acts and Rtsolves of Rhod( Island Q^neral Assembly, October, i8i2, 3-5; also 63] VERMONT AND THE MILITIA QUESTION 19 in NiUs, III, 179, 180. The action of the Governor and Council was approved at the same session, Acts and Resolves, 34. The Correspondence of the Gov- ernor and the Federal authorities and other documents for the period 1812- 14, is in Amer. State Papers, Military Affairs, I, 608, 621, 622; Report of Com. on Military Affairs^Feb. 28, 1815, 13 Cong., 3 sess.. Senate Z>o^., 80-85. For subsequent action of the State, see post. No. 38. [Upon the receipt of a letter from General Dearborn, on July 21, requesting him to order certain of the militia into the service of the United States, Governor Jones says,] I was induced to convene a council of war, and take their opinion of the measures most proper to adopt under these circumstances ; * * * On the question whether the militia of this State can be withdrawn from the authority thereof, except in particular cases provided for by the constitution of the United States, they are unanimously of opinion, that they could not. On the second question, viz., when the militia are called for by the President of the United States, who is to be the judge whether those exigencies provided for by the constitution of the United States, exist or not ? They were also unanimously of opinion that the executive of the State must, and of right ought to be judge. * * * It is very much to be regretted that there should exist a differ- ence of opinion between the President of the United States and the government of the individual States in any case, and particu- larly so as it respects the disposing of the detailed militia, when the nation is involved in war. Satisfied, however, that the prin- ciple adopted, and the course this State has pursued on that sub- ject is not only perfectly in agreement with the letter, but with the spirit of the Constitution of the United States, I conceive an adherence thereunto indispensable; but should this General Assembly think the course erroneous, there is now an opportunity to correct it. 32. Vermont and the Militia Question. 1813-1814. In 1813, Governor Martin Chittenden took a similar view of the constitu- tional relation of the state militia to the general government as that already adopted by the authorities of other New England States. In his speech to the Legislature, October 23, he outlined his position, as is given below. The majority of the Assembly adopted a report indorsing his views by a vote of 96 20 STATE DOCUMENTS [64 to 89, but 79 of the minority entered a protest on the Journal. {Assembly Journal, 1813, 137, 198.) By a Proclamation of November 10, the Governor commanded the recall of that portion of the militia which " has been ordered from our frontiers for the defence of a neighboring State, and has been placed under the command and at the disposal of an officer of the United States, out of the jurisdiction or control of the Executive of this State." The refusal of the troops to obey his orders, and the arrest of his representative, was followed by the introduction of a resolution in Congress instructing the prosecution of the Governor for treason. {Annals of Cong., 1813-14, I, 859-861.) A counter resolution was presented in the Legislature of Massachusetts pledging the support of the State to the Governor and people of Vermont in their efforts to maintain their constitutional rights. {Jour, of the Bouse of Rep. of Mass. (MS.), Jan. 14, 1814, No. 34, 173.) This led the Legislature of New Jersey, February 12, 1814, to adopt the following resolution: "Resolved, That the Legislature regards, with contempt and abhorrence, the ravings of an infur- iated faction, either as issuing from a legislative body, a maniac governor, or discontented or ambitious demagogues; that the friends of our country and government may rest assured, the people of this State will meet internal insur- ection with the same promptitude they will the invasion of a cruel, vindictive and savage foe." (Niles' Register, VI, II.) The Legislature of Pennsyl- vania, March 10, 1814, also adopteda Report and Resolutions condemning the action of the Governor and disapproving the proposed resolutions of Massa- chusetts as " evidently intended to intimidate " and " accompanied by a threat," and " calculated to add to the calamities of the war — the horrors of a civil war," and finally resolving " that they view with the utmost concern and disapprobation every attempt to screen from just punishment any individual or individuals, however elevated by station, who may violate the Constitution or laws of the United States, or who may directly adhere to or afford aid or com- fort to the enemies of our beloved country." {Amer. State Papers, Misc., II, 238, 239.) When the question of the command of the militia was raised in 1814, the Council of Vermont, when consulted by the Governor, unanimously resolved, October 28, 1814, that the " militia are to be commanded by officers appointed by the State, or by the President in person." References : Text of Governor's Speech, is in Records of the Governor and Council of the State of Vermont, VI, 420; Proclamation of Nov. 10, 1813, Ibid., 492; Reply of the Militia, Ibid., 493, 494; Report and Resolves of the Council, Oct. 28, 1814, Ibid, 80, 85, 89, 92. The above docimients are also in Niles, V, 181, 212, 230, 264, 423; VII, Sup. 99-105. See also, Adams, VII, 366, 367; VIII, 222; Hildreth, VI, 452, 453, 468; McMaster, IV, 226, 227. Extract from Governor Chittenden's Speech. October 23, 1813. The importance of the subject of the militia will not fail to claim your deliberate consideration. I have always considered this force peculiarly adapted and exclusively assigned for the ser- 6s] EXTENSION OF TERRITORIAL LIMITS 21 vice and protection of the respective States ; excepting in cases provided for by the national constitution, viz., to execute the laws of the Union, suppress insurrection, and repel invasions. It never could have been contemplated by the frarners of our excellent constitution, who, it appears, in the most cautious manner, guarded the sovereignty of the States, or by the States, who adopted it, that the whole body of the miUtia were, by any kind of magic, at once to be transformed into a regular army for the purpose of foreign conquest ; and it is to be regretted, that a construction should have been given to the constitution, so peculiarly burden- some and oppressive to that important class of our fellow citizens. 2,1). Massachusetts on the Extension of Territorial Limits. June 16, 1813. The spring election of 1813 resulted in the Federalists securing control of both branches of the General Court, as well as in the re-election of Governor Strong. The Governor in his Speech referred to territorial extension {^Re- solves of Mass. (1812-15), 231) and the House in its Answer considered the effect of extension on the future influence of New England. {Ibid., 238, 239.) Josiah Quincy, who had opposed the admission of Loviisiana, in a strong state rights speech in Congress January 14, i8ii,had declined a re-election to that body, but accepted a seat in the State Senate, and at once took the lead in opposing the policy of the Federal Government. He was Chairman of the Committee that drew up the Report and Resolutions relative to the extension of Territory, extracts firom which follow. A Remonstrance against the war, June 15, 1 81 3, also contained a protest against the extension of territory. References : The text of the Report and Resolutions is given in Resolves of Mass. (1812-15), 310-318; also in Niles, IV, 285-287. For the Remon- strance against the war, see Resolves of Mass., 338, 339; also in Amer. State Papers, Misc., II, 210-214; and in Niles, IV, 297-301 ; the Protest of the Minority is also included in last two references. Quincy's speech in Con- gress, cf. Annals, \i Cong., Ill, 523-542; Johnston, Amer. Orations (ed. 1897), I, 180-204; Edmund Quincy, Zi/i o/" y 356-358; Schouler, II, 425-429; Von Hoist, I, 263-272. For additional bibliography, cf. Channing and Hart, Guidet § 173; yi2.cT)(m.2X6L, Documents, 198. Therefore Resolved, That it be and hereby is recommended to the Legislatures of the several States represented in this Convention, to adopt all such measures as may be necessary effectually to protect the citi- zens of said States from the operation and effects of all acts which have been or may be passed by the Congress of the United 40 STATE DOCUMENTS [84 States, which shall contain provisions, subjecting the militia or other citizens to forcible drafts, conscriptions, or impressments, not authorized by the Constitution of the United States. Resolved, That it be and hereby is recommended to the said Legislatures, to authorize an immediate and earnest application to be made to the Government of the United States, requesting their consent to some arrangement, whereby the said States may, separately or in concert, be empowered to assume upon them- selves the defence of their territory against the enemy ; and a reasonable portion of the taxes, collected within said States, may be paid into the respective treasuries thereof, and appropriated to the payment of the balance due said States, and to the future de- fence of the same. The amount so paid into the said treasuries to be credited, and the disbursements made as aforesaid to be charged to the United States. Resolved, That it be, and it hereby is, recommended to the Legislatures of the aforesaid States, to pass laws (where it has not already been done) authorizing the Governours or Command- ers in Chief of their militia to make detachments from the same, or to form voluntary corps, as shall be most convenient and con- formable to their Constitutions, and to cause the same to be well armed, equipped and disciplined, and held in readiness for ser- vice ; and upon the request of the Governour of either of the other States, to employ the whole of such detachment or corps, as well as the regular forces of the State, or such part thereof as may be required and can be spared consistently with the safety of the State, in assisting the State, making such request to repel any in- vasion thereof which shall be made or attempted by the publick enemy. Resolved, That the following amendments of the Constitution of the United States, be recommended to the States represented as aforesaid, to be proposed by them for adoption by the State Legislatures, and in such cases as may be deemed expedient, by a Convention chosen by the people of each State. And it is further recommended, that the said States shall per- severe in their efforts to obtain such amendments, until the same shall be effected. First. Representatives and direct taxes shall be apportioned among the several States which may be included within the union. 85] THE HARTFORD CONVENTION 41 according to their respective numbers of free persons, including those bound to serve for a term of years, and excluding Indians not taxed, and all other persons. Second. No new State shall be admitted into the union by Congress in virtue of the power granted by the Constitution, with- out the concurrence of two thirds of both Houses. Third. Congress shall not have power to lay any embargo on the ships or vessels of the citizens of the United States, in the ports or harbors thereof, for more than sixty days. Fourth. Congress shall not have power, without the concur- rence of two thirds of both Houses, to interdict the commercial intercourse between the United States and any foreign nation or the dependencies thereof. Fifth. Congress shall not make or declare war, or authorize acts of hostihty against any foreign nation, without the concur- rence of two thirds of both Houses, except such acts of hostility be in defence of the territories of the United States, when actually invaded. Sixth. No person who shall hereafter be naturalized, shall be eligible as a member of the Senate or House of Representa- tives of the United States, nor capable of holding any civil office under the authority of the United States. Seventh. The same person shall not be elected President of the United States a second time ; nor shall the President be elected from the same State two terms in succession. Resolved, That if the application of these States to the govern- ment of the United States, recommended in a foregoing Resolu- tion, should be unsuccessful, and peace should not be concluded, and the defence of these States should be neglected, as it has been since the commencement of the war, it will in the opinion of this Convention be expedient for the Legislatures of the several States to appoint Delegates to another Convention, to meet at Boston, in the State of Massachusetts, on the third Thursday of June next, with such powers and instructions as the exigency of a crisis so momentous may require. Resolved, That the Hon. George Cabot, the Hon. Chauncey Goodrich, and the Hon. Daniel Lyman, or any two of them, be authorized to call another meeting of this Convention, to be holden in Boston, at any time before new Delegates shall be 42 STATE DOCUMENTS [86 chosen, as recommended in the above Resolutions, if in their judgment the situation of the Country shall urgently require it.^ [Proceedings of a Convention of Delegates, etc., convened at Hartford, Decem- ber 15, 1814, 25-27. Hartford, 1815.] Replies of the States to the Hartford Convention Amendments. These amendments as indorsed by the legislatures of Massachusetts and Connecticut did not even receive the approval of any of the other New Eng- land States, and the legislatures of the following nine States passed resolutions of disapproval: Vermont, New York, Nevr Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia, North Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee and Louisiana. (For references, see Ames, Proposed Amendments, 46, note, 265, note, 332.) Most of the legislatures simply passed resolutions of non- concurrence, but the legislatures of New York, New Jersey and Penns)lvania, accompanied their resolutions with interesting reports of disapproval. Extracts from the reports of New Jersey and New York follow. The very elaborate report of the Senate of Penn- sylvania, written by a Federalist, is too long to be reprinted here, but is in Senate Journal of Penna., 1814-15, 381-397; a digest of the report is given in The Historical Register, 1814, 131-136. A printed attested copy of this report was communicated to Massachusetts, and is in the Mass. Archives. 40. Reply of the Legislature of New Jersey. ' February 17, 1815, House of Assembly, February 10. The committee to whom was referred the several propositions for the amendment of the Constitution of the United States, adopted by the general assembly of Connecticut, and at their request communicated to his excellency the governor, to be laid before the legislature of this state for their approbation and adop- tion, beg leave to report, that they have been induced by the untoward circumstances of the times, and the general aspect of our political affairs to consider the same, with a view rather to their general bearing, character and tendency, than to their several intrinsic merits. Under these impressions they are con- strained to remark, that the leading purpose, the favorite master principle pervading all the propositions in question, is to reduce ' Signatures of the Delegates omitted. ^For message of Governor Pennington of Jan. II, 181 5, condemning the movement in the Eastern States, see Niles, VII, 108, 109. 87] REPLIES OF THE STATES 43 within a narrower sphere the power and influence of the general government, and thereby to weaken its arm, at a time when, above all others, it requires to be strengthened. Their obvious tendency also is, to throw amongst the states of the union the apple of discord — to increase those jealousies and suspicions, which have been already too far excited, and to give new life, activity and nurture to those seeds of dissention and disunion which have been recently sown with an unsparing hand by in- sidious combinations and associations, all of them professing to promote the general good, but acting in direct opposition to their professions. The committee feel themselves impelled, therefore, by the strongest obligations of patriotism and duty, to recommend to the house, that each and all of the before mentioned seven propositions of amendment be most promptly and unquahfiedly rejected. To which report the house of assembly agreed and thereupon. Resolved, by the house of assembly of New Jersey, That the before mentioned seven propositions of amendment of the con- stitution of the United States be and the same are hereby re- jected. [Agreed to by the Senate, February 17. J \_Nilei' Register, VIII, 16.] 41. Extract from the Reply of the Legislature of New York. April 17, 1815. In the opinion of your committee, in order correctly to estimate the respect due to the resolutions referred to them, it is necessary to recur to the sources from whence they sprang ; and to the time and circumstances in which they originated. [Here fol- lows an unfriendly summary of the work of the Hartford Conven- tion and an inference as to its intentions.] From this convention, emanated the resolutions submitted to the consideration of your committee. The enlightened patriots who formed the constitution of the United States, aware that confederated sovereignties are ever prone to factious combinations, wisely inserted a provision, " that no state should enter into any agreement or compact with another state." Yet in utter violation of this most explicit decla- ration of the constitution, was this convention called, these dele- gates appointed, and their proceedings approved by the states of Massachusetts and Connecticut. [Here follows a severe arraign- 44 STATE DOCUMENTS [88 ment of the States of Massachusetts and Connecticut, and con- trasts their conduct with that of New York.] In the amendments proposed to the constitution, your com- mittee can discover nothing inconsistent with the late conduct of the states by whom they are recommended. The effect of them, if adopted would be to create dissentions among the different members of the union, to enfeeble the national government, and to tempt all nations to encroach upon our rights. Your com- mittee forbear to enter into a particular examination of the merits of these amendments, but they cannot but remark, that if the fifth, which requires the concurrence -of two-thirds of both houses of congress to declare war, were adopted, no nation would ever fear our power. Recent experience has given us but too much reason to apprehend, that a portion of the people in the eastern section of the union are lost to a due sense of national honor. These combined with others, might put it out of the power of government to declare war, even if an insolent foe should plunder our commerce and kidnap our citizens. Your committee would further remark, that although an amendment is proposed, de- priving certain states of a portion of their representation, in con- sideration of holding slaves, upon the ground that it is unequal in its operation ; yet nothing is suggested in favor of equalizing the representation in the senate, in which the states of Connecticut and Rhode Island are equally represented with this state, which contains four times as many as the former, and fourteen times as many as the latter. Upon a considerate view of the whole subject, your committee are of opinion that as it becomes this honorable legislature, in the words of the father of his country, to " frown indignantly upon the first dawning of every attempt to alienate any portion of our country from the rest, or to enfeeble the sacred ties which now link together the various parts," that it would be proper to adopt the following resolution : Resolved, That the seven several propositions of amendment to the constitution of the United States, in the words following, viz. [Here the resolutions are inserted] Be and the sam.e are hereby rejected : and that his excellency the governor be requested to communicate information thereof, to the executive of the several states of the general government. STATE DOCUMENTS ON FEDERAL RELATIONS: THE STATES AND THE UNITED STATES. NUIVLBER III. 42. Resolutions of Pennsylvania Against the Bank. March 29, i8ig. The charter of Ihe first Bank of the United States expired in 181 1. All efforts to renew the same, or to create another bank, failed until April 10, 1816, when the act establishing the Bank of the United States of America was approved. [U. S. Stat, at Large, III, 266-277.) Hostility to a national bank soon reappeared, especially during the financial crisis of 1818-19. A.n unsuccessful effort was made in Congress to repeal its charter, and in several of the States the Legislatures determined to tax the branches of the Bank out of the State. (McMaster, III, 386-389; IV, 496, 497.) The action of Mary- land led to the test case of McCulloch v. Maryland m 1819 (4 Wheaton, 316*, in which the Supreme Court sustained the constitutionality of the Bank and its exemption from State taxation. In Pennsylvania, within which Slate the cen- tral office of the Bank was located, the Legislature again showed its hostility to a national bank ' by adopting the resolution given below by a vote of 81 yeas to 4 nays in the House, and 14 yeas to 7 nays in the Senate. References: Text, Pamphlet Laws of Pennsylvania, 1819, 289; also in Laws of Pennsylvania, VII, 673 {Phila., 1822); Annals of Congress, 16 Cong,, I sess., 70, 102. The Legislative proceedings are given in journal of the House of Rep. of Penna., 1818-19, 200, 201, 341, 691, 692; Journal of the Senate of Penna., 1818-19, S^S- General references on the Act of 1816 and opposition to the Bank: Adams, VIII, 250, 251, 257-260; IX, 106, ' For action in 181 1 see ante, pp. 52-54. 89] I 2 STATE DOCUMENTS [90 III, 116-118, 131; Hildreth, VI, 589-591, 650-654; McMaster, IV, 309- 314, 495-508; Schouler, II, 447-449; III, 112-119; Von Hoist, I, 387, 388. For additional references cf. MacDonald, Documents, 207; Channing and Hart's Guide, 356. " That all power is inherent in the people, and all free govern- ments are founded on their authority and instituted for their peace, safety and happiness," are the fundamental principles of republicanism. To prevent the peace, safety and happiness of the people from being endangered, political orthodoxy teaches that they ought never to delegate a power which they can exercise with conveni- ence themselves. In proportion as the capital of a monied institution is increased, its branches extended and its direction removed from the body of the people, so also will be increased its power and inclination to do evil and to tyrannize ; therefore. Resolved, That the following amendment be proposed to the Constitution of the United States, viz. : Congress shall make no law to erect or incorporate any bank or other monied institution, except within the District of Columbia, and every bank or other monied institution which shall be established by the authority of Congress shall, together with its branches and offices of discount and deposit, be confined to the District of Columbia. Resolved, That our Senators and Representatives in Congress be requested to use their exertions to procure the adoption of the foregoing amendment. Resolved, That the Governor be requested to transmit copies of the foregoing preamble, proposed amendment and resolutions to each of our Senators and Representatives in Congress, and also to transmit like copies to the executives of the several States, with a request that they lay the same before the Legislatures thereof, soliciting their co-operation in procuring the adoption of the foregoing amendment. Replies of the States. The invitation (if the Legislature of Pennsylvania to the other Stales to co- operate with it in securing the adoption of the proposed amendment to the 9l] REPLY OF SOUTH CAROLINA 3 Federal Constitution contained in the above resolutions brought out many replies during the years 1819-1823. The amendment was approved of by the Legislatures of Tennessee, Ohio, Indiana and Illinois, but disapproved of by those of at least nine other Stales. (Ames, Proposed Amendments, 256, 336, 339') The replies of South Carolina and New York follow. That of the former is of especial interest in view of the strict construction attitude taken by this State a few years later, while that of the latter is a fair statement of the reason that led to the creation of the second Bank of the United States. Other notable replies were those from Massachusetts and Georgia. The Legis- lature of Massachusetts maintained the utility and importance of the Bank, declaring " that a bank limited in its operations to the District of Columbia would be wholly inadequate to the exigencies of the national government." (Resolutions of Jan. 31, 1820. Resolves of Mass., 1819-24, 119, 120. Report of indorsement, Jan. 17, 1823, Ibid., 571, 572.) The resolutions of the Gen- eral Assembly of Georgia declared that it was "not expedient to deny abso- lutely " the power of Congress to establish a bank, " although impressed with the belief that the original grant of such power should be accompanied with a resolution requiring the assent of each and every State to the location of the said bank or any branches thereof within the limits of such State." (From copy in yournal of House of Rep. of Penna., 1822-23, 646, 647.) 43. Extract from the Reply of South Carolina. December 12, 1821. * • * Your committee are unanimously of opinion that as Congress is constitutionally vested with the right to incorporate a bank, it would be unwise and impolitic to restrict its operations within such narrow limits as the District of Columbia. They apprehend no danger from the exercise of the powers which the people of the United States have confided to Congress, but believe that in the exercise of these powers that body will render them subservient to the great purposes of our national compact. Your committee therefore beg leave to recommend to this House the following resolution : Resolved, That the Legislature of the State of South Carolina do not concur in the amendment of the Constitution proposed by Pennsylvania in the following words. [Here follow the text of the amendment and a resolution for the transmission of their reply to the other States.] \^Acts and Resolutions of the General Assembly of South Carolina, 1821, 69, 70. (Columbia, 1822.)] 4 STATE DOCUMENTS [92 44. Extract from the Reply of New York. April 18, 1823. ******* The committee are aware of the advantages a national bank, with its branches established in the several States, under the laws of the Union, beyond the reach of the local authorities, may enjoy, to the injury of the -State bank; nor have they dis- regarded the influence that may be exercised by such a powerful monied institution extending over the widespread union above the power and in no manner subject to the direction of the State governments, which seem to have alarmed (and in some measure to have influenced the proceedings of) the General Assembly of Pennsylvania. But when they take into consideration the ex- treme embarrassment of the National government during and immediately subsequent to the late war in its fiscal concerns, from which a national bank, with its branches spread over the Union, might have relieved it ; the necessity that government was then under, of receiving its taxes and duties, in the depreciated paper of State banks, in no way subject to its control, and which had generally suspended specie payment, to the great loss of the National treasury, and the attending necessity of the government of opening accounts with, and making deposits in, from ninety to one hundred of these local institutions, the committee can not resist the conclusion that the dignity, the welfare, the prosperity and the permanency of that government (which is our pride and our admiration) forbid the adoption of the proposed amendment ; and although it may be wished that the power now exercised by Congress in establishing a national bank, with branches in the several States, had been used with some limitation, subjecting them to such taxation in the respective States as the local banks were or might be subjected to, yet the committee unanimously have come to the conclusion that it would be unwise and im- politic to adopt the proposed amendment. [Here follow resolu- tions of non-concurrence and for transmission of the resolutions. Adopted without division in both Houses.] [ffouse Journal of New York, 1823, 826, 827, 937, 966; Senate Journal, 1823, 351, 361.] 93] OHIO AND THE FEDERAL JUDICIARY 5 45. Extracts from the Report and Resolutions of Ohio Relative to the Bank and the Powers of the Federal Judiciary. January 3, 1821. The hostility to the Bank also showed itself in Ohio. The General Assembly of that State, February 8, 1819, enacted a law placing a tax of $50,000 on each branch of the Bank of the United States that should be found within the State on and after the following 15th of September, and making express pro- vision for enforcing the collection of the tax. (Acis of Ohio, XVII, 190-199.) This was done with the avowed purpose of compelling the Bank to cease doing business within the State. Notwithstanding the decision in the case of Mc- Culloch V. Maryland i^/s, Wheaton, 316), rendered March 7, 1819, Osborn, the Auditor of the State of Ohio, determined to collect the tax from the two branches of the Bank, which had paid no attention to the act of the State. Disregarding the injunction issued by the Circuit Court of the United States, the Auditor's agents, acting under State warrants, forcibly seized the amount of the tax, $100,000, from the branch of the Bank at Chillicothe. The Bank thereupon instituted both civil and criminal suits against the parties in these proceedings. While one of the suits was still pending the General Assembly of Ohio assembled in December, 1820. It at once came to the support of the Auditor and his agents. A joint committee of both Houses presented on December 12 an exhaustive state rights argument, prepared by Charles Ham- mond, in defence of the position of the State in this controversy. This report and resolutions, extracts from which follow, were adopted with amendments by the House of Representatives December 28, 1820, and by the Senate January 3, 1821, after that body had receded from several amendments, the most important of which was one intended to make less stringent the recommenda- tion relative to the withdrawal from the Bank of all privileges before the courts. The vote of the House of Representatives on the several resolutions is given in brackets after each of the resolves. The report and resolutions were communicated to both branches of Congress early in February, 1821, and after some objection were ordered printed. (Annals of Congress, 16 Cong., 2 sess., 257, 361, 1029.) The Ohio Legislature also followed out the recommendation of the report, and on January 29, 1821, passed An Act to withdraw from the Bank of the United States the protection of the laws of this State in Certain Cases. [Acts of Ohio, XIX, 108-110. ) Attempts made in the session of 1821-22 to secure the repeal of the law levying the tax were defeated. (Niles' Register, XXI, 303, 342, 343.) Subsequently the Circuit Court gave a deci- sion against Osborn, and March 19, 1824, the Supreme Court, in the case of Osborn et al. v. the Bank of the United States (9 Wheaton, 738), affirmed the decision in all its material points, and the restitution of the funds seized was finally effected. References : The text of the Report and Resolutions is given in Senate Docu- 6 STATE DOCUMENTS [94 ments, 16 Cong., 2 sess., XII, No. 72, 35 pages. Also in Executive Docu- ments, VI, No. 88; Annals of Congress, 1686-1714; as reported from the Joint Committee, Journal of the House of Rep. of Ohio, 1820-21, 98-132. Proceedings on the same, Ibid., 188, 189, 192-195; Journal of the Senate of Ohio, 1820-21, 188, 189. Text of Resolutions only are given in American State Papers, Miscellaneous, II, 653, 654; Niks, XIX, 339-341. General references: Hildreth, VI, 680, 702; McMaster, IV, 497-504; V,4i3; Schouler, III, 246; Story, Commentaries, §§ 1649-1655; Const. History as seen in American Law, 94-96; King, Ohio, 336—338. For contemporary account cf. Niles, XVII, 139, 310, 311; XIX, 65, 85, 129, 147, 227, 294, 310, 337, 346, 361, 449; XXI, 75, 76. [The report opens with a review of the transactions in con- nection with the case of the Bank of the United States against the officers of the State in the United States Circuit Court.] The committee conceive that the proceeding in this case, by bill in chancery and injunction against the Auditor and Treasurer, is, to every substantial purpose, a process against the State. The Auditor and Treasurer are defendants in name and in form only, and can only be made and regarded as defendants to evade the provisions of the Constitution. From the view they have taken of the subject the conclusion seems inevitable that the Federal Courts have asserted a jurisdiction which a just construction of the Constitution does not warrant. And the committee conceive that to acquiesce in such an encroachment upon the privileges and authority of the State, without an effort to defend them, would be an act of treachery to the State itself, and to all the States that compose the American Union. The committee are aware of the doctrine, that the Federal Courts are exclusively vested with jurisdiction to declare, in the last resort, the true interpretation of the Constitution of the United States. To this doctrine, in the latitude contended for, they never can give their assent. ***** ■ By an express provision of the Constitution of the United States, a provision introduced purposely to effect that object, the States, in any controversies they may have with individuals, are placed beyond the jurisdiction of the Federal Courts. It would seem incontrovertible that the amendatory article ' placed the States and the United States in a relation to each other different ' The XI amendment. See ante, p. 8, 95] OHIO AND THE FEDERAL JUDICIARY 7 from that in which they stood under the original Constitution. Different in this, that in all cases where the States could not be called to answer in the Federal Courts, these courts ceased to be a constitutional tribunal to investigate and determine their power and authority under the Constitution of the United States. The duty of the courts to declare the law terminated with their authority to execute it. The committee conceive that such is the true, and that such is the settled construction of the Constitution; settled by an authority paramount to all others, and from which there can be no appeal, the authority of the people themselves. So early as the year 1798 the States and the people were called to declare their opinions upon the question involving the relative rights and powers of the government of the United States. [Here follow extracts from the Kentucky and Virginia Resolu- tions of 1 7 98. J It cannot be forgotten that these resolves, and others connected with them, were occasioned by the acts of Congress, commonly called the alien and sedition laws, and by certain decisions in the Federal Circuit Courts, recognizing the obligatory force of the common law, as applicable to the federal jurisprudence. The resolutions of Virginia were submitted to the Legislatures of the different States ; Delaware, Rhode Island, Massachusetts ; the Senate of New York, Connecticut, New Hampshire and Vermont returned answers to them,' strongly reprobating their principle, and all but Delaware and Connecticut, asserting that the federal judiciary were exclusively the expositors of the federal constitution. In the Virginia Legislature these answers were submitted to a committee, of which Mr. Madison was chairman, and in January, 1800, this committee made a report, which has ever since been consdered the true text-book of republican principles. In that report the claim that the federal judiciary is the exclusive expositor of the federal constitution is taken up and examined. [Here follow extracts from the Virginia report.] The resolutions of Kentucky and Virginia, and of Massachu- setts, Rhode Island, the Senate of New York, New Hampshire and Vermont, in reply, and the answers to these replies by the ' For these replies see ante, pp. 16-26, 8 STATE DOCUMENTS L90 Legislature of Virginia, were a direct and constitutional appeal to the States and the people upon the great question at issue. The appeal was decided by the presidential and other elections of 1800. The States and the people recognized and affirmed the doctrines of Kentucky and Virginia, by effecting a total change in the administration of the federal government. In the pardon of Callender, convicted under the sedition law, and in the remit- tance of his fines, the new administration unequivocally recog- nized the decision and the authority of the States and of the people. Thus has the question, whether the Federal Courts are the sole expositors of the Constitution of the United States in the last resort, or whether the States, "as in all other cases of compact among parties having no common judge," have an equal right to interpret that Constitution for themselves, where their sovereign rights are involved, been decided against the preten- sion of the federal judges, by the people themselves, the true source of all legitimate powers.' In the opinion of the committee, the high authority of this precedent, as well as the clear right of the case, impose a duty upon the State from which it cannot shrink without dishonor. So long as one single constitutional effort can be made to save them, the State ought not to surrender its rights to the encroach- ing pretensions of the Circuit Court. But justice should ever be held sacred. Pride and resentment are alike apologies for perseverance in error. If it were admitted that the proceedings of the Federal Court against the State, through its officers, are not warranted by the Constitution, still if the State has commenced in error it should abandon the con- troversy. Before, therefore, we determine upon the course we ought to pursue it is necessary to review and examine the ground upon which we stand. * * * The Constitution of the United States has distinctly expressed in what cases the taxing power of the State should be restrained. No maxim of legal construction is better settled and more universally acknowledged than that ' The assertion that the Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions were an issue in the election of 1800 does not appear to be substantiated by documentary evi- dence. See F. M. Anderson, Contemporary Opinion of the Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions, American Historical Review, V, 244. 97] OHIO AND THE FEDERAL JUDICIARY O express limitations of power, either in constitutions or in statutes, are distinct admissions that the power exists and may be exer- cised in every other case than those expressly limited. With a knowledge of these facts and doctrines in their minds, that a confidence in the power of the State to levy this tax should be almost universal is what every intelligent man would expect. But after the law was enacted that levied the tax, and before the time of its taking effect, the Supreme Court of the United States, in the case of Maryland and McCulloch, decided that the States were debarred by the Constitution of the United States from assessing or levying any such tax. And upon the promul- gation of this decision it is maintained, that it became the duty of the State and its officers to acquiesce, and treat the act of the Legislature as a dead letter. The committee have considered this position, and are not satisfied that it is a correct one. It is not, however, either in theory or in practice, the necessary consequence of a decision of the Supreme Court, that all who claim rights of the same nature with those decided by the Court are required to acquiesce. There are cases in which the decis- ions of the tribunal have been followed by no effective conse- quences. In the case of Marbury vs. Madison the Supreme Court of the United States decided that VA'illiam Marbury was entitled to his commission as a justice of the peace for the District of Columbia ; that the withholding of this commission by President Jefferson was violative of the legal vested right of Mr. Marbury. Not- withstanding this decision, Mr. Marbury never did obtain his commission ; the person appointed in his place continued to act ; his acts were admitted to be valid, and President Jefferson retained his standing in the estimation of the American people. The decison of the Supreme Court proved to be totally impotent and unavailing. In the case of Fletcher vs. Peck the Supreme Court decided that the Yazoo purchasers from the State of Georgia were entitled to the lands. But the decision availed them nothing, unless a make-weight in effecting a compromise. These two cases are evidence that in great questions of political jQ STATE UUCUMliiNlS L90 rights and political powers a decision of the Supreme Court of the United States is not conclusive of the rights decided by it. If the United States stand justified in withholding a commission when the Court adjudged it to be the party's right ; if the United States might, without reprehension, retain possession of the Yazoo lands after the Supreme Court decided that they were the prop- erty of the purchasers from Georgia, surely the State of Ohio ought not to be condemned because she did not abandon her solemn legislative acts as a dead letter upon the promulgation of an opinion of that tribunal. [Here follows a long argument in refutation of the principles maintained by the decision of the Federal Supreme Court in the case of McCulloch vs. Maryland. The report concludes with the following recommendations and resolutions :] If an accommodation can be effected without prejudice to the right upon either side, it would seem to be desirable to all parties. With this view, as well as with a view to remove all improper impressions, the committee recommend that a proposition of compromise be made by law, making provision that upon the Bank discontinuing the suits now prosecuted against the public officers, and giving assurance that the branches shall be with- drawn, and only an agency left to settle its business, and collect its debts, the amount collected for tax shall be paid, without interest. But the committee conceive that the General Assembly ought not to stop here. The reputation of the State has been assailed throughout the United States, and the nature of the controversy and her true course of conduct have alike been very much mis- understood. It behooves the General Assembly, even if a com- promise be effected, to take measure for vindicating the character of the State, and also for awakening the attention of the separate States to the consequences that may result from the doctrines of the Federal Courts upon the questions that have arisen. And besides, as it is possible that the proposition of compromise may not be accepted, it is the duty of the General Assembly to take ulterior measures for asserting and maintaining the rights of the State by all constitutional means within their power. In general, partial legislation is objectionable ; but this is no 99] OHIO AND THE FEDERAL JUDICIARY I I ordinary case, and may therefore call for and warrant extraordi- nary measures. Since the exemptions claimed by the Bank are sustained upon the proposition that the power that created it must have the power to preserve it, there would seem to be a strict propriety in putting the creating power to the exercise of this preserving power, and thus ascertaining distinctly whether the executive and legislative departments of the government of the Union will recognize, sustain and enforce the doctrine of the judicial department. For this purpose the committee recommend that provisions be made by law, forbidding the keepers of our jails from receiving into their custody any person committed at the suit of the Bank of the United States, or for any injury done to them ; prohibiting our judicial officers from taking acknowledgments of conveyances where the Bank is a party, or when made for their use, and our recorders from receiving or recording such conveyances ; forbid- ding our courts, justices of the peace, judges and grand juries from taking any cognizance of any wrong alleged to have been committed upon any species of property owned by the Bank, or upon any of its corporate rights or privileges, and prohibiting our notaries public from protesting any notes or bills held by the Bank or their agents or made payable to them. The adoption of these measures will leave the Bank exclusively to the protection of the federal government, and its constitutional power to preserve it in the sense maintained by the Supreme Court may thus be fairly, peaceably and constitutionally tested- Congress must be called to provide a criminal code to punish wrongs committed upon it, and to devise a system of conveyance to enable it to receive and transmit estates, and being thus called to act, the National Legislature must be drawn to the serious con- sideration of a subject which the committee believe demands much more attention than it has excited. The measures pro- posed are peaceable and constitutional, conceived in no spirit of hostility to the government of the Union, but intended to bring fairly before the nation great and important questions, which must one day be discussed, and which may now be very safely investigated. The committee conclude by recommending the adoption of the following resolutions : 12 STATE DOCUMENTS [lOO Resolved, by the Great Assembly of the State of Ohio, That in respect to the powers of the governments of the several States that compose the American Union and the powers of the federal government, this General Assembly do recognize and approve the doctrines asserted by the Legislatures of Kentucky and Virginia in their resolutions of November and December, 1798, and January, 1800, and do consider that their principles have been recognized and adopted by a majority of the American people. {Yeas 59, nays 7. J Resolved further. That this General Assembly do protest against the doctrines of the Federal Circuit Court, sitting in this State, avowed and maintained in their proceedings against the ofificers of the State upon account of their official acts, as being in direct violation of the nth amendment to the Constitution of the United States. \_Yeas 59, nays 7. J Resolved further, That this General Assembly do assert and will maintain by all legal and constitutional means the rights of the States to tax the business and property of any private corpor- ation of trade incorporated by the Congress of the United States and located to transact its corporate business within any State. [ Carried unanimously.^ Resolved further, That the Bank of the United States is a private corporation of trade, the capital and business of which may be legally taxed in any State where they may be found. \Yeas 61, nays 4. J Resolved further. That this General Assembly do protest against the doctrine that the political rights of the separate States that compose the American Union, and their powers as sovereign States, may be settled and determined in the Supreme Court of the United States, so as to conclude and bind them, in ' cases contrived between individuals, and where they are no one of them parties direct. {Yeas 64, nays i.J Resolved further. That the Governor transmit to the Governors of the several States a copy of the foregoing report and resolu- tions, to be laid before their respective Legislatures, with a request from the General Assembly that the Legislature of each State may express their opinion upon the matters therein contained. [ Carried unanimously. 'X lOl] REPLY OF MASSACHUSETTS TO OHIO 1 3 Resolved further, That the Governor transmit a copy of the foregoing report and resolutions to the President of the United States and to the President of the Senate, and Speaker of the House of Representatives, to be laid before their respective Houses, that the principles upon which this State has and does proceed may be fairly and distinctly understood. {^Carried unanimously.'^ 46. Reply of Massachusetts to Ohio. February 7, 1822. The foregoing Report and Resolutions of Ohio called out the following reply from the Legislature of Massachusetts. The text is given in Resolves of Mass., 1819 24, 417^419; also in Mies, XXL 404. A series of Resolves of a similar character were adopted by the House of Representatives of New Hampshire, June 28, 1821, by a vote of I'jz yeas to 8 nays, but were indefinitely postponed by the Senate by a vote of 7 yeas to 5 nays. The text of these resolutions is printed in the Journal of the Senate of New Hampshire, 1821, 208-212; also in AHles, XX, 312, 313. * * * The Supreme Court of the United States, the ulti- mate tribunal for the determination of all cases arising under the Constitution and laws of the Uuited States, have decided, after full argument upon all the questions raised, that the power to establish a bank is vested by the Constitution in Congress, and that its several branches are exempted from the taxing power of the States. The constitutional questions, then, having been thus solemnly determined in all the forms in which they can arise, the construction thus given to the Constitution appears to your com- mittee to be final and binding upon the several States. If the operation of this is found to be injurious to the best welfare of the States, the remedy is to be found in an amendment to the Constitution. The Legislature of this State, however, is not called upon to sanction any such amendment, but to express its opinion upon the report and resolutions of the General Assembly of Ohio ; but to comply with the request fully, holding, as your committee do, different opinions, would occupy this Legislature with the details of arguments better fitted for a judicial than a legislative body, and could hardly be justified by the sincere respect which is felt for the Legislature of the State of Ohio. Satisfied, as your 14 STATE DOCUMENTS [l02 committee are, with the construction which has been so often and so deliberately given to the Constitution, they do not perceive that any important end can be obtained by offering anything more than the result of their reflections, in the form of resolutions, which are herewith respectfully submitted to the consideration of the Legislature. Resolved, By the Senate and House of Representatives, in Gen- eral Court assembled, that in their opinion the power to establish a National Bank, with branches thereof in the several States, is vested by the Constitution in the Congress of the United States. Second. Resolved, That the act of Congress, passed on the tenth day of April, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixteen, to incorporate the subscribers to the Bank of the United States, is a law made in^pursuance of the Constitu- tion of the United States. Third. Resolved, That inasmuch as the Constitution of the United States, and the laws made in pursuance thereof, are the supreme law of the land, anything in the constitution or laws of any State to the contrary notwithstanding, the legislative acts of any State, so far as they prevent or defeat the operation of such laws, are void. Fourth. Resolved, That the act of the Legislature of the State of Ohio levying a tax upon the branch of the National Bank established there, with the other measures proposed, would, if carried into effect, expel from the State such branch and defeat the operation of the law by virtue whereof it was established. Fifth. Resolved, That as the judicial power of the United States extends to all cases arising in law and equity, under the Constitution and laws of the United States, it belongs to the judicial department to determine all cases arising from a conflict between the laws of the United States and the laws of a partic- ular State. Sixth. Resolved, That, in the opinion of this Legislature, the proceedings of the Circuit Court of the United States for the dis- trict of Ohio, against the officeis of that State do not violate the eleventh amendment to the Constitution of the United States. Seventh. Resolved, That the constitutional exercise and pres- ervation of the judicial power of the United States is essential to I03] JURISDICTION OF THE FEDERAL COURTS I 5 the safety and prosperity of the Union, and that while this Legis- lature will be ever ready to afford its aid to any State against manifest usurpation or real encroachment upon its rights, it will also yield a reasonable confidence and support to all the depart- ments of the National Government, so long as they continue in the rightful exercise of their constitutional powers. Eighth. Resolved, That His Excellency the Governor be re- quested to transmit to the Governors of the several States of the Union, a copy of the foregoing report and resolutions. 47. Virginia on Jurisdiction of the Federal Courts. February 19, 1821. State sovereignty was aroused by the series oi decisions of the Supreme Court of the United States, rendered during the years 1816-1824, asserting its jurisdiction and maintaining the powers of Congress. Virginia was especially prompt in condemning the principles asserted by the Court. Following the decision in the case of McCulloch v. Maryland (^i, Wheaton, 316), in Decem- ber, 1819, two different sets of resolutions, prefaced by long preambles pro- testing against the decision in this case, were introduced in the Legislature of ( Virginia. One of these suggested the procuring of an amendment to the \ Federal Constitution to establish a tribunal to decide cases in controversy between a State and the Federal Government, composed of representatives of both governments. {Niles, XVII, 310-314, 447.) Although neither of these resolutions were adopted at this time, the feeling of hostility to the Federal Court was further aroused by the case of Cohen v. Virginia, decided in 1821. (6 Wheaton, 264.) The writ issued by Chief Justice Marshall summoning the State authorities to appear before the Court in this case at once led to the renewed consideration of resolutions in the Legislature and to agitation in the press of the State. The report adopted by the House of Delegates, by a vote of 138 to 18, is printed in Niles, XX, 118-124. The resolutions of protest as finally adopted by both branches of the Legislature are given below. The following year resolutions proposing a series of amendments to the Constitu- tion placing limitations upon the power and jurisdiction of the Federal Courts were defeated by a narrow margin in the Virginia House of Delegates. i^Niles, XXI, 404.) The most noteworthy of the criticisms directed against these decisions, which appeared in the public press, were a series of articles written by Judge Roane of the Virginia Appellate Court, under the signature of "Algernon Sidney." His articles were published in the Richmond Enquirer va March, 1821. Of these Jefferson wrote: " I confess that they appeared to me to pul- verize every word which had been delivered by Judge Marshall." (Letter of June 12, 1823; ci. post.'] The correspondence of Jefferson during this period is filled with severe criticism upon the practices and opinions of the Federal 1 6 STATE DOCUMENTS [104 Judiciary. For Iiis comments on the case of Cohenv. Firginia see his fVritings (Ford ed.), X, 198-199, 226-232; Works, VII. 222, 223, 294-298; see also his expressions of alarm owing to the influence of the Judiciary, Writings, X, 140-143, 160, 161, 170, 177, 184, 189, 192, 200, 223, 224, 248, 259; Works, VII, 134, 192, 199, 216, 256, 278. For the more conservative views expressed by Madison in his correspondence with Judge Roane, Jefferson et al., see Works, III, 143-147, 217-222, 223, 224, 246, 291-293, 325-328; IV, 18, 47, 296, 297. For an account of the efforts made in Congress in 1821 to secure an amendment to the Constitution conferring upon the Senate appellate jurisdiction in certain cases see, Ames, Proposed Amendments, 161, 162; Annals of Congress, 17 Cong., i sess., 23-25, 68-92, 96-114. For comments on the case of Cohen v. Virginia see Const. History as seen in Amer. Law, 85-90; Landon, 312, 313; McMaster, V, 414. Van Santvoord's Chief Justices, 466-469. ***•»*♦ Resolved, as the opinion of the General Assembly of Virginia, that the Supreme Court of the United States does not possess appellate jurisdiction in any case decided by a State court. That, even if this appellate jurisdiction did exist in cases de- cided in a State court, between individuals, a State cannot be made a party defendant to any suit before a federal tribunal commenced with a view to obtam a judgment against such State, or to reverse one obtained by it in a State court, or to any pro- cess or proceeding instituted in a Federal Court to correct or re- verse a judgment entered in a State court for a penalty or punish- ment prescribed for the commission of any offence. That a law passed by the Congress of the United States by virtue of that clause of the Constitution which gives to them the right of exclusive legislation over the District of Columbia has no greater force or effect out of the said District and within the limits of a State than the law of one State has within the limits of another State, or than a law of a State has within the District aforesaid. Resolved, That the Supreme Court of the United States have no rightful authority under the Constitution to examine and correct the judgment for which the Commonwealth of Virginia has been " cited and admonished to be and appear at the Supreme Court of the United States," and that the General Assembly do hereby enter their most solemn protest against the jurisdiction of that Court over the matter. [Acts of Virginia 1820-21, 142, 143. (Richmond, 1821.)] I05] KENTUCKY AND THE FEDERAL JUDICIARY 17 Kentucky and the Federal Judiciary. 1821-1825. During the period 1821 to 1825 the people of Kentucky were greatly exer- cised by the decisions of the Supreme Court of the United States, especially that in the case of Green v. Biddle (8 IVheaton, i), declaring the Occupying Claimant Laws of 1797 and 1812 a violation of the 7th art. of the compact with Virginia of 1789, and hence unconstitutional as being contrary to the provisions of Art. I., Sect. 10, of the Federal Constitution, which prohibits any State from impairing the obligation of contract. After the decision of the Court, March 5, 1821, an application of Henry Clay for a rehearing was granted, and the case continued to the next term for argument. When the Legislature assembled in October it adopted a temperate report and resolutions, solemnly remonstrating against the adjudication in this case, authorizing the appointment of "commissioners to try and adjust matters with Virginia," and to oppose any decision of the Supreme Court that the laws in question were void. {Acts of General Assembly of Ky., 1821 , 456-469; cf. also Niles, XXI, 190, 191, 303, 404, 405.) During the following year the effort to effect an agreement with Virginia failed, by reason of the opposition in the Senate of that State. (Cf. Report of Commissioners of Kentucky, Henry Clay and John Rowan, Journal of the Senate of Ky., 1823, 31-33; also Res. of Virginia, Feb. 18, 1823, Acts of Virginia, 1822-23, '^i, 122.) Subsequently, Feb. 27, 1823, the Supreme Court handed down its decision, in confirmation of its previous position. An unsuccessful effort was made to secure a rehearing of the case by Judge Rowan, one of the commissioners for the State. (See his letter and petition. Journal of the Senate of Ky., 1823, 35-59; Butler, Ken- tucky, 276-279.) This decision was called to the attention of the Assembly by Governor Adair, in the passage of his message given below. That body adopted a long and argumentative Report and Resolutions relative to this case, as well as to the decision of its own Court of Appeals on the Replevin and Endorsement Laws {Acts of General Assembly of Ky., 1823-24, 4S8-516; Jour, of the Senate of Ky., 1823-24, 189-220; see also Niles, XXV, 201, 275), and also an elaborate Remonstrance to Congress {Acts of Ky., 520-527; Journal of the Senate, 288-207; Executive Doc, 18 Cong., I sess., IV., No. 69). Extracts from these documients follow. Upon the receipt of this remon- strance attempts were made in Congress by the Senators and Representatives of Kentucky, aided by others, to require the concurrence of a greater number of judges than a majority in any opinion which involved the validity of a State law. Such a bill was reported favorably in the Senate, and the proposition was debated at length in both Houses in 1824. {Annals of Cong., 18 Cong., I sess., 28, 38, 290, 574-577, 915, 916, 1291, 1428, 2514-2541, 2618-2620.) For summary of the history of this controversy see Butler, History of Kentucky, 266-279 [Louisville, 1834]; McMsster, V, 414-417; Sumner, Jackson, 122- 129, 132-134. 1 8 STATE DOCUMENTS [lo6 48. Message of Governor John Adair of Kentucky. November 4, 1823. [After releiring to the decision of the Supreme Court in this case he says :] Ours is a government founded on moral princi- ples ; its strongest support is in the affection of the people. Any judicial act that tends to alienate the minds, and consequently the affections, of large portions of the citizens ; for instance, as in the present case, a whole State, by unhinging and overturning the course of legislation and adjudication acted on for years past, must in the same degree weaken the power and render less secure the stability of the government. I need not be told that the general government is authorized to use physical force to put down insurrection and enforce the execution of its laws. I know it ; but I know, too, with equal certainty that the day when the government shall be compelled to resort to the bayonet, to com- pel a State to submit to its law, will not long precede an event of all others most to be deprecated. I refer to these strong points, to show to what extent this prin- ciple may be carried. As to the immediate effects, the incalcu- lable litigation and distress it may produce within this State, I leave it with the Legislature, who are better able to judge than myself. But the immediate effects and consequences of these decisions, on the property and pecuniary relations of the com- munity, is not the view which most is to be apprehended. The principles they would establish, and the effects they would pro- duce, sink much deeper, and would produce infinitely more permanent evils. They strike at the sovereignty of the State, and the right of the people to govern themselves. It is in this view that they have been contemplated, and justly excited the apprehensions of the most intelligent and sober-minded members of the community, and in this view the subject is committed to your most solemn consideration. In your wisdom the remedy is expected to be devised. \^Journal of the Senate of Kentucky, 1823, 10-12.] I07] KENTUCKY AND THE FEDERAL JUDICIARY ig 49. Extract from Preamble and Resolutions of the Legislature. December 29, 1823. But why, it may be asked, were not the States, upon the for- mation of the Constitution of the United States, melted down and their existence abolished, if the doctrine be correct, that they can not suit their remedial system, by varying it, to the varied condition of society. If one unaltered and unalterable system of laws was destined to regulate, in perpetuity, the con- cerns of the people of the repubhcs of America, « * * -why the afiflicting expenses of sustaining twenty-four different Statesj with the legislative, judiciary and executive machineries of sover- eignty? Why, under this hypothesis, are they taunted with the mock-lineaments, contexture and aspect of sovereigns, when in veiy deed, they are dwarf vassals? Are the principles of Montesque vapid and illusory, and were the patriots who achieved the inde- pendence of the American States, and formed their respective constitutions and that of the United States, deluded into the erroneous belief that those principles were correct and had been verified by the experience of ages? ******* Resolved by the Legislature of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, That they do hereby most solemnly protest, in the name and on the behalf of the good people of Kentucky, against the erroneous, injurious and degrading doctrines of the opinion of the Supreme Court of the United States, pronounced at the last session of that Court, in the case of Green and Biddle. And it is further resolved. That this Legislature ought, as the first measure, to avoid the oppression and degradation inflicted by the opinion upon the State of Kentucky, to present to the Con- gress of the United States, a temperate but firm remonstrance against its doctrines, and therein to call upon the nation to guarantee to the State its co-equal sovereignty with the States which compose the Union, and also to request Congress therein, so to organize the Supreme Court of the United States that no constitutional question growing out of the Constitution of the United States, or the constitution of either of the States, involving 20 STATE DOCUMENTS [lo8 the validity of State laws, shall (not) be decided by said Court unless two- thirds of all the members belonging to said Court shall concur in such decision.' And that a committee of two members from the Senate and four from the House of Representatives be appointed to prepare and report such remonstrance. [Ads of Kentucky, 1823, 488-516 in passim. Frankfort, 1824.] 50. Remonstrance of the Legislature of Kentucky. January 7, 1824. The Legislature of Kentucky feels itself constrained to remon- strate against the principle proclaimed by the Supreme Court of the United States, at the last term of the Court, in the case of Green, etc., vs. Biddle. If it should be asked why the State of Kentucky interferes with the decision of that Court in a case in which she was not, and could not have been, a party, the answer is because that Court has, in that case, most afflictingly interfered with the great and essential rights of the State of Kentucky. [Here follows a statement of the history and circumstances leading to the passage of the Occupying Claimant Laws, and the effect of the decision of the Court.] The construction of the Court which thus disfranchises the State of Kentucky, can neither exact the homage of the people upon whom it acts, for the intellect employed in making it, nor conciliate their patience under its humiliating and afflicting effects. If the same privative effects were attempted to be pro- duced upon the individual and political rights of the people of Kentucky, by a foreign armed force, and they were not to repel it at every hazard, they would be denounced as a degenerate race, unworthy of their patriotic sires, who assisted in achieving the American Independence ; as a people unworthy of enjoying the freedom they possessed. In that case the United States, too, would be bound, at whatever hazard, to vindicate the right of the people of Kentucky to legislate over the territory of their State ; to guarantee to them a republican fortii of governinent, which includes the right insisted on. And can it make any difference ' In Green v. Biddle three out of four judges sitting agreed in the opinion; the other three judges of the Court were absent. 109] KENTUCKY AND THE FEDERAL JUDICIARY 2I with the people of Kentucky, whether they are deprived of the right of regulating by law the territory which they inhabit, and the soil which they cultivate, by the Duke de Angouleme at the head of a French army,^ or by the erroneous construction of three of the Judges of the Supreme Court of the United States? To them the privation of political and individual rights would be the same. In both instances they would have lost the power essential to freedom, to the right of self-government. In the former case their conscious humiliation would be less than in the latter, in proportion to the sturdiness of the resistance they would feel conscious of having made, and in proportion to the hope they might entertain of emancipating themselves by some happy effort of valor, and thereby regaining their rights : but in the latter case the tyrant code to which Kentucky is subjected by that decision, is inaccessible, perpetual, and incapable of being changed, bene- ficially or suitably, to the condition of Kentucky, by any power beneath the sun. It cannot be denied, that the States, before the formation of the Constitution of the United States, possessed the power of legislating over the territory within their limits. It cannot be asserted, that a surrender of that power was made in that instru- ment, by the former to the latter, or that any restraint upon the exercise of that power by the States, is to be found in that Con- stitution. The loth amendment to that instrument provides expressly, that " the powers not delegated (therein) to the United States, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people." The provision in that Constitution, for the formation o£ new States and their admission into the Union, evidently contemplates their possession of those powers essential to sovereignty, which were retained by the old States. That the States of the Union should be sovereign, and co- equally so, seems to be not only contemplated, but enjoined by the Constitution of the United States. * * * » The good of the whole requires equiponderance in the parts, ^ The Duke of Angouleme had commanded the French army that had inter- vened in Spain in the preceding year (1823) as the agent of the "Holy Alliance." 22 STATE DOCUMENTS [nO and if that equilibrial power could be disturbed or destroyed by any one of the States, by paction with another, or otherwise, then would the minor control the major, and then would the chances against the perpetuity of the government of the United States be as twenty-four to one. * * * * * * [Referring to this decision of the Court they say :] But the injury inflicted upon the people, great and extensive as it is, and much as it is deplored, weighs but comparatively little with these remonstrants. It is the. principle which that decision establishes at which they shudder, and with which they can never be recon- ciled. The people of Kentucky * * * can bear anything but degradation and disfranchisement. They can not bear to be construed out of their right of self-government; they value their freedom above everything else, and are as little inclined to be reasoned out of it as they would be to surrender it to foreign force. ********* The power of local legislation was retained by the States, but it was retained to but little purpose if a central tribunal is to pass upon the laws enacted by the States. The power of legislation must be confided somewhere. It is of the essence of freedom that it should be exerted by those who are the subjects of the law ; that the people who compose the society should enact the laws which the society needs. The possession or destitution of that power constitutes the mighty difference which exists between freedom and slavery. Kentucky claims to possess the power of legislating for itself ; the decision denies her that power in rela- tion to the most important subjects of its exercise, in relation to her own territory. The decision was given by three, a minority of the judges who composed that tribunal. There was a fourth judge on the bench ; he dissented. Had the third agreed with the fourth, Kentucky had not been disfranchised; so that, in that particular case, the political destiny of a State was decided by a solitary judge. Can this appeal to the Congress, by the State of Kentucky, upon a subject in which she is so vitally interested, be unavailing? And has not the State a right to expect that her co-equal sovereignty with the other States of the Union will be guaranteed to her by that body? Has she not a right to expect that the Congress will, either by passing a law Ill] KENTUCKY AND THE FEDERAL JUDICIARY 23 requiring, when any question shall come before that tribunal involving the validity of a law of any of the States, that a con- currence of at least two-thirds of all the judges shall be necessary to its vacation ; or increasing the number of the judges, and thereby multiplying the chances of the States to escape the like calamities, and of this State to escape from its present thraldom, by exacting the exercise of more dehberation and an increased volume of intellect upon all such questions? ]^Acts of Kentucky, 1823-24, 520-527 in passim.] Kentucky and the Federal Judiciary (Continued). 1825-1826. Congress having failed to lake practical action on their remonstrance, the Legislature of Kentucky, January 12, 1825, adopted a new set of resolutions, calling upon their Senators and Representatives to support the passage of a law reorganizing the Supreme Court in conformity with their proposition of the previous year. In the preamble they declared that they "view the reports sent abroad, of their readiness to acquiesce in principles so monstrous, as groundless calumnies upon the State character, and upon the patriotism and firmness of the people, and calculated to aid in the prostration of State sove- reignty, the main pillar of the Federal Union and American liberty." (^Acts of Ky.., 1824-25, 281, 282.) Renewed efforts were made in Congress to secure the passage of the bill introduced in the previous session, but the measure failed. [Cong, Debates, 18 Cong., 2 sess., I, 365-370, 529-532.) The message of Governor Desha of November 7, 1825, called the attention of the Legislature to the subject anew, and also to the protection given to the Bank of the United States by the Federal Courts, and refers to the establish- ment of the new State Court of Appeals. (Journal of the House of Rep. of Ky., 1825, 7 et seq.; Niks, XXIX, 219-224.) Extracts from this message are given below. In view of this message the House of Representatives passed resolutions calling upon the Governor to inform them of "the mode deemed most advisable in the opinion of the Executive to refuse obedience to the deci- sions and mandates of the Supreme Court of the United States, considered erroneous and unconstitutional, and whether, in the opinion of the Executive, it may be advisable to call forth the physical power of the State to resist the execution of the decisions of the Court, or in what manner the mandates of said Court should be met by disobedience." {Niles, XXIX, 228, 229.) When the Governor, however, came to the point of making specific recommendations, he counseled the House, in his response of Dec. 14, " to restrain their ardor and try yet a little while the pacific measures of an application to Congress." If, however, they are bent on " arraying the physical force of the country, then, I say, in their own wisdom may they look for the most advisable way of doing 24 STATE DOCUMENTS [ 1 1 2 it, and on their own heads be the responsibility." (^yournais of the House of Rep. of ICy., 1825, 318.) There ensued a controversy of words between the House and the Governor, but argument seems to have been the limit of the resistance which either were prepared to take at this time. The Appellate Court of Kentucky refused to be bound by an opinion of the Supreme Court of the United States not concurred in by a majority of the whole Court. {Bodleyv. Gaither, 3 Monroe's Reports, 58; Niles, XXIX, 245.) The difificulty was finally ended by a decision of the Supreme Court in 1831, in the case of Hawkins et al. v. Barney's Lessees (5 Peters, 457), affirming the constitution- ality of the Act of Kentucky of Feb. 9, 1809, limiting the commencement of action against actual settlers within seven years of its passage. This contro- versy was intimately connected with the political contest between the "Old" and the " New " Court parties of 1824-26. (For account of same see Collins, Historical Sketches of Ky, 90-92, 102, 105; McMaster, V, 162-166, 416; Shaler, Kentucky, 176-183; Sumner, Jackson, 126-129, 132-134. For reso- lutions of Legislature see Acts of Ky., 1823,488-516; Ibid., 1824-25, 221- 239, 242-278; Messages of Governor, Jour, of House of Rep., 1825, 7 et seq., 300-338.) As a result of these and other decisions of the Federal Judiciary renewed attempts were made in Congress in 183 1 to restrict the jurisdiction of the Federal Courts, but the measures, although favorably reported, were de- feated. {Cong. Debates, 620, 658-670, 730-740; Appx., 77-86; Niks, XXXIX, 412-421; Landon, 315, 316. 5 1 . Extract from Message of Governor Joseph Desha. November 7, 1825. The wrongs suffered by this State from the decision of the Supreme Court of the United States, declaring our occupants laws to be unconstitutional, have not been redressed. The remonstrance of a former General Assembly to the Congress of the United States has been considered by that body, in which many were found who acknowledged our wrongs, and the conse- quent duty of the general government to grant redress, but we have witnessed no practical result. In the meantime the injurious decision is spreading its baneful influences. I cannot too earnestly press upon you the propriety of again urging the consideration of this subject on Congress, and of availing yourselves of that occasion to remonstrate in strong terms against the power of making execution laws, lately exercised 113] CONTROVERSY WITH GEORGIA 25 by the federal judges of this State, inviting their serious attention to the growing influence of the United States Banlc, and request- ing such a change in the charter of that coiporation as will make it the duty of the directors to withdraw the branches located in any State upon the demand of the State Legislature. * * When the general government encroaches upon the rights of the State, is it a safe principle to admit that a portion of the encroaching power shall have the right to determine finally whether an encroachment has been made or not? In fact, most of the encroachments made by the general government flow through the Supreme Court itself, the very tribunal which claims to be the final arbiter of all such disputes. What chance for justice have the States when the usurpers of their rights are made their judges? Just as much as individuals when judged by their oppressors. It is therefore believed to be the right, as it may hereafter become the duty of the State governments, to protect themselves from encroachments, and their citizens from oppres- sion, by refusing obedience to the unconstitutional mandates of the federal judges. Controversy with Georgia Relative to the Lands of the Creek Indians. 1825-1827. The history of this controversy is so fully presented in the references cited below that it is only necessary to refer to the events immediately connected with the documents which follow. In its efforts to satisfy Georgia by securing the lands of the Creeks, the United States government concluded the treaty of Indian Springs with a few of the Creek chiefs February 12, 1825. [U. S. Stat, at L., VII, 237-240.) The rest of the Creeks disavowed the treaty, and put to death the leading chiefs who had signed it. But Georgia had already taken steps to survey and occupy the country, although by the terms of this treaty the Creeks were given until September, 1826, to vacate the land. President Adams sent a special agent to investigate the situation, and General Gaines to preserve peace among the Indians. The Secretary of War, May 18, 1825, notified Governor Troup of Georgia that "the President expects . . . that the survey will be abandoned by Georgia till it can be done consistently with the provisions of the treaty." {^Reports of House Committees, 19 Con?., 2 sess., Ill, No. 98, 155-157; Niles, XXVIII, 317.) Governor Troup replied 26 STATE DOCUMENTS [l 14 June 3, 1825, characterizing the President's request as "most extraordinary" and " unreasonable." "If the President believes that we will postpone the survey of the country to gratify the agent and the hostile Indians he deceives himself." (^Repts. of Com. 0. c, 178; Niks, XXVIII, 318.) In a letter of June 15 to General Gaines, given below. Governor Troup made a similar decla- tion. {Repts. of Com. o. c, S92-593; Niles, XXVIII, 393.) On this same date Governor Troup was notified " that the government of the United States will not be responsible for any consequences " which may result from the attempt to execute the survey. {Repis. of Com. u. c, 225; Niles, XXVIII, 398.) Extracts from the Governor's replies to this notification follow, and will serve to present the attitude assumed by him in his voluminous correspondence with the United States government. In his message of November 8, 1825, Governor Troup presented the matter in controversy to the State Legislature {Executive Doc., 19 Cong., 2 sess., IV, No. 59, 187-206; Niles, XXIX, 200- 208), and that body endorsed his position. (Ads of Georgia, 1825, 204-209; Repis. of Com. v. t., 840.) The United States government succeeded in making the treaty of Washington, January 24, 1826, which annulled the former treaty. (U. S. Stat, at L., VII, 286-289.) Georgia, however, insisted on the validity of the treaty of Indian Springs as being more favorable. See the Resolutions of the Legislature which follow. (Message of Governor, Report and Resolutions of Nov. and Dec, 1826, are given in Executive Doc. V. <.., 5-22; State Papers, Indian Affairs, 11, 728-734.) The Governor sent surveyors to run the boundary line into the Indian country, but the Indians forced them to desist, appealed to the President, who notified Troup that force would be used if necessary to prevent the survey (Letter of January 29, 1827, State Papers, Indian Affairs, II, 864), and laid the matter before Congress in a special message February 5, 1827. (Richardson, II, 370-373.) Troup returned a defiant answer, and called out the militia. {Niles, XXXII, 16.) His position was later endorsed by the Legislature in their report of Decem- ber 24, 1827, given below. Congress was not prepared to give the President the support that the Legislature of Georgia did its Executive. Reports from special committees were discussed in both branches. The Senate adopted resolutions requesting the President ' ' to continue his exertions to obtain for Georgia the lands within her limits." The House took no positive action. {Cong. Debates, 1826-27, 267-279, 498, 500, 935-938, 1029-1052, 1533- 1541.) November 15, 1827, a treaty for the final cession of the lands within the State was concluded. ( U. S. Stat, at L., VII, 307-309.) References : The documents relating to the controversy are given in House Executive Documents, 19 Cong., 2 sess., IV, No. 59, 404 pages; V, Nos. 76, 87; VI, No. 127; Reports of House Committees, III, No. 98, 846 pages; American State Papers, Indian Affairs, II; cf. Index, " Georgia." Many of the documents are given in Niles, XXVIII, XXIX, XXXI, XXXII; cf. Index. Secondary works : Of prime importance are McMaster, V, 175-181; Von Hoist, I, 433-448; cf. also Schouler, III, 370-373, 378-380; Sumner, Jackson, 174-178. 1 1 5] CONTROVERSY WITH GEORGIA 27 52. Extract from Letter of Governor Troup to General Gaines. June 15, 1825. Sir : I have this moment had the honor to receive your com- munication of the 14th inst., on the subject of the survey of the ceded country, and the running of the dividing line between Alabama and Georgia, and in which you request, that, in conformity with the expressed will of your Government, both the survey and the running of the line may be forborne, " until the period arrives at which the removal of the Indians is required." It would give me great pleasure to comply with any request made by youjself or your Government. You would make none that did not to your apprehensions, seem reasonable and proper. As, however, there exists two independent parties to the question, each is permitted to decide for itself, and with all due deference to yours I must be permitted to say that my apprehension of the right and wrong leads me to the opposite conclusion — the con- clusion to which the Legislature of Georgia, upon mature reflec- tion, recently arrived by an almost unanimous voice, and which was made the foundation of my late communication to the Secre- tary of War, and my more recent one to you on the same subject. I would deeply lament if any act, proceeding from myself, should cause the least embarrassment to yourself or your Govern- ment, especially considering the critical relations in which the United States stands to the Indians, and the great interest which the government of Georgia feels in their early and satisfactory adjustment, but it cannot be expected, by your Government, that important interests are to be surrendered, and rights deemed unquestionable abandoned by Georgia, because of any embarrass- ment which may arise in the intercourse and negotiations between the United States and the Indians. [Then follows his charge of the falsehood of the agent, upon which the instructions of the United States government were based.] On the part of the government of Georgia, the will of its highest constituted authority has been declared, upon the most solemn deliberation, that the line shall be run and the survey executed. It is for you, there- fore, to bring it to the issue ; it is for me only to repeat that, cost 28 STATE DOCUMENTS [ll6 what it will the line will be run, and the survey effected. The government of Georgia will not retire from the position it occu- pies to gratify the Agent, or the hostile Indians, nor will it do so, I trust, because it knows that, in consequence of disobedience to an unlawful mandate, it may very soon be recorded that " Georgia was." Suffer me to say, also, that your government has acted very pre- cipitately and unadvisedly in this affair ; after receiving notice of my intention to make the survey, it interposed no objection, though it had time to do so. A considerable interval elapsed, and it receives false information from the agent, upon which it issued its peremptory order. Soon after it receives further false information from the same agent, upon which it issues other orders, confirmatory of the first, and which you seem to consider final. »*»*## The suggestion you make in derogation of our claim to partici- pate in the construction or execution of the treaty, giving to that suggestion its utmost force, is merely that we are not nominally parties to the treaty; whilst the answer to it is that we are party, in interest, deeper ten-fold than they who appear upon the paper and that the paper in virtue of another paper to which we are parties, both nominally and in interest, passed a vested right of soil and of jurisdiction to Georgia, which none but the great Jehovah can divest. [Executive Documents, 19 Cong., 2 sess., IV, No. 59, 236-238.] 53. Extract from Letter of Governor Troup to the War Department. June 25, 1825. Sir : I received this morning the note which, in the absence of the Secretary of War, the President of the United States directed you to address to me, and in which I am informed that " the project of surveying the lands ceded to the United States by the Creek nation of Indians, at the treaty of Indian Springs, before the expiration of the time specified by the 8th article of the treaty, for the removal of the Indians, will be wholly upon its (the government of Georgia) responsibility, and that the govern- I 1 7] CONTROVERSY WITH GEORGIA 29 ment (viz. : the government of the United States) will not in any manner be responsible for any consequences which may result from that measure.'" A very friendly admonition truly. * * * Nay more ; you repeat this order [forbidding the survey] to Gen- eral Gaines, who is charged to promulgate it to the hostile Indians, so that whether there be anything obnoxious in the survey or not, they may seize it as a pretence, under the authority and with the support of the United States, to scalp and tomahawk our people as soon as we shall attempt that survey, and that in fact you adopt for the Indians gratuitously an imaginary wrong done to them, persuade them, even against their will, that it is a real one, and then leave them to indulge in unbridled fury the most tem- pestuous passions ; and this, I presume, is the meaning, in part, of the responsibilities which we are to incur if we disregard the mandate of the Government of the United States. You will, therefore, in the absence of the Secretary of War, make known to the President that the Legislature, having, in concurrence with the expressed opinion of the Executive, come to the almost unanimous conclusion, that, by the treaty, the juris- diction, together with the soil, passed to Georgia, and, in conse- quence thereof, authorized the Governor to cause the line to be run and the survey to be made. It becomes me, in candor, to state to the President, that the survey will be made, and in due time, and of which Major-General Gaines has already had suffi- cient notice. Whilst in the execution of the decrees of our own constituted authorities, the Government of the United States will find nothing but frankness and magnanimity on our part, we may reasonably claim the observance, in like degree, of these noble qualities on theirs. When, therefore, certain responsibihties are spoken of in the comm.unication of the President, we can rightfully inquire, what responsibilities? Georgia in the maintenance of her un- doubted rights, fears no responsibilities ; yet it is well for Georgia to know them, so far as they are menaced by the United States. If it is intended that the Government of the United States will interpose its power to prevent the survey, the Government of Georgia cannot have too early or too distinct notice ; for how highly dishonorable would it be for the stronger party to avail 30 STATE DOCUMENTS [ll8 itself of that power to surprise the weaker. If the government only means that, omitting its constitutional duty, it will not pacify the Indians, and make safe the frontier, whilst the officers of Georgia are in peaceful fulfilment of their instructions, connected with the survey, it is important to the Government of Georgia to know it ; that, depending on itself for safety, it shall not depend in vain. But if the Government of the United States mean what is not even yet to be believed, that assuming, like their Agent, upon another not dissimilar occasion, an attitude of neutrality feigned and insincere, it will, like that Agent, harrow up the Indians to the commission of hostile and bloody deeds, then indeed the Government of Georgia should also know it, that it may guard and fence itself against the perfidy and treachery of false friends. In either event, however, the President of the United States may rest contented that the Government of Georgia cares for no responsibilities in the exercise of its right and the execution of its trust, but those which belong to conscience and to God, which, thanks to Him, is equally our God as the God of the United States. [Executive Documents, 19 Cong., 2 sess., IV, No. 59, 267—269.] 54. Extract from Letter of Governor Troup to the Secretary of War. August 15, 1825. Sir : I have received your letter of the 21st ultimo, giving the desired explanation of the former one of the 15th day of June last, in which you wrote of undefined responsibilities which this Government must incur, if it attempted the survey of the lands acquired from the Creeks, and which results in the employment of the bayonet on your part, and of the tomahawk and scalping- knife on the part of the Indians, if the survey be attempted. I thank you for this explanation ; for whether your intent were good or evil, it equally became you to make it. You make known, at the same time, the resolution of the President, to refer the treaty to Congress, on the allegation that intrigue and treachery have been employed to procure it. This at once puts a stop to the survey, and you will inform the President that, until the will of Iig] CONTROVERSY WITH GEORGIA 3 1 the Legislature of Georgia is expressed, no measures will be taken to execute the survey. The Executive of Georgia has no authority in the civil war with which the State is menaced to strike the first blow, nor has it the inclination to provoke it ; that is left to those who have both the inclination and the authority, and who profess to love the Union best. The Legislature will, on their first meeting, decide what, in this respect, the rights and interests of the State demand. In the meantime, the right to make the survey is asserted, and the reference of the treaty to Congress, for revision, protested against without any qualification. » * » The Legislature of Georgia will, therefore, on its first meeting, [be advised] to resist any effort which may be made to wrest from the State the territory acquired by that treaty, and no matter by what authority that effort be made. » ♦ * if the Legislature shall fail to vindicate that right, the responsibility will be theirs, not mine. [Executive Documents, 19 Cong., 2 sess., IV, No. 59, 271-273.] 55. Resolutions of Georgia, on the DiiFerences with the General Government Relative to the Treaties with the Creek Nation of Indians. December 22, 1826. Resolved, That Georgia owns exclusively the soil and jurisdic- tion of all the territory within her present chartered and conven- tional limits, and with the exception of the right to regulate commerce among the Indian tribes, claims the right to exercise, over any people, white or red, witnin those limits the authority of her laws, as she in her wisdom may think proper ; and that she has never relinquished said right, either territorial or jurisdictional, to the General Government in any manner or by any instrument whatever, and the exercise of such right by the said last men- tioned Government is illegal, unwarrantable and unjust. Resolved, That threatening a State with an armed force, and actually attempting to carry said threats into execution, by station- ing the military on its borders, whether the conduct of the State thus sought to be overawed be right or wrong, is contrary to the 32 STATE DOCUMENTS [l20 spirit and genius of our government, a fundamental principle of which is, that the military is subordinate to the civil authority ; the former being the instrument of fatal necessity makes a resort to the latter always indispensable in the first instance ; any other course is destructive of free government, subversive of State rights, and tending to the complete annihilation of State sove- reignty. Resolved, That the refusal to arrest and punish a military officer of the General Government, who had grossly violated a law of the land, in abusing and insulting the highest authorities of a State, is, as we conceive, an abuse of office, and if not properly atoned for, will and ought to leave this lasting reproach upon the nation, that even in a Republic the law affords no protection against the views "of power, or the resentments of ambition.' Resolved, That the retention of a civil officer in power, after earnest and repeated solicitations for his removal from a sovereign State, through its highest authorities, in which there was uncom- mon unanimity, and after, too, it was known to his Government that he was not only opposed to its own views, but was extremely inimical to the interests of the State in which he was placed, and highly insulting to her public functionaries, is an instance of contempt for the opinion of a State, and a disregard for the welfare of a large portion of the community, highly dangerous to the principles of representative government, where the public servant acts for the people, and not for himself ; and where, as soon as he becomes obnoxious to their interests, he ought to be removed." Resolved, That the attempted abrogation of the treaty of the Indian Springs by the treaty of Washington, in so far as it divested ' This refers to General Gaines. A most undignified correspondence took place between Governor Troup and General Gaines. See Executive Doc, 19 Cong., 2 sess., IV, No. 59, 247-253, 379-384; Niles, XXVIII, 396-398; XXIX, 47, 48. See Troup's correspondence with the President relative to Gaines, Ex. Doc, 277-287; Niles, XXIX, 14-16. 'Report and Resolves of the Legislature, June 11, and of Dec. 22, 1825, called for the removal of Captain John Crowell, agent to the Creek Indians. Acts of Georgia, extra session, 1825, 35-45; annual session, 1825, 204-209; Rept. of House Committees, 19 Con^., 2 sess.. Ill, No. 98, 188-196. 12l] CONTROVERSY WITH GEORGIA 33 the State of Georgia of any right acquired under the former, is i illegal and unconstitutional, and we feel the utmost confidence that, when the General Government comes to be informed that Georgia is deprived of lands to which she had an unquestionable claim by virtue of the first treaty, it will think with us in this re- gard ; and, actuated by its accustomed sense of justice, will take speedy steps to remove all obstructions to the full enjoyment of this, at present, contested right. Resolved, That the assertion of the President, that we have no right to enter the Indian country within our own limits, for the pur- pose of ascertaining boundary, and effecting measures connected with the peaceable objects of internal improvement, without the consent of the Indians, is a doctrine which this State will not admit, and against which it does most solemnly //v/wA In this she has every confidence of the support of her sister States, espe- cially those who have so long and so uninterruptedly enjoyed a similar right. And his solemn protest against any measure con- templated by the State to exert her right over this necessary and essential part of her sovereignty, is an instance of dictation and federal supremacy unwarranted by any grant of power to the General Government, and which we trust and believe the National Legislature will promptly disavow. Resolved, That a separate copy of this repoit, with the docu- ments necessary to support the facts therein detailed, be forwarded by his Excellency the Governor to our Senators and Representa- tives in Congress, to be by them respectively presented to each branch of Congress, with a request that they use their best exer- tions to have redressed the grievances of this State, in the various particulars to which this report has reference, and, for the future harmony of the States to request of that body to make an explicit declaration of the rights that belong to the National Government and those which belong to the State of Georgia, (and conse- quently to the other States,) resulting from the immediate differ- ence of opinion specially enumerated in the foregoing report. Resolved, That his Excellency the Governor be requested to forward also a copy of this report and the documents to the Governor of each State in the Union, with an earnest and respect- ful request that he lay the same before the Legislature of his 34 STATE DOCUMENTS [l22 State ; and they are hereby most affectionately and respectfully solicited to express to this State whether they are prepared to admit the foregoing principles, and the powers growing out of them as belonging to the General Government, and whether Georgia is bound and must submit to the treatment which she conceives she has most wrongfully sustained at the hands of the Executive Department of the General Government. {Acts of Georgia, 1826, 234, 235. (Milledgeville, 1826.)] 56. Extract from Letter of Governor Troup to the Senators and Representatives of Georgia in Congress of the United States. February 2i, 1827. I consider all questions of mere sovereignty as matter for nego- tiation between the States and the United States, until the com- petent tribunal shall be assigned by the Constitution itself for the adjustment of them. I am not wanting in confidence in the Supreme Court of the United States in all cases falling within their acknowledged jurisdiction. As men I would not he.sitate to refer our cause to their arbitration or umpirage. On an amicable issue made up between the United States and ourselves, we might have had no diiificulty in referring it to them as judges, protesting at the same time against the jurisdiction, and saving our rights of sovereignty. If the United States will, with or without the consent of Georgia, make a question before the Supreme Court, it will be for the Goverr\ment of Georgia ultimately to submit, or not, to the de- cision of that tribunal. But according to my limited conception, the Supreme Court is not made by the Constitution of the United States, the arbiter in controversies involving rights of sovereignty between the States and the United States.' The Senate of the United States may have so considered it, because it has been 1 Governor Troup, in his message to the Legislature, November 7, 1826, said : " The government of either State is to be considered as an independent moral agent, having a conscience of its own, the arbiter within itself of right and wrong, to be influenced or controlled only by divine authority; and the conscience of this government has already passed definitively on the validity of the treaty of the Indian Springs." State Papers, Indian Affairs, II, 728. 123] CONTROVERSY WITH GEORGIA 35 proposed to make that honorable body itself the arbiter and umpire between them. The States cannot consent to refer to the Supreme Court, as of right and obligation, questions of sove- reignty between them and the United States, because that Court,' being of exclusive appointment by the Government of the United States, will make the United States the judge in their own cause ; this reason is equally applicable to a State tribunal. Hence, the difficulties likely to arise even by a resort to the civil process, and thus you will perceive how infinitely preferable it is to carry into effect immediately the measure contemplated by the instructions to the agent. [jVi/fs' Register, XXXII, 20. 57. Extract from Report of the Legislature of Georgia Commending the Course of Governor Troup. December 24, 1827. The Legislature cannot but conceive that it became the bounden dutj' of the Governor to consider the 7vhole transaction as an invasion of our vested rights, offensive in its manner, and not warranted by any principle of justice, meriting that hearty defi- ance which belongs to a people peculiar for their submission to constitutioual authority, but equally remarkable for their opposi- tion in every shape to tyranny and usurpation. And that he ought to have been prepared to resist the invasion of a " vested interest " as well in the unsettled territory acquired as in the heart of the oldest settlement of Georgia. Accordingly Governor Troup, in reply to the Secretary of War on the 17th of February last, declared that he felt it " to be his duty to resist to the utmost any military attack which the Government of the United States shall think proper to make on the territory, the People or the sovereignty of Georgia; and all the measures necessary to the' performance of this duty, according to our limited means, are in progress. From the first decisive act of hostility, you will be con- sidered and treated as a public enemy, and with less repugnance, because you, to whom we might constitutionally have appealed, for our defence against invasions, are yourselves the invaders ; and what is more, the unblushing allies of the savages, whose cause 36 STATE DOCUMENTS [124 you have adopted." ' This course is altogether approved by the committee, and what is extremely gratifying, seems to be justified by most of our considerate sister States; and the replication of the Governor, is the more satisfactory, because, unlike some recreant threats that are made for effect and intimidation, it was backed by a preparation so grave and determined, as to relieve it from all suspicion of being idle or unmeaning. * * \_Acts of Georgia, 1827, 268-269.] Controversy with Georgia Relative to the Jurisdiction Within the Territory of the Cherokee Nation. 1826-1831. While the controversy over the lands of the Creeks was at its height the government of Georgia gave renewed proof of its determination to secure also the lands of the Cherokee Nation within the limits of the State. The Legisla- ture, December 4, 1826, passed resolutions calling on the President to conclude a treaty with the Cherokees to extinguish their title to all these lands. [Acts of Georgia, 1826, 207, 208.) The adoption of a written constitution by the Cherokee Nation and their evident determination to remain permanently in Georgia, led the next Legislature, December 27, 1827, to adopt a much more aggressive report and resolutions, extracts from which follow. (^House Execu- tive Documents, 20 Cong., i sess.. Ill, No. 102; Senate Doc, III, No. 88.) The United States government being unable to induce the Cherokees to sur- render the same, Georgia became impatient, and encouraged by President Jackson's announcement of his Indian policy, (Message of Dec. 8, 1829, Richardson, II, 457-459; cf. Resolutions of Georgia approving his policy, Dec. 10, 1829, Acts of Ga., 267-270,) proceeded to take more aggressive measures for carrying out their previous declarations. They supplemented their earlier acts by passing, Dec. 19, 1829, a more comprehensive measure annulling all laws and ordinances of the Cherokee Nation, and incorporating the territory into five counties. [Acts of Georgia, 1829, 98-101 ; Senate Doc, 21 Cong., I sess., II, No. 98, 11-13; Niles, XXXVIII, 54, 328, 329.) Judge Clayton in an address to the Grand Jury of Clark County in the fall of 1830, declared his purpose to enforce the act, and asserted that, " So far as I am concerned, I only require the aid of public opinion and the arm of executive authority, and no court on earth besides our own shall ever be troubled with this question." t^Niles, XXXIX, 99-101.) The first case to raise the issue of the legality of the jurisdiction of Georgia over this territory, grew out of the trial and conviction, by the State Courts, of a Cherokee Indian, one George Tassels, for the murder of another Indian. Chief Justice Marshall of the Fed- ' Executive Documents, 19 Cong., 2 sess., VI, No. 127, 5; Niles, XXXIII, 16. 125] CONTROVERSY WITH GEORGIA 37 eral Supreme Court, on application, issued a writ of error, Dec. 12, 1830, citing the State authorities to appear before the Federal Court. Governor Gilmer submitted the same to the Legislature of the State, declaring his intention to disregard the writ, and that " any attempt to enforce such orders will be resisted with whatever force the laws have placed at my command." The Legislature supported his position in the resolutions given below. (A copy of the writ, the Governor's Message and the Resolutions of the Legislature are in Niles, XXXIX, 338.) The Court was defied, as Tassels was executed a few days later. {Niles, XXXIX, 353.) In the mean time. Congress having failed to grant their appeals for intervention, the Cherokee Nation had appHed to the Supreme Court of the United States to restrain by injunction the execution of the above mentioned laws of Georgia within their territory. The attempt of their counsel, WiUiam Wirt, to get the Governor of Georgia to lay the whole question by agreement before the Supreme Court was ineffectual. (See correspondence of Wirt and Governor Gilmer, Niles, XXXIX, 58, 69-71 ; also Kennedy, Life of Wirt, II, 323.) The Supreme Court, while practically admitting the justice of the plea, dismissed the case for lack of jurisdiction. (Jan. 1831 : Cherokee Nation v. The State of Georgia, 5 Peters, I.) The Indians issued an appeal to the People of the United States, May 21, 1831. {Niles, XL, 298.) For additional references see post, p. 129. 58. Resolutions of the Legislature Relative to the Cherokee Controversy. December 27, 1827. Your committee would recommend that one other, and the last, appeal be made to the General Government, with a view to open a negotiation with the Cherokee Indians upon this subject ; that the United States do instruct their commissioners to submit this report to the said Indians ; that if no such negotiation is opened, or if it is, and it proves to be unsuccessful, that, then, the next Legislature is recommended to take into consideration the propriety of using the most efficient measures for taking pos- session of, and extending our authority and laws over the whole of the lands in controversy. * * * * If the United States will not redeem her pledged honor ; and if the Indians continue to turn a deaf ear to the voice of reason and of friendship ; we now solemnly warn them of the consequence. The lands in question belong to Georgia— she must and she will have them. Influenced by the foregoing considerations, your committee beg leave to offer the following resolutions : 38 STATE DOCUMENTS [126 Resolved, That the United States, in failing to procure the lands in controversy " as early " as the same could be done upon " peaceable " and " reasonable terms " have palpably violated their contract with Georgia, and are now bound, at all hazards, and without regard to terms, to procure said lands for the use of Georgia. Resolved, That the policy which has been pursued by the United States toward the Cherokee Indians, has not been in good faith toward Georgia ; and that, as all the difficulties which now exist to an extinguishment of the Indian title, have resulted from the acts of policy of the United States, it would be unjust and dishonorable in them to take shelter behind these difficulties. Resolved, That all the lands appropriated and unappropriated, which lie within the conventional limits of Georgia, belong to her absolutely ; that the title is in her ; that the Indians are tenants at her will; that she may, at any time she pleases, determine that tenancy by taking possession of the premises; and that Georgia has the right to extend her authority and laws over the whole territory, and to coerce obedience to them, from all description of people, be they white, red, or black, who reside within her limits. Resolved, That Georgia entertains for the General Government so high a regard, and is so solicitous to do no act that can disturb, or tend to disturb, the public tranquility, that she will not attempt to enforce her rights by violence, until all other means of redress fail. Resolved, That to avoid a catastrophe which none would more sincerely deplore than ourselves, we make this solemn appeal to the President of the United States, that he take such steps as are usual, and as he may deem expedient and proper for the purpose of, and preparatory to, the holding of a treaty with the Cherokee Indians, the object of which shall be the extinguishment of their title to all the lands now in their possession within the limits of Georgia. # # « ^ 4le « ^ Resolved, That the late proceedings of the Cherokee Indians in framing a Constitution for their Nation,' and preparing to ' An abstract of the Cherokee Constitution is given in American Annual Register, 1829-30, 46, 47; also in Niles, XXXIII, 214, 346. 127] CONTROVERSY WITH GEORGIA 39 establish a Government independent of Georgia, is inconsistent with the rights of the said State, and therefore not recognized by this Government, and ought to be decidedly discountenanced by the General Government. lActs of Georgia, 1827,248-250. (Milledgeville, 1828.)] 59. Resolutions of the Legislature Relative to the Case of George Tassels. December 22, 1830. Whereas, it appears by a communication, made by his Excel- lency the Governor, to this General Assembly, that the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, has sanctioned a writ of error, and cited the State of Georgia, through her chief Magistrate, to appear before the Supreme Court of the United States to defend this State against said writ of eiror, at the in- stance of one George Tassels, recently convicted in Hall county, Superior Court, of the crime of murder. And whereas, the right to punish crimes, aganist the peace and good order of this state, in accordance with existing laws is an original and a necessary part of sovereignty which the State of Georgia has never parted with. Be it therefore resolved by the Senate, and House of Representa- tives of the State of Georgia, in General Assembly met, That they view with feelings of the deepest regret, the interference by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, in the Administration of the criminal laws of this state, and that such an interference is a flagrant violation of her rights. "J^ Resolved further. That his Excellency the Governor, be and he, and every officer of this State, is hereby requested and enjoined, to disregard any and every mandate and process that has been, or shall be served upon him or them, purporting to proceed from the Chief Justice, or any associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, for the purpose of arresting the execution of any of the criminal laws of this State. And be it further resolved, That his Excellency the Governor, be and he is hereby authorized and required, with all the force 40 STATE DOCUMENTS [128 and means, placed at his command, by the Constitution and laws of this State, to resist and repel, any and every invasion, from whatever quarter, upon the administration of the criminal laws of this State. Resolved, That the State of Georgia, will never so far compro- mise her sovereignty as an independent State, as to become a party to the case sought to be made before the Supreme Court of the United States, by the writ in question. Resolved, That his Excellency the Governor, be and he is hereby, authorized, to communicate to the Sheriff of Hall countys by express, so much of the foregoing resolutions, and such order, as are necessary to insure the full execution of the laws, in the case of George Tassels, convicted of murder in Hall conuty. \_Acts of Georgia, 1830, 282, 283. (Milledgeville, 1831.)] Controversy with Georgia over the Jurisdiction of the Cherokee Nation. (Continued.) 1831-1835. Already in advance of the hearing of the case of the Cherokee Nation, the Legislature, December 22, 1830, had passed a new act to enforce their juris- diction, which prohibited white persons residing within the territory inhabited by the Indians, without a license from the Governor, and the taking of an oath of loyalty to the State of Georgia. (^Acts of Georgia, 1830, 1 14-1 17.) Samuel A. Worcester and several other missionaries, denying the jurisdiction of Geor- gia, refused obedience to this law. They were ultimately convicted and sen- tenced to four years imprisonment. (For contemporary accounts, records of their trial and other documents, see Niles, XL, 95, 132, 244-248, 296-298; XLI, 102, 174-176; Amer. Annual Register, 1831-32, Appx., 364-366). Worcester and his associates applied to the Supreme Court of the United States for a rehearing, and a writ was issued by Judge Baldwin, November lo, 1831, citing the authorities of Georgia to appear before the Court. [Niles, XLI, 313.) Governor Lumpkin laid the same before the Legislature, November 25, 1 83 1, in the message which follows. The Legislature, December 26, approved of resolutions similar in language to those adopted in the case of Tassels. {Acts of Georgia, t83i, 259-26t; Niles, XLI, 335, 336.) On the same day they approved also of an elaborate report in defence of the policy of the State in regard to the Indians and to the missionaries. {Acts of Georgia, 1831, 266-274; Niles, XLII, 58-60.) In January, 1832, the Supreme Court heard proceedings on the writ of error in the case of Worcester v. Georgia, and pronounced the claims of Georgia unjustified, and the law in question un- constitutional, and that Worcester sentence was null and void. (6 Peters, 129] CONTROVERSY WITH GEORGIA 4 1 515; NiUs, XLII, 40-56.) The authorities of Georgia refused to recognize the decision of the Court or to release the missionaries. {Niles, XLII, 78; XLIII, 251.) A sharp debate was precipitated in Congress by the presenta- tion of a petition in behalf of the missionaries by John Quincy Adams, March 5, 1832. {Cong. Debates, 1831-32, 2010-2036.) A year later, after Wor- cester had notified the Governor of Georgia that he had withdrawn his suit before the Supreme Court, he and his associates were released from prison by pardon of Gov. Lumpkin, January 4, 1833. (Niles, XLIII, 382, 383, 419; XLIV, 359, 360.) The Cherokee Indians during the period 1829-1835, re- peatedly presented memorials to Congress for a " redress of their wrongs and for the protection of the United States." A large number of petitions in their behalf came from all parts ef the country, but Congress favored the adminis- tration policy of the removal of all the Indian tribes to the west of the Missis- sippi river, and May 28, 1830, a bill authorizing this policy became a law. {U. S. Siat. at L.,l\, ^11, ^12.) Finally, December 29, 1835, the Chero- kees agreed to a treaty relinquishing all their lands east of the Mississippi. {U. S. Stat, at L., VII, 478-486.) Additional references. — Among the many documents the following are the most important: Memorials of the Cherokees, House Exee. Doc, 20 Cong., 2 sess., IV, No. 145; Reports of House Com., 21 Cong., i sess.. Ill, No. 311; House Exec. Doc, 21 Cong., 2 sess., Ill, No. 57; Ibid., 22 Cong., I sess., II, No. 45; Ibid., 22 Cong., 2 sess., I, No. 2, pp. 39-40; Senate Doc, 23 Cong., I sess., V, No. 386; Ibid., 23 Cong., 2 sess.. Ill, No. 71. Letter of S. A. Wor- cester, March 15, 1830, relative to the condition and civilization of the Chero- kees, Senate Doc, 21 Cong., I sess., II, No. no, pp. 19-22. Speech of Clay et al., Feb. 4, 1835, Cong. Debates, 1834-35, 289-309; Speech of Webster, Oct. 12, 1832, Works, I, 268-276. Consult Niles' Register, XXXV-XLIV, "Index;" American Annual Register, 1825-1833, (8 vols.) "Contents,"' ^•Georgia," and '■'Documents." State Papers, Indian Affairs, 11,502-511, 526-529, 699 702. Secondary works: McMaster, V, 175-178, 181-1S3, 537- 540; Von Hoist, I, 448-458; Lalor, I, 390-394; Peck, The Jacksonian Epoch, 250-256; Greeley, Amer. Conflict, I, 105, 106; Sumner, Jackson, 178-182; Schouler, III, 478-480. 60. Message of Governor Lumpkin Relative to the Case of Worcester. November 25, 1831. [In communicating to the Legislature the writ from the Su- preme Court of the United States, he writes :— ] The obvious object of the proceedings to which this notice and these citations relate, is to call in question, and attempt to overthrow, that essential jurisdiction of the State, in criminal cases, which has been 42 STATE DOCUMENTS [13O vested by our Constitution, in the superior courts of the several counties of the State. My respect for the Supreme Court of the United States as a fundamental department of the federal government, induces me to indulge the earnest hope, that no mandate will ever proceed from that Court, attempting or intending to control one of the sovereign States of this Union, in the free exercise of its consti- tutional, criminal or civil jurisdiction. " The powers not dele- gated by the Constitution of the United States, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively." Such a control over our criminal jurisdiction, as these proceedings indi- cate, it is believed, has not been delegated to the United States, and consequently cannot be acquiesced in or submitted to. Any attempt to infringe the evident right of a State to govern the entire population within its territorial limits, and to punish all offences committed against its laws, within those limits, (due re- gard being had to the cases expressly excepted by the Constitution of the United States), would be the usurpation of a power never granted by the States. Such an attempt, whenever made, will challenge the most determined resistance ; and if persevered in, will inevitably eventuate in the annihilation of our beloved Union. In exercising the duties of that department of government, which devolve on me, I will disregard all unconstitutional requi- sitions, of whatever character or origin they may be ; and to the best of my abilities, will protect and defend the rights of the State, and use the means afforded to nie, to maintain its laws and Constitution. [jViles' Register, XLI, 313.] Resolutions of Other States Relative to Georgia and and the Supreme Court. Georgia's defiance of the Supreme Court in the case of Tassels, as well as the renewed attempt in Congress in 1S31, to restrict the jurisdiction of the Federal Courts (cf. Ante, 112) led the Legislature of Massachusetts, March 14, 1831, to pass resolutions condemning the course of Georgia, asserting the jurisdiction of the Federal Courts and the duty of the President to enforce the Constitution and laws of the United Slates. {Resolves of Mass., 1828-1831, 512, 513; American Annual Register, 1830-31, 316, 317.) These resolves 131] CONTROVERSY WITH GEORGIA 43 were sent to other States, and were indorsed by the Legislature of Connecticut in the subjoined report and resolutions. In transmitting the same to the Leg- islature of Massachusetts, Jan. 9, 1832, Governor Levi Lincoln commented on the situation at length, noting that "the recent measures which have been proposed in some of our sister States, can be viewed only with alarm (or the very existence of the Republic, . . their inevitable tendency is to division and separation." (Resolves of Mass., 1832, 50-52.) The Legislatures of Pennsylvania and New Jersey also passed in 1 83 1 resolutions in support of the supremacy and integrity of the Federal Judiciary. [Session Laws of Penna., 1830-31, 505; Annual Register, 1830-31, 336-339; Ibid., 1831-32, 250.) 61. Report and Resolutions of Connecticut. May Session, 1831. Your committee have also had under consideration certain resolutions of the Legislature of the Commonwealth of Massa- chusetts, relative to the judicial power of the United States — a subject of sufficient importance to justify a more extended notice. At a period when, in some portions of our country, a disposi- tion is manifested to array the jealousies of the people against the judicial departtnent of the government of the United States, when executive officers are instructed, in all the formality of legislative enactment, to disregard the legal precepts of the Supreme Court of the United States — it well becomes those who regard a dissolution of our Union as one of the most dreadful of political evils, to interpose a mild, but firm expression of their opinion. The people by their sovereign pleasure, created by the same act the executive, legislative and judicial departments of the federal government. The inefficiency of the old confedera- tion to secure respect and obedience, taught them the necessity of so organizing the federal government, that it could lay its hands on individuals, and thus directly enforce the laws of the Union, and protect those acting under them from injury or inter- ruption, by the laws of any one of the states. It was the force of external circumstances only that gave to the recommendations of the old congress the authority of laws. When the outward pressure was removed, the Union was practically dissolved, and anarchy ensued. Without the judicial department, the Congress of the United States would now be but an assemblage of embas- sadors, whose efficiency would begin and end in advisory consulta- 44 STATE DOCUMENTS [132 tions; the people would obey, or not, as their interests and feelings might dictate. The courts of the several states partake, too readily of local jealousies and excitements, to be entrusted with the final determination of questions involving the validity or construction of the federal laws ; and questions of policy of much less importance than those that now agitate our country, would soon put an end to our ephemeral Union. The judicial depart- ment, therefore constitutes one of those peculiarities, which dis- tinguish the present government from the old confederation — a co-ordinate branch — which, in the opinion of youi committee, is absolutely necessary for the successful organization of our government. It being one of the first principles of a republic, that the legis- lative and judicial departments be kept entirely distinct, the patriot has nothing to apprehend from the power or ambition of the courts. Speaking of the three great departments, an eminent civilian says, " the judiciary is next to nothing." It has indeed no power over the wealth or strength of the nation. It has neither force nor will, but merely judgment, and can not enforce even that, without the aid of the executive. * * * An independent judiciary is absolutely indispensable, for the pro- tection of the people in their reserved rights, and for the preser- vation of every department of the government in its appropriate and destined action. It is indeed the great balance wheel of the Constitution ; which from its own weakness needs, and its inestimable value deserves the constant care and vigilance of the community, to protect it from the attacks of the other depart- ments of the government, both state and federal. * * » Resolved, [Here follows quotation from Art. VI, § 2, of U. S. Const.] Resolved, That we regard the judicial department of the government of the United States, as sacred in its origin, and invaluable in its purposes and objects, as either the executive or legislative departments; and we also regard the designs of any community, to destroy it, or to paraly^e its influence, among the people of these states, as the manifestation of feelings, unfriendly to the permanent interests of our common country. [From Copy in the Journal of the House of Representatives of Pennsylvania, 1831-32, 11,41-43.] STATE DOCUMENTS ON FEDERAL RELATIONS: THE STATES AND THE UNITED STATES. NUPvIBER IV. Tariff and Internal Improvements. A reaction against the broad construction and nationalizing tendencies, which had characterized the policy of the dominant portion of the Democratic- Republican party in the period immediately following the close of the War of 1812-15, gradually began to show itself. First in the opposition to the United States Bank (see ante, pp, 89-103), and then to federal legislation relative to internal improvement and a protective tariff. The change in the attitude of the South from one of advocacy to that of opposition was very marked and significant. In Congress this change first became evident in connection with the internal improvement discussions, but after 1820 the hostility of the South to a protective tariff increasingly developed. Opposition to the doctrine of broad construction led those who objected to a protective tariff on constitutional grounds to oppose also the other important feature of the so-called "American System," namely, national aid to internal improvement. This was necessary on ground of consistency, if for no other. It is not surprising therefore to find generally in the series of resolutions passed by the Southern States, during the period 1825-1832, condemnation of both the protective tariff and internal improvement acts. This was especiaUy true to 1827. In fact, contemporary evidence indicates that more emphasis was placed upon the opposition to federal internal improvement measures than to the protective tariff bills prior to that date. In support of this statement may 133] • 2 STATE DOCUMENTS [134 be cited the message of Governor Wilson of South Carolina in 1824, and that of Governor Tyler of Virginia in 1826, as also the correspondence of Jefferson and Madison for 1824-26, in all of which the subject of internal improvement measures is alone considered. After 1827 the tariff question came to the front and remained of chief importance during the remainder of the period. The close connection between the two subjects was pointed out at the time of Jackson's veto of the Maysville Road Bill, in 1830, by the Southern press and political leaders {Niles, XXXVIII, 319-321, 379; post p. 164), but the chief opposition continued to be directed against the protective tariff measures. References: For monographic accounts of the tariff controversy see O. L. Elliott, The Tariff Controversy in the United States, Palo Alto, Cal., 1892; C. W. Harris, The Sectional Struggle, Phila., 1902 (full synopsis of the de- bates in Congress). F. W. Taussig, Tariff History of the United States, 17- 24, 68-108. General References; The Tariff: Burgess, Middle Period, 10-12, 108-116, 157-163, 170-178; McMaster, IV, 490-494, 510-521; V, 229-267; Schouler, III, 173, 296-298, 382-385,420-426,468; Sumner, Jackson, 194- 206; Von Hoist, I, 396-400; Lalor, III, 859-864; Ballagh in Amer. Hist. Assoc. Reports, 1898, esp. 221-241. Internal Improvement: Burgess, 14-18, 116-122, 155, 157, 166-170; McMaster, IV, 410-415,422-426; V, 147-150, 252, 263; Schouler, III, 247-254; 295, 296, 382-385, 480; Sumner, Jackson, 191-194; Von Hoist, I, 389-396; Lalor, II, 568-571. 62. Report Adopted by the House of Representatives of South Carolina. December, 1820. The gradualness of the change in the attitude of the South on these ques- tions is well illustrated by the growth of the opposition in the South Carolina Legislature, which was the first to officially denounce the constitutionality of the internal improvement and protective tariff acts. This is revealed in the documents for the years 1820-25, which follow. The first of these shows that in 1820, while a majority of the House of Representatives was opposed to the restrictive system on grounds of policy, they apparently conceded its constitu- tionality, and deprecated the memoralizing of Congress. As the Journals of the General Assembly of South CaroUna were not pubHshed until 1830, the text of this report is taken from Niles, XIX, 345, 346, and Ibid., XLIII, 128. It is also given in the Statutes at Large of South Carolina (Thomas Cooper, editor), I, 226, 227 (Columbia, S. C, 1836), with acknowledgments to Niles. It does not appear to have passed the Senate, as Dr. Cooper states that it is not given in the Manuscript Journals or the published Pamphlet Laws. The Gommittee to whom was referred the preamble and reso- lutions submitted by the honorable member from Chesterfield, 135] SOUTH CAROLINA ON THE TARIFF 3 (Pleasant May, esq.) on the subject of the Tariff proposed at the last session of congress. Respectfully Report : That although your committee do, in common, they believe, with the great majority of their fellow-citizens, and particularly those in the Southern and Eastern States, entirely concur with the honorable member, so far as the general principles of political economy involved in the resolutions, are concerned : Although they most earnestly deprecate the restrictive system attempted to be forced upon the nation, as premature and pernicious — as a wretched expedient to repair the losses incurred in some com- mercial districts, by improvident and misdirected speculation : or as a still more unwarrantable project to make the most important interests of the country subservient to the most inconsiderable, and to compel those parts of the union which are still prosperous and flourishing, to contribute even by their utter ruin, to fill the coffers of a few monopolists in the others — Yet when they reflect that the necessity at that time, universally felt, of regulating the commerce of the country by more enlarged and uniform principles was the first motive that induced the calling of a convention in '87 : When they consider that among the powers expressly given up by the states and vested in con- gress by the constitution, is this very one of enacting all laws relating to commerce : Above all, when they advert to the consequences likely to result from the practice, unfortunately become too common, of arraying upon the questions of national policy, the states as dis- tinct and independent sovereignties in opposition to, or, (what is much the same thing) with a view to exercise a control over the general government — Your committee feel it to be their indis- pensable duty to protest against a measure, of which they con- ceive the tendency to be so mischievious, and to recommend to the house, that, upon this, as on every other occasion, on which the general weUare of the republic is in question, they adhere to those wise, liberal and magnanimous principles by which this state has been hitherto so proudly distinguished. In consideration of the above reasons, your Committee are of opinion that the preamble and resolutions referred to them be rejected. South Carolina on the Powers of the Federal Government. 1824-1825. Subsequent to the adoption of the preceding report, the question of the con- stitutionality of a protective tariff law had been clearly raised in Congress dur- ing the discussions preliminary to the passage of the act of 1824. In this some of the South Carolina delegation led the way. (Mitchell, Annals, 17 Cong., 2 sess., 1002; Hamilton, Annals, 18 Cong., I sess., II, 2207, 2208; Hayne, Ibid., I, 648, 649, also Barbour of Va., Ibid., II, 1918-1920.) In sympathy with this strict construction attitude, Governor Wilson called atten- tion of the Legislature to the drift toward a "consolidated government," in the subjoined passage taken from his annual message of December, 1824. It is noteworthy that in proof of this he expressly refers to the internal improve- ment legislation of Congress, but fails to mention the tariff act of 1824. (Act May 22, U. S. Stat, at L., IV, 25-30.) This would seem to indicate that up to this time the internal improvement question was considered a more vital issue than that of protection. Acting upon the Governor's suggestion the Senate, Dec. 13, 1824, passed a series of resolves, which had been drawn by Judge William Smith, denouncing as unconstitutional both the internal im- provement and the protective tariff measures of the federal government, by a vote of 30 to 13. (Niles, XXVII, 272, 338; Ibid., XLIII, 128; National Intelligencer, Dec. 24, 1824.) These were tabled in the House of Repre- sentatives, and a Report and Resolutions from the Select Committee were adopted instead. The third, fourth and fifth resolves are notable, as they take issue with the Senate, denying the right of the Legislature to question the acts of the Federal Government. {National Intelligencer, Jan. I, 1825; Niles, XLIII, 128.) Extracts from this report and the resolutions follow. By the next year the change in public opinion had so affected the House of Repre- sentatives that the same series of resolves which had received the approval of the Senate the previous year were now introduced and passed by the House, December 15, 1825, by a vote of 73 'o 38. They were agreed to by the Sen- ate on the following day, and were the first official condemnation by any State Legislature of the internal improvement and protective tariff acts. (Acts and Resolutions of South Carolina, 1825, 88, 89; Statutes at Lar^e (Cooper ed.), I, 228, 229; Niles, XXIX, 293; Amer. Annual Register, 1825-26, 342, 343.) Contemporary works : Dr. Thomas Cooper published a pamphlet entitled A Tract on the Proposed Alteration of the Tariff submitted to the consideration of the members from South Carolina in the ensuing Congress of 1823-4. Charleston, 1823. Reprinted Phila., 1824. 27 pages. Hayne's speech was issued in pamphlet form. Speech of Mr. Hayne against the Tariff Bill, April, 1824, Charleston, 1824. 48 pages. For a recent study of South Carolina's change of attitude cf. Houston, Nullification in South Carolina, esp. ch. IV. I37J POWERS OF FEDERAL GOVERNMENT 5 63. Extract from Governor Wilson's Message to the Legislature, December, 1824. There is one subject of deep and vital importance to the sta- bility of the General and State Governments, to which I beg leave to invite your attention. Every friend of our present constitution, in its original purity, cannot but have witnessed the alarming extent to which the Federal Judiciary and Congress have gone toward establishing a great and consolidated govern- ment, subversive of the rights of the States and contravening the letter and spirit of the Constitution of the Union. The act of the last session of Congress appropriating money to make surveys,* is but an entering wedge which will be followed, no doubt by the expenditure of millions, unless the People apply the proper corrective, the day, I fear, is not far distant, when South Carolina shall be grievously assessed, to pay for the cutting of a canal across Cape Cod. None of the friends to the assumed powers of the General Government pretend to derive them from any specific grant of power in the Constitution, but claim them as implied, resulting, or necessary to the common defence and general welfare. The construction contended for by them is an open violation of that which has heretofore universally been admitted the true rule for expounding all grants. It never for a moment entered into the imagination of the members of the convention that formed the union that they were surrendering the sovereignty and independence of the states. On the contrary, there was a universal sensitiveness on that point, which produced the section which declared all power not expressly granted to be reserved to the people or the states. Whenever we become a great consolidated nation, the day will soon arrive when we shall crumble into as many parts as there are cardinal points of the compass. It is our duty as public sentinels to give the alarm, in order that those who are friendly to the present constitution may preserve it in its original purity. The opinions of men in high office on this point should be known, that they may be properly appreciated by the people, who alone possess the corrective in their elective franchise. [National Intelligencer, Dec. 13, 1824.] • Act of April 30, 1824, U. S. Stat, at L., IV, 22. 6 STATE DOCUMENTS [138 64. Extract from A Report and the Resolves of the House of Representatives of South Carolina, December, 1824. Every citizen of these United States owes a double allegiance ; namely to the government of the United States, and to the gov- ernment of the individual State to which he may belong. He has no right to give an undue preference to either, to elevate or depress one at the expense of the other ; but both, like his parents are equally entitled to his love and reverence. That man, therefore, who disseminates doctrines whose tendency is to give an unconstitutional preponderance to State, or United States' rights, must be regarded as inimical to the forms of gov- ernment, under which we have hitherto so happily lived, and which the best men of our country have unceasingly prayed may be perpetual. »»♦*»•• Resolved, That all power is inherent in the People ; and gov- ernments are instituted for their welfare. 2. Resolved, That legislative representatives, are the limited agents or servants of the People, and not their sovereigns ; and that they can legally do no act adverse to the interests of the People, or beyond the scope of their authority. 3. Resolved, That the People have conferred no power upon their State Legislature to impugn the Acts of the Federal Govern- ment or the decisions of the Supreme Court of the United States.' 4. Resolved, That any exercise of such a power by this state would be an act of usurpation. 5. Resolved, That the Representatives of the People in Con- gress are only responsible under God to the People themselves. 6. Resolved, That the People of this State are quite compe- tent to the superintendence and control of the conduct of their ' Hon. Geo. McDuffie, of South Carolina, Feb. 5, 1824, delivered a speech in Congress relative to the distribution of powers, and in defence of implied powers. In it he said, "The Convention did not regard the State Govern- ments as sentinels upon the watch-towers of freedom or in any respect more worthy of confidence than the General Government." The House of Repre- sentatives of his State evidently shared his views at this time, but both soon changed." {Annals of Congrtss, 18 Cons;., I sess., 1372.) *39] POWERS OF FEDERAL GOVERNMENT 7 Representatives in Congress as well as their Representatives in this Legislature. 7. Resolved, That the State Legislature has no power to pro- pose amendments of the Constitution of the United States, but only to apply to Congress to call a Convention of the People for that purpose. 8. Resolved, That the liberty of the People of this Country will be seriously endangered, whenever they permit their servants in this Legislature or in Congress to use any power not delegated to them. [National Intelligencer, January i, 1825.] 65. South Carolina on Internal Improvements and the Tariff, December 16, 1825. • * * Among those rights retained in this [the federal] constitution to the people, is, the unalienable right of remon- strating against any encroachments upon that constitution by the Congress of the United States, or any other officer belonging or acting under the General Government. This right is not only retained and unalienable, but it is the birth right of every freeman. It belongs to him either in his individual or aggregate, his private or political capacity. To restrain it when respectfully exercised, would be to establish that odious doctrine of non resistance and perfect obedience. The Committee therefore respectfully recommends to this House the adoption of the following Resolutions : — 1. Resolved, That Congress does not possess the power, under the constitution, to adopt a general system of internal improve- ment as a national measure. 2. Resolved. That a right to impose and collect taxes, does not authorize Congress to lay a tax for any other purposes than such as are necessarily embraced in the specific grants of power, and those necessarily implied therein. 3. Resolved, That Congress ought not to exercise a power granted for particular objects, to effect other objects, the right to effect which has never been conceded. 4. Resolved, That it is an unconstitutional exercise of power. 8 STATE DOCUMENTS [14O on the part of Congress, to tax the citizens of one State to make roads and canals for the citizens of another State. 5. Resolved, That it is an unconstitutional exercise of power, on the part of Congress, to lay duties to protect domestic manu- factures. \^Acts of South Carolina, 1825, 88, 89.]. Resolves of Virginia. 1826-1827. Virginia was ^he next State to declare against the broad construction policy. The correspondence of Jefferson and Madison for the years 1824-1826 reveal their especial concern in regard to the internal improvement legislation of the federal government. Shortly after President Adams' first message, in which he advocated a liberal internal improvement policy ( Richardson, II, 31 1 ), Jefferson in a letter to Madison, of December 24, 1825, suggested the desirability of the Legislature of Virginia passing a new set of resolutions, following the prece- dent of 1798, declaring the obnoxious laws null and void, and he enclosed the draft of such a document, entitled " The Solemn Declaration and Protest of the Commonwealth of Virginia, on the principles of the Constitution of the United States of America, and on the violation of them." (Letter in Jefferson's Works, VII, /^l2.-i,i^\ Wriiin^, X, 348, 349; Draft of Protest, Works, IX, 496 ; Writings, X, 349-352 ; both in Niles, XXXVII, 79, 80. ) Madison replied advising against this course. ( Works, III, 51 1-514.) Jefferson in an interesting letter of Jan. 2, 1826, acquiesced, in view of the protest of South Carolina and of the fact that a proposed amendment expressly granting the power over internal improvement was before Congress, and that " opposition would come with more hope of success from any other State than from Virginia and South Carolina." ( Writings X, 359.) For other interesting letters of the two ex- Presidents, see Jefferson's Works, VII, 336, 337, 426-428; Writings, X, 91, 299-301, 354-356, 358, 359; Madison's Works, III, 483, 506-510, 528-530. The amendment before Congress, like similar propositions in previous years, received little consideration . (Ames, Proposed Amendments, 261, 262.) The Legislature of Maryland, which was foremost in the advocacy of a national system of internal improvement, already in 1823 proposed an amendment to the Constitution to set at rest any doubt as to the power of Congress. {Laws of Md., 1822-23, 140; Annals, 17 Con^., 2 sess., 698.) In reply to the resolves of South Carolina of December, 1825, denying this power, the Legis- lature, Jan. 14, 1826, adopted resolutions declaring that "Congress does pos- sess the power under the Constitution, to adopt a general system of internal improvement." {Laws of Maryland, 1825-26, 236.) In view of this situation the Legislature of Virginia, March 4, 1826, felt called upon to commit itself anew to the doctrine of 1798, and to record its 14 1] RESOLVES OF VIRGINIA g condemnalion of the obnoxious policy of the federal government in the resolu- tions given below, {^cis 0/ Virginia, 1825-26, 114.) The final vote in the House on the preamble and resolutions was 120 yeas to 27 nays, and in the Senate 12 yeas to 8 nays. The text, vote and press comments are given in NiUs, XXX, 38. At the opening of the next session of the Legislature, Gov- ernor John Tyler in his message of Dec. 4, 1826, in a rhetorical passage, pointed out " that more danger is to be apprehended to the State authorities by the exertion of the assumed power over roads and canals by the General Government than from almost any other source." {Journal of House of Dele- gates, 1826-27, 6 et seq.; also quoted in Life of John Tyler, 86, 87 [N. Y., 1844]; National Intelligencer, December 27, 1826.) This, together with the renewed efforts of the protectionists in Congress to secure an increased tariff (Jan. 17-March 4, 1827), led early in 1827, under the leadership of Mr. Giles, to the appointment of a Special Committee to inquire into the power and juris- diction of the General Government. The Committee presented a long argu- mentative report, concluding with the subjoined resolutions. The vote of both branches is given in brackets after each resolve. The text is in the Acts of Virginia, 1826-27, I3S> 136; the report, account of the debate and the vote, and other documents, are given in Niles, XXXII, 13S-139, 167-170. Madi- son's letter of Feb. 7, 1827, commenting upon the proposed action of the Legislature is of interest. ( Works, III, 551.) 66. Resolutions of Virginia, March 4th, 1826. This General Assembly having carefully reviewed the resolu- tions of the sessions of 1798, and the report in support of them of r799, and deeming the compact, on which they are a com- mentary, as unchanged in the powers which it delegates to the General Government, and the rights which are reserved to the States, doth now again " most solemnly declare a warm attach- ment to the union of the States, to maintain which, it pledges all its powers ; and that for this end, it is their duty to watch over and oppose every infraction of those principles, which constitute the only basis of that Union, because, a faithful observance of them, can alone secure its existence and the public happiness :" "And doth further explicitly and peremptorily declare, that it views the powers of the Federal Government, as resulting from the compact to which the States are parties ; as limited by the plain sense and intention of the instrument constituting that compact; as no farther valid than they are authorised by the grants enumerated in that compact ; and that, in case of a de- liberate, palpable and dangerous exercise of other powers, not lO STATE DOCUMENTS [142 granted by the said compact, the States who are parties thereto, have the right, and are in duty bound to interpose for arresting the progress of the evil, and for maintaining, within their re- spective limits, the authorities, rights and liberties appertaining to them." In the opinion of this General Assembly, the principles here asserted, and the reasoning contained in the said report, apply with full force against the powers assumed by Congress, in the act imposing additional duties on foreign articles, for the promotion of American manufactures, and the acts directing surveys of routes for roads and canals, preparatory to a general system of internal improvement : 1. Be it therefore Resolved, That the imposition of taxes and duties, by the Congress of the United States, for the purpose of protecting and encouraging domestic manufactures, is an unconstitutional exercise of power, and is highly oppressive and partial in its operation. [House, 138 to 23; Senate, 12 to 9. J 2. Resolved, That the Congress of the United States does not possess the power, under the Constitution, to adopt a general system of internal improvement in the States, as a national measure. [House, 128 to 24; Senate, 15 to 6.] 3. Resolved, That the appropriation of money by the Congress of the United States, to construct roads and canals in the States is a violation of the Constitution. [House, 127 to 26; Senate, 12 to 8.] \^Acts of Virginia, 1S25-26, 114.] 67. Resolutions of Virginia, March 6, 1827. * * * The General Assembly of Virginia, actuated, as it always has been, Dy the most sincere disposition for the preserva- tion of the Union of these States — believing that the Union can only be preserved, by keeping the General and State Governments within their respective spheres of action, as marked out by the Constitution of the United States — being also sincerely desirous that the General Government should be protected in the full and free exercise of all the specified powers granted to it by the Constitution of the United States — and being, at the same time, deeply impressed with a sense of its own duty, to preserve. 143] RESOLVES OF VIRGINIA H unimpaired, all the rights of the People and Government of this State, conferred upon it by the Constitution of the State, and of the United States — find itself reluctlantly constrained to enter its most solemn protest against the usurpations of the General Government as described in the report of its committee — Therefore, 1 . Resolved, That this General Assembly, in behalf of the Peo- ple and Government of this State, does, hereby, most solemnly protest against the claim or exercise of any power whatever, on the part of the General Government, to make internal improve- ments within the limits and jurisdiction of the several States, and particularly within the limits of the State of Virginia ; — and also, against the claim or exercise of any power whatever, asserting or involving a jurisdiction over any part of the territoiy within the limits of this State, except over the objects and in the mode specified in the Constitution of the United States. [House, 134 to 47 ; Senate, 15 to 7. J 2. Resolved, in like manner, that this General Assembly does hereby, most solemnly protest against any claim or exercise of power, whatever, on the part of the General Government, which serves to draw money from the inhabitants of this State, into the Treasury of the United States, and to disburse it for any object whatever, except for carrying into effect the grants of power to the General Government, contained in the Constitution of the United States. [House, 159 to 19; Senate, 18 to 4.J 3. Resolved, in like manner, that this General Assembly does most solemnly protest against the claim or exercise of any power, whatever, on the part of the General Government, to protect domestic manufactures, the protection of manufactures not being amongst the grants of power to that Government, specified in the Constitution of the United States ; — and also, against the operations of the act of Congress, passed May 22A, 1824, entitled, "An act to amend the several acts imposing duties on imports," generally called the tariff law, which vary the distribution of the proceeds of the labor of the community, in such a manner, as to transfer property from one portion of the United States to another and to take private property from the owner for the benefit of another person, not rendering public service ; — as unconstitu- 12 STATE DOCUMENTS [144 tional, unwise, unjust, unequal and oppressive. [House, 132 to 49 ; Senate, 14 to 8.] [^Aas of Virginia, 1826-27, 135, 136.] 68. South Carolina and the Harrisburg Convention. December 19, 1827. The failure of the tariff bill of 1827, by the casting vote of Calhoun, led to renewed efforts by the protectionists, which culminated in the Harrisburg Convention of the Friends of Domestic Industry, which was in session July 30 to Aug. 3, 1827. It addressed a memorial to Congress, and through com- mittees issued several addresses upon the commercial and economic conditions of the country, with a view to influencing legislation in favor of protection. (Minutes of Proceedings, Niles, XXXII, 388, 395; Memorial to Congress, Ibid., 395-396; Addresses of Committees, Ibid., XXXIII, 100-112, 123-128, 138-144, 149-160, 171-176, 188-192, 203-207. See also Amer. Annual Reg., 1827-29, 39-41; Taussig, 82-85; McMaster, V, 245-247, 249-251; Elliott, 239-242.) The increased demands and activities of the protectionists aroused emphatic protests from the South. A popular agitation in South Carolina, in which Dr. Cooper was prominent, found expression in the adop- tion of Memorials by citizens in various parts of the State addressed to the State Legislature and to Congress. {Niles XXXIII, 26-32; McMaster, 247- 249 (Cooper's speech); Elliott, 244-249; Houston, chs. Ill and IV.) These condemned a protective tariff in strong language. One such declared, " we exist as a member of the Union merely as an object of taxation," and called upon the State Legislature "to devise some means of freeing your fellow citizens from a yoke too heavy to be borne." Congress was warned that "the inequalities and injustices of this state of things is becoming too glaring to remain unnoticed, and the burthens it imposes on us is too heavy to be borne in silence any longer" (Niles, XXXIII, 59, 60.) Governor John Tayler, in his message at the opening of the Legislature in November, 1827, called atten- tion to the schemes of the Harrisburg Convention, and to the petitions and remonstrances of the people, (/bid., 222.) A Special Committee presented an elaborate report and resolutions. The former announced " that the period has arrived when remonstrance is not only proper, but its neglect would be a crime; seems to be the voice of South Carolina." The resolutions follow. The text of report and resolution are in Acts of South Carolina, 1827 28, 69-78; House Doc, 20 Conq., 1 sess., 1827-28, III, No. 65; Senate Doc, II, No. 29; Amer. State Papers, Finance, V, 724-730; see also Amer. Annual Reg., 1827-29, I, pt. II, 136, 137; Niles, XXXIII, 275; McMaster, V, 252. I. Resolved, That the Constitution of the United States is a compact between the people of the different States with each 145] SOUTH CAROLINA AND HARRISBURG CONVENTION 1 3 Other, as separate, independent sovereignties ;'^ and that for any violation of the letter or spirit of that compact by the Congress of the United States, it is not only the right of ihe people, but of the Legislatures, who represent them to every extent not limited, to remonstrate against violations of the fundamental compact. 2. Resolved, That the acts of Congress, known by the name of Tariff Laws, the object of which is not the raising of revenues, or the regulation of foreign commerce, but the promotion of domestic manufactures, are violations of the Constitution in its spirit, and ought to be repealed. 3. Resolved, That Congress has no power to construct roads and canals in the States, for the purpose of internal improvement^ with or without the assent of the States in whose limits those internal improvements are made ; the authority of Congress ex- tending no further than to pass the " necessary and proper laws " to carry into execution their enumerated powers. 4. Resolved, That the American Colonization Society is not an object of national interest, and that Congress has no power in any way to patronise, or direct appropriations for the benefit of this or any other society. 5. Resolved, That our Senators in Congress be instructed, and our Representatives requested, to continue to oppose every in- crease of the Tariff, with a view to p?-oiect domestic manufactures, and all appropriations to the purposes of internal improvements of the United States, and all appropriations in favor of the Coloni- zation Society, or the patronage of the same, either directly or indirectly, by the General Government. [Resolutions of trans- mission.] ' The report preceding the resolutions combats the view that the Federal Constitution emanated from the people, as "one of the most dangerous doc- trines that can be promulgated," and takes issue with the opinion of the U. S. Supreme Court in the case of McCulloch vs. Maryland on this point. They also declare "that collisions will sometimes arise between the States and Con- gress, when it would not only be unwise, but even unsafe, to subn)it questions of disputed sovereignty to any judiciary tribunal;" "least of all ought the States to consent to make the Supreme Court of the United States the arbiter finally to decide points of vital importance to the States." 14 STATE DOCUMENTS [146 69. Extract from the Report of Georgia on the Tariff and Internal Improvements. December 24, 1827. Governor Troup in his message of Nov. 6, 1827, recommended the Legisla- ture to adopt a "firm remonstrance" to Congress, and if this should be " unheeded " to address " the States having common interest with yourselves, and to suggest the expediency of concurring in a non-consumption agreement to be carried into effect by all the means which are constitutionally given to their respective legislatures." {NiUs, XXXIII, 221, 222.) Acting upon the suggestion the Legislature adopted an argumentative report, presented by Judge Clayton, extracts from which follow. Text, Acts of Georgia, 1827, 203-214; House Doc, 20 Cong., i sess.. Ill, No. 120; Amer. State Papers, Finance, V, 852-857; Niles, XXXIII, 325-328; Amer. Annual Re^., 1827- 29, I, pt. II, 140. The Committee are aware that it is assumed by the General Government, as expressed in the decisions of the Federal Court, that State Legislatures have no right to complain of its usurpa- tions, however formidable or fatal. That the General Govern- ment is said to be " truly and emphatically a Government of the People," and, therefore, entirely out of the reach of representative bodies, whose sole duty it is to keep within the sphere of their own delegated trust. It would seem that, if even such a preten- sion were admissible, it should be considered no great breach of decorum, for a sovereign State, through its heighest known authority, to approach a Government it had contributed to estab- lish, with a subject of complaint, especially, when it is perceived that much inferior bodies are patiently listened to, and listened to with effect. While mauufacturing companies and self-created delegates, pretending to represent whole States, assemble for the purpose of directing the Congress what measures they must adopt, surely the Legislature of a State, without much viole'nce to any known rule of modesty, may respectfully offer a counter remon- strance to such a growing temper of dictation. But it is not in this humble manner that your Committee would recommend the Legislature to prefer their just complaints to the General Government. They claim it as a right to remonstrate with that Government on all measues which they may conceive violative of the fundamental principles of its institutions. They affirm that 147] GEORGIA ON THE TARIFF 15 those who create a delegated Government, have lawfully the power to restrain it within its proper bounds, and maintain the doctine asserted by Luther Martin, in his address to the Legis- lature of Maryland at the time of the adoption of the Federal Constitution, that " the proper constituents of the General Gov- ernment are the States, and the States are to that Government what the People are to the States ; that, this is entirely within the spirit and intention of the Federal Union." [Here follows a lengthy argument in support of the view " ' that the terms of the grant, in the Federal Constitution, did not convey sovereign powers generally, but sovereign power limited to particular cases, and with restrictive means for executing such powers ;' and further, that the powers ' were delegated, not by the People of United States at large, but by the People of the respective States ; and that, therefore, it was a compact between the different States;'" and that the Legislature is the guardian of the rights of the people from the encroachments of the General Government. This is supplemented by an elaborate argument in support of strict construction. The report concludes as follows :] The Committee are fully sensible that every degree of moder- ation is due to the question, upon which they have founded the present serious complaint ; but they owe it to truth and sincerity to say, that it is their decided opinion an increase of Tariff duties will and ought to be RESISTED by all legal and constitutional means, so as to avert the crying injustice of such an unconstitu- ional measure. They are constrained, too, to say, that this State ought to oppose, in every possible shape, the exercise of the power, on the part of the General Government, to encourage domestic manu- factures or to promote internal improvement. They will not pretend, at present, to recommend the mode of opposition; but they will recommend the peaceable course of remonstrating with Congress on the subject, and of asking of that body to pause before it proceeds any further in measures that must inevitably destroy the affection of some of the States for the General Gov- ernment. It will detract nothing from the firmness or wisdom of the Congress to listen to the voice of State Legislatures, while it is considering the memorials of manufacturing companies. 1 6 STATE DOCUMENTS [148 If to the contempt of right, there should be added the jealousy of partiality, it must be obvious to all that there will be an in- creased account of unmerited aggravation. How long a People shall be permitted to complain, or how much they can be made to suffer, has always been a matter of dangerous experiment or doubtful calculation; and knowledge, acquired under either issue, has never been without its certain and severe regrets. In conclusion your Committee recommend the following resolution : Resolved, That His Excellency the Governor be, and he is, hereby requested to cause the foregoing report to be laid before Congress at its next session. And that he forward a copy of the same to each of the other States, to be laid before their respective Legisatures, for the concurrence of such as may ap- prove of the principles therein avowed ; and, as due notice to those who may dissent from the same, that Georgia as one of the contracting parties to the Federal Constitntion, and possessing equal rights with the other contracting party, will insist upon the construction of that instrument, contained in said report, and will SUBMIT to no other. 70. Extract from Report of North Carolina on the Tariff. January, 1828. Governor Burton, in his message of Nov. 2r, r827, referring to the exertion of South Carolina against the proposed increase in the tariff declares that " the dignity and interest of the State requires that North Carolina should not be silent." {Niks, XXXIII, 283.) The Legislature, acting upon this sugges- gestion, adopted the subjoined report. The text is given in Exec. Doc, 20 Con^., I sess.. Ill, No. 62; Senate Doc., I, No. 30; Amer. State Papers, Finance, V, 721, 722. See McMaster, V, 251, 252. The People of North Carolina * * * have seldom expressed a legislative opinion upon the measures of the General Govern- ment ; being at all times, willing to give a full and fair oppor- tunity to those charged with the management of public affairs, of being " judged by their measures." But a crisis has arisen in the political affairs of our country, which demands a prompt and decisive expression of public opinion. Under such circum- 149] NORTH CAROLINA ON THE TARIFF J7 Stances, silence would he injustice to ourselves, and a want of candor to the other States of the Union. The Committee are of opinion, that interests, either pecuniary or political, is the great point of union, from the smallest asso- ciation up to the Confederacy of the United States ; and that, whenever a system of policy is pursued by the General Govern- ment which strikes at the very foundation of the Union, it is the right of every member of the Confederacy to call their attention to the fundamental principles upon which the Government was formed ; and if, they persist in measures ruinous in themselves, the question may fairly be discussed whether the checks and balances of the Government have not been overthrown ; whether they have been instrumental in producing so onerous an effect; and whether the benefits of the Union are not more than coun- terbalanced by the evils. The Committee will not assert that Congress have no power, under the Constitution, to lay duties on imports, which are intended to operate as a protection to manufactures ; they main- tain, however, that the exercise of such a power, as contemplated by the Woollens Bill, is a direct violation of the spirit of that instrument, and repugnant to the objects for which it was formed. * * * It is conceded, that Congress have the express power to lay imposts ; but it is maintained, that that power was given for the purpose of revenue, and revenue alone ; and that any other use of the power is usurpation on the part of Congress. Manufactures, in the United States, are not an object of general interest but of local interest ; and yet they have received from the Government, not only a moderate and just encouragement, under the operation of a tariff of duties on imports, for purposes of revenue, but a protection by an enormous duty upon importa- tions ; which palsies every effort of the agriculturist, withers the product of his industry, and greatly impairs foreign commerce. The Committee are of opinion, that the woollens bill, which received in the Congress of the United States, at its last session, so full and fair an investigation, is a measure, above all others which has ever occupied the attention of that enlightened body, calculated to produce an enormous tax on the agriculture of the 1 8 STATE DOCUMENTS [150 South, and to be destructive of revenue. They believe it to be a bill artfully designed for the advancement of the incorporated companies of New England, and admirably adapted to its end. They believe it fatal to the happiness, the morals, and the rights, of a large portion of our common country ; for it has its founda- tion in avarice, and consumes every patriotic feeling. If such is the character and the operation of this measure, who can tell how long this Union can exist under it, and how soon may be realized the soul-chilling prediction, that " It is a rope of sand?" * * * 71. Remonstrance of Alabama. January 15, 1828. The following extract is the concluding passage of the Remonstrance, vigor- ously arraigning the Harrisburg Convention and the protectionists, adopted by the Legislature. The text is given in Acts of Alabama, 1827-28, 169-172; Senate Doc, 20 Cong., 1 sess.. Ill, No, 66; House Exec. Doc, III, No. 113; Amer. State Papers, Finance, V, 848. The allied powers of avarice, monopoly and ambition, through the Harrisburg Convention, and every subordinate channel of importunity at their command, call for a further subsidy on the labor of the South and Southwest, in the shape of a woolens bill, to pamper the gentlemen wool-growers and wool-carders of the Northeast ; and this, too at a time when agriculture is languishing and prostate, yielding a bare support to those who pursue it, and the mercantile and shipping interests partaking of the languor, and manufactures alone in a flourishing and prosperous condition. The interest least in need, thus urging, by the aid of such power- ful political machinery, a further tribute from the interest least able to bear it, is surely sufficient to prove to Congress how vain and fruitless is the attempt to satisfy the inordinate cravings of the monopolist : one exaction leads to another, and every con- cession generates a new and more exorbitant demand. When combinations, thus formidable, endeavor to throw the overgrown weight of the General Government upon the Southern and Southwestern States, dry up their commerce by sapping its foundation, degrade them from the proved equality of the Com- 15 1 J RESOLUTIONS ON THE TARIFF ip pact, into the humiliating condition of dependent tributaries to the greedy monopolists of the North and East — the victims would deserve the oppression, were they not promptly to interpose the most determined and unyielding resistance. Let it not be again said, that, because the Southwest and South send no agents to beset the members of Congress, and have foreborne to petition or remonstrate in every village, or to call a counter-convention, that they are so recreant to duty as to acquiesce in the proposed oppression. On the contrary, let it be distinctly understood, that Alabama, in common with the Southern and Southwestern States, regards the power assumed by the General Government to control her internal concerns, by protecting duties, beyond the fair demands of the revenue, as a palpable usurpation of a power not given by the Constitution ; and the proposed woollens bill, as a species of oppression little less than legalized pillage on the property of her citizens, to which she can never submit, until the constitutional means of resistance shall be exhausted. 72. Counter Resolutions. 1828. Several of the Northern States either made reply to certain of the foregoing protests or passed resolutions favoring an increase of the tariff. Of the former class were the resolutions of Ohio, adopted Feb. 12, 182S, dissenting from the resolutions of South Carolina of 1827 (Amer. Slate Papers, finance, V, 879), and of New Jersey, of March 4, 1828, in reply to South Carolina and Georgia, asserting the constitutionality of a protective tariff. (Ibid., 964; Laws of New fersey, 1827-28, 215.) Governor Lincoln, in transmitting the Georgia report to the Massachusetts Legislature, commented upon it as follows: " How far declarations thus threatening the very existence of the Confederacy are called for by any occasion, or in what better manner they can be met, than with a sad and reproving silence, I respectfully submit to your dispassionate consider- ation." "The concurrence of Massachusetts in the political doctrines avowed in the Report could not have been anticipated; — and the receipt of the docu- ments may therefore the rather be regarded as notice to her of a determination not to submit to the construction of the Constitution, which probalJy will be maintained here, with a purpose as firm, if not in language, as ardent, as shall enforce the Resolves of the Sister State." {Resolves of Mass., 1824-28, 679; tfilts, XXXIV, 6.) Other resolutions favoring an increase in the protective 20 STATE DOCUMENTS [152 tariff were passed in the winter of 1827-28 by the Legislatures of several States, typical of which are those of Pennsylvania (^Pamphlet Laws, 1827-28, 496), Rhode Island, Indiana, Ohio and New York. (Amer. State Papers, Finance, V. 757, 873, 884; Laws 0/ Indiana, 1827-28, 143; Laws of New York, 1828, 491 •) Remonstrance against the Tariff of 1828. The passage of the "tariff of abominations" (Act of May 19, 1828, U. S. Stat, at L., IV, 270-275) greatly increased the popular agitation in the South. During the summer and fall of 1828 it called out strong expressions of opposi- tion, and even threats of resistance from political leaders, popular meetings and the press. (Examples of the same are given in Niles, XXXIV, 288-290, 300, 301, 339, 340, 351-356; XXXV, 14, 15, 203-208; Amer. Annual Reg., 1829-1830, 62-65; see also McMaster, V, 255-262; Elliott, 245-249; Harris, 147-15 1.) The Governors of the Southern States, at the opening of the legis- lative session of 1828-29, condemned the new tariff act as unconstitutional and unjust, but counseled further remonstrance. (^Niles, XXXV, 223, 260, 263, 273-279.) The Legislatures of South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi and Virginia voiced the popular feeling by adopting a notable series of pro- tests and memorials. Several of these follow. Those of Alabama, of Jan. 29, 1829, are similar in tone to the others. They are given in the Acts of Ala- *«»»a, 1828-29, l°'> I°2; Senate Doc, 20 Con^., 2 sess,, II, No. 103; Amer. Annual Pe^., I, pt. II, 147. 73. Resolutions of South Carolina. December 20, 182S. South Carolina again took the lead in the opposition. Following the advice of Governor Taylor ( Niles, XXXV, 274, 275) the Legislature atiopled, Decem- ber 19, a report, the original of which had been drafted by John C. Calhoun, known as the " South Carolina Exposition," which was his first presentation of the doctrine of "nullification." (S. C. Stat, at Lar^e, I, 247-273; Cal- houn's Works, VI, 1-59.) The report concludes vrith a protest directed to Congress. This text is accessible, and is therefore not reprinted. (Acts of South Carolina, 1828, Appx., 17-19; Stat, at L., I, 244, 245; Senate yournal, 20 Cong^., 2 sess., 115-117; Niles, XXXV, ^08-^09; Elliott's Debates, IV, 380-382; MacDonald's Documents, ^3 1-234. For history of, cf. Houston, 70-85; McMaster, V, 262-267; Sumner, Jackson, 207-219; Vor. Hoist, Cat- Aeun, ch. V.) On the following day, December 20, the Legislature also passed the following resolutions expressive of their opinion, which, together with their Resolves of iSxj and iSzj, were to be sent to the other States. {Acts of S. C, 1828, Appx., 9; Stat, at L., I, 246; reprinted in Senate Jour. 153] GEORGIA ON THE TARIFF OF 1828 21 «/ Penna., 1828-29, H. Soo; Elliot, Pamphlet, 78.') For various resolutions proposed, see Ptib. of Southern History Assoc, III, 212-220; JViies, XXXV, 304-310. 1 . Resolved, That the opinion of this Legislature, on the subject of the assumed right of Congress to regulate duties on imports, for the purpose of encouraging domestic industry, as heretofore expressed in the various resolutions adopted in the years 1825 and r82 7, is unchanged; and after the further aggression by the passage of the Tariff Act of 1828, this Legislature is restrained from the assertion of the sovereign rights of the state by the hope that the magnanimity and justice of the good people of the Union will effect the abandonment of a system, partial in its nature, unjust in its operation, and not within the powers dele- gated to Congress. 2. Resolved, That the measures to be pursued consequent on the perseverance in this system are purely questions of expedi- ency, and not of allegiance ; and that for the purpose of ascer- taining the opinion and inviting the co-operation of other states, a copy of these and the resolutions heretofore adopted by this legislature, be transmitted to the Governor of the several states, with a request that they be laid before the several Legislatures to determine on such ulterior measures as they may think the occasion demands. Georgia on the Tariff of 1828. December 20, 1828. Following the suggestion of Governor Forsyth, " to solemnly protest " against the obnoxious act to the Senate, and " to remonstrate in the strongest language with those States who have heretofore supported the wretched syi- Xexa""^ (Jour, of House of Rep. of Georgia, 1828, 17-19; iVi7«, XXXV, 223), the Legislature adopted the following notable series of resolves under date of December 20, 1828: (l) Resolutions declaratory of State Rights in opposition to Federal legislation upon the tariff, internal improvement and slavery. Acts of Georgia, 1828, 174-177; House Journal, 20 Cong., 2 sess., 157-160; Sen- ^Op. cit. ante, p. 16. This pamphlet also contains extracts from some of the resolutions of other States, 76-79, ' Got. Troup had suggested the same, Nov. 6, 1827. (^Niles, XXXIII, 222.) 22 Sl'ATE DOCUMENTS [154 ate Doc, I, No. 42; House Doc, II, No. 70; MacDonald's Documents, 234- 237. (2) Remonstrance to the Pro-Tariff States. Acts of Ga., 1828, 177- 183. This was in the nature of an appeal for the preservation of the Union, presenting an argument in favor of strict construction and against the consti- tutionality of the protective tariff. (3) Memorial to Anti-Tariff States. Ibid., 183-192. The above are all reprinted in the Senate Journal of Penna., 1828-29, 11, 372-381, 502-511; Acts of South Carolina, 1829, 79-90; S. C. Stat, at L., I, 274-291. (4) Protest to the Senate against the tariff of 1828. Acts of Ga., 1828, 202, 203; Exec. Doc, 20 Cong., 2 sess., I, No. 33; Senate Jour., 70; Niles, XXXV, 291. Extracts from the last two of the series follow. The House also adopted a resolution, Dec. 17, 1828, authorizing the Governor, "in event of the failure of the present Congress to repeal or modify in com- pliance with the above protest, the tariff," to appoint nine delegates to meet in a convention of the Southern States ' ' to deliberate upon and devise a suitable mode of resistance to that unjust, unconstitutional and oppressive law.'' {Jour. House of Rep. of Ga., 1828, 312-315.) In the course of the next three years the Legislature adopted resolutions reaffirming its position, as follows: Dec. 19, 1829, Acts of Ga, 1829, 241-244; Senate Doc, 21 Cong., i sess., I, No. 18; Dec. 23, 1830, Acts of Ga., 1830, 256; Niles, XXXIX, 340; Dec. 27, 1831, reply to Delaware, Acts of Ga., 1831, 312; Niles, XLI, 392. 74. Extract from Memorial of Georgia on the Subject of the late Tariff to the Anti-Tariff States, December 20, 1828. [A summary of the principles of the opposition of the State of Georgia to the obnoxious tariff law of 1828, concluding with the following recommendations :] We therefore, recommend to our sister states opposed to the recent tariff law, solemnly to protest to the Senate of the United States against that obnoxious law, to deprecate the abuse of limited powers,, to accomplish ends capable of accomplishment by legitimate and prescribed means. We recommend a remonstrance to the states in favor of the tariff, advising of its injurious tendency and operation to their sister states opposed to it, and insisting on the necessity of compromising sectional interests for the general good. We recommend a policy for self-preservation ; exhorting each state opposed to the tariff policy, to waid off its effects, by living as far as possible within itself. We recommend a continued and strenuous exertion to defeat that general pernicious, and unconstitutional policy, contemplated and pursued by the advocates of the tariff. 155] GEORGIA ON THE TARIFF OF 1828 23 Such means may restore federal legislation to the standard of constitutional correctness. Times, occasions and provocations, teach their proper lessons and expedients. Future measures will be dictated by expediency ; the nature and tendency of injury will suggest the mode and measure of future resistance. 75. Protest of the Legislature of Georgia against the Tariff of 1828, December 20, 1828. From a painful conviction, that a manifestation of the public sentiment, in the most imposing and impressive form, is called for by the present agitated state of the southern section of the Union, the General Assembly of the State of Georgia have deemed it their duty to adopt the novel expedient of addressing, in the name of the State, the Senate of the Congress of the United States. In her sovereign character, the State of Georgia protests against the act of the last session of Congress, entitled "An act in alteration of the several acts imposing duties on imports," as deceptive in its title, fraudulent in its pretexts ; oppressive in its exactions; partial and unjust in its operations; unconstitutional in its well-known objects ; ruinous to commerce and agriculture — to secure a hateful monopoly to a combination of importunate manufacturers. Demanding the repeal of an act, which has already disturbed the Union, endangered the public tranqnility, weakened the con- fidence of whole States in the Federal Government, and dimin- ished the affection of large masses of the people to the Union itself, and the abandonment of the degrading system which considers the people incapable of wisely directing their own enterprise ; which sets up the servants of the people, in Congress, as the exclusive judges of what pursuits are most advantageous and suitable for those by whom they were elected ; the State of Georgia expects, that, in perpetual testimony theieof, this deliberate and solemn expression of her opinions, will be carefully preserved among the archives of the Senate ; and, in justification of her character to the present generation and to posterity, if, unfortunately, Congress, disregarding this protest, and continuing to pervert powers granted for clearly defined and well understood 24 STATE DOCUMENTS [156 puiposes to eifectuate objects never intended by the great parties by whom the Constitution was framed, to be entrusted to the controling guardianship of the Federal Government, should ren- der necessary measures of a decisive character, for the protection of the people of the State, and the vindication of the Constitution of the United States. 76. Resolutions of Mississippi. February 5, 1829. In addition to the subjoined resolves the Legislature a year later, Feb. 5, 1830, adopted a new resolution concurring with the States of Georgia, South Carolina and Virginia in the soundness of the policy expressed in their different resolutions upon the subject of the Tariff, Colonization Society and Internal Improvement. (^Laws of Miss., 1830, 194.) Resolved by the Senate and Hotise of Representatives of the State of Mississippi, in General Assembly convened. That the Tariff of 1828 is contrary to the spirit of the Constitution of the United States ; impolitic and oppressive in its operation on the Southern States, and ought to be resisted by all constitutional means. And be it further resolved. That our Senators in Congress be instructed, and our Representatives requested, to use their best exertions to effect a revision or repeal of the present Tariff ; and in the event of failing therein ; to cause to be entered on the journals of each house of Congress their solemn protest. [Reso- lution of transmission to the several states.J [ZaiKf of Mississippi, 1829, 108, 109; also in jfournal of Penna. Senate, 1829-30, 30.] 77. Resolutions of Virginia. February 24, iSag. Governor Giles in a special message of Feb. 8, 1828, and again in his annual message of Dec. 2, 1828, after expressing his opposition to the federal tariff act, committed the question as to what action the State should take to the Legislature. {Niles, XXXIII, 405; Ibid., XXXV, 273, 274; Amer. Annual Reg., 1827-29, 129-130.) That body adopted an elaborate report presenting 157] RESOLUTIONS OF VIRGINIA 25 the doctrine of strict construction as maintained by the State in its previous history, which concluded with the resolutions given below. The text of the report and resolutions are given in the Acts of Virginia, 1828-29, 159-170; Senate Doc, 20 Cong., 2 sess.. Ill, No. 105; reprinted in the Journal of Senate of Penna., 1828-29, II> 522-534; and the Acts of S. C, 1829, 71-79; Stat, at L. of S. C, I, 292-302. The resolutions are also given in the Amer. Annual Reg., 1827-29, 131. The vote of the House of Delegates is given in brackets after each resolve. 1. Resolved, as the opinion of this committee, That the Con- stitution of the United States, being a Federal Compact between sovereign States, in construing which no common arbiter is known, each State has the right to construe the Compact for itself- [Yeas 134, nays 68.J 2. Resolved, That in giving such construction in the opinion of this committee, each State should be guided, as Virginia has ever been, by a sense of forbearance and respect for the opinion of the other States, and by community of attachment to the Union, so far as the same may be consistent with self- preservation, and a determined purpose to preserve the purity of our Republican Institutions. [Yeas r66, nays 36. J 3. Resolved, That this General Assembly of Virginia, actuated by the desire of guarding the Constitution from all violation, anxious fo preserve and perpetuate the Union, and to execute with fidelity the trust reposed in it by the people, as one of the high contracting parties, feels itself bound to declare, and it hereby most solemnly declares, its deliberate conviction, that the Acts of Congress, usually denominated the Tariff Laws, passed avowedly for the protection of Domestic Manufactures, are not authorized by the plain construction, true intent and meaning of the Constitution. [Yeas r26, nays 75.] 4. Resolved, also, That the said acts are partial in their opera- tion, impolitic, and oppressive to a large portion of the people of the Union, and ought to be repealed. [Yeas 138, nays 62.] [Resolutions of transmission.] 26 STATE DOCUMENTS [158 Counter Resolutions. 1830-32. In reply to these anti-tariff manifestoes the Legislatures of several of the States adopted resolutions in support of the tariff of 1828. Those of Kentucky and Louisiana of 1830, and of Pennsylvania of 1831 are especially notable. References to additional resolutions of this character follow: Penna., Jan. 23, 1830, in support of constitutionality of tariff of 1828, Laws of Penna., 1829- 30, 406; Ohio, Feb. 22, 1830, Senate Doc, 21 Cong., i sess., II, No. 90; Delaware, Jan. 12, 1831, tariff and internal improvement, Ibid., 21 Cong., 2 sess., IV, No. 137; Laws of Del., VIII, 105, both of concurrence with Penna.; New Jersey, tariff and internal improvement, Amer. Annual Reg., 1831-32, 250; Penna., June 6, 1832, tariff and bank. Senate Doc, 22 Cong., i sess.. Ill, No. 161; Niles, XLI, 436; Connecticut, May session, 1832, House Ex. Doc, 22 Cong., I sess., VI, No. 282; Vermont, Nov. 8, 1832, concurring with Penna. Res. of 1831, Acts of Vermont, 1832, 28-30; Senate Doc, 22 Cong., 2 sess., I, No. 51. 78. Extract from Report of Kentucky in reply to South Carolina. January 27, 1830. The text is given in the Acts of Kentticky, 1829-30, 287-300; of the reso- lutions only in Niles, XXXVII, 428; Amer. Annual Reg., 1829-30, 589. The General Assembly of Kentucky cannot admit the right of a minority, either of the States or of the people, to set up their opinion not only in opposition, but to overrule that of the ma- jority. And it cannot but view with regret and surprise, the assertion of the State of South Carolina : — " That the measures to be pursued, consequent on the perseverance in this system, are purely questions of expediency, and not of allegiance." The consequences of such a principle, if practically enforced, would be alarming in the extreme. Scarcely any important measure of the general government is ever adopted, to which one or more of the States are not opposed. If one State have a right to obstruct and defeat the execution of a law of Congress because it deems it unconstitutional, then every State has a similar right. When the dissatisfied State opposes to the Act of Congress its measures of obstruction, the alternative is presented, shall the act be enforced within the particular State, or be abandoned 159] KENTUCKY IN REPLY TO SOUTH CAROLINA 27 by Congress? If enforced, there is a civil war; if abandoned, without being repealed, a virtual dissolution of the Union. As the successful exercise of the power of resisting an act of Congress by one State, would naturally stimulate other States, disapproving other acts of that body, to similar resistance, the practical result would be, that Congress could adopt and enforce no measure whatever, to which any one of the twenty-four States might be opposed. It is in vain to say that the Tariff is characterized by the most enormous injustice. Who is to be the judge of that enormity? Who is to prescribe the limits of enormity, which will authorize resistance, and that which falls short of conferring that right? History and the nature of man demonstrate, that when his prejudices are aroused and his passions inflamed, it is not difficult to persuade him, that mild and equitable laws, are fraught with the most abominable injustice. Nor can the State of South Carolina derive the smallest aid in sustaining its doctrine of resistance to the federal authority, from the manner in which the constitution was formed; whether it was the work of the people of the United States collectively, or is to be considered as a compact between sovereign States, or between the people of the several States with each other, there is, there can be, there ought to be, but one rule, which is, that the majority must govern. Of course, the General Assembly does not mean to speak of, or to deny that there may be, acts of government, of such extreme oppression, as to justify, if there be no other remedy, an appeal to arms, when such cases unhappily — and it is fondly to be hoped they never will arise, thty furnish their own laws ; and it is the bounden duty of those who believe in the existence of such extreme oppression, to estimate well the probabilities and the perils of forcible resistance. The State of South Carolina is not supposed to have intended to assert, that the system of measures denominated the Tariff or the American system, present a just cause of civil war but that without producing civil war, that State may lawfully resist the execution of the system within its jurisdic- tion. It is, therefore, the ordinary rule of the federal government, and not the extraordinary cases referred to, which should form the subject of our present inquiry. 28 STATE DOCUMENTS [l6o The right of the majority to govern flows from the fitness of things. It is the law of nature, because it is the dictate of reason, applied to human society. * * * What is the voice of the majority in Congress, but the voice of the people, speaking by proxy? How absurd would it be, therefore, for the few to impeach the conduct of the many for an inconsiderable portion of the States to menace the subversion of the government, the dissolution of the Union, because the many demand the adoption of a measure, which, in the opinion of the few, militates against their interests? Previous to the war of eighteen hundred and twelve, a large proportion of the American people, indignant at the accumulated wrongs of the British Government, claimed at the hands of their representatives in Congress, a declaration of hostilities against England. It was an act of sovereignty, the exercise of which, the majority of the people had the constitutional right to demand, the minority that availed themselves of that occasion, to threaten the dismember- ment of the Union, was regarded universally, as an unprincipled faction ; and the posture in which impartial history will present them to future times, ought ever to operate as an example to deter, rather than to be imitated. * * * But the right of the majority to govern, clear as it is upon the grounds of reason and natural law, does not rest exclusively upon that ground. It is expressly secured by the Constitution of the United States in the creation oE the Legislative power. By the fifth section of the first article of that instrument, it is provided, that " a majority of each (house) shall constitute a quorum to do business." In some instances indeed, a greater number than a bare majority is required; but those exceptions, the result of precaution, like all exceptions, themselves prove the general rule. The General Assembly of Kentucky cannot then agree with the State of South Carolina, that the perseverance of the General Government in the American system, leaves that State free to consider that the measures to be pursued, are " purely questions of expediency and not of allegiance." If the majority of the people of the United States in Congress assembled, adhere to that system, by abstaining from its repeal, neither the State of South l6l] RESOLUTIONS OF LOUISIANA 29 Carolina nor any other State in the Union, is at liberty to pass any act to defeat the system. That State and all other States, are bound by the terms of our constitutional union, to yield obedience to the system. From the principles now advanced, there has been no devi- ation on the part of the General Assembly of Kentucky. At a former epoch, when certain acts passed by Congress, called the alien and sedition laws, which were believed to be unconstitu- tional by the General Assembly, it neither interposed nor threat- ened the adoption of any measures to defeat or obstruct their operation within the jurisdiction of Kentucky. It expressed, and expressed in very strong language, its disapprobation of them and its firm conviction that they were unconstitutional, and therefore void. There it stopped, and that is the limit which no state should pass, until it has formed the deliberate resolution of light- ing up the torch of civil war. Every state, as well as every individual, has the incontestible right freely to form and to publish to the world, its opinion of any and of every act of the federal government. It may appeal to the reason of the people> enlighten their judgments, alarm their fears, and conciliate their support, to change federal rulers, or federal measures. But neither a state nor an individual can rightfully resist, by force, the execution of a law passed by Congress. [Here follows a discussion of the constitutionality of internal improvement measures, denied by South Carolina, followed by a series of resolutions declaring the Tariff and Internal Improve- ment measure constitutional ; and of transmission to the other states.J 79. Resolutions of Louisiana. March 15, 1830. These are of interest as recording the only dissenting voice among the planting States. Louisiana's attitude is explained by reason of her sugar interests. The text is given in Acts of Louisiana, 1830, 70-72; a copy in Journal of Penna. House of Rep., 1830-31, II, 50, 51; and slightly changed in Niles, XXXVIII, 203. Resolved by the senate and house of representatives of the 30 STATE DOCUMENTS [162 State of Louisiana, in general assembly convened, That the gen- eral assembly of their state do not concur in the views and sentiments expressed by the Resolutions of the Legislature of the State of Mississippi, relative to the Tariff of eighteen hundred and twenty-eight; that the legislature of this state does not perceive the unconstitutionality or impolicy of adopting such measures, nor has the state suffered any injury therefrom. Resolved, That we concur in the resolutions of the legislature of the State of Vermont, by which they have declared the law of eighteen hundred and twenty- eight on the Tariff to be constitu- tional, expedient, and harmless to the southern states. Resolved, That our senators in Congress be instructed and our representatives be requested, to accede to and support such measures as those contemplated by the law of eighteen hundred and twenty-eight on the Tariff. [Resolution of transmission.] 80. Pennsylvania on the Powers of the Federal Government. April 2, 1831. By these resolutions the Legislature confirmed its previous endorsement of the tariff (1830), and joined other matters therewith, and the following year, June I, 1832, again pronouced in favor of the tariff and the rechartering of the Bank. The resolves of 1831 were endorsed by New Jersey and Vermont (see ante, pp. 131, 158). The text of the following resolutions are in Laws of Pinna., 1830-31, 505, 506; Amer. Annual Reg., 1830-31, 336-339; and as originally introduced in Niles, XL, 56, 69. Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Commomvealth of Pennsylvania in General Assembly met, That as the sense of the Senate and House of Representatives of this Commonwealth, that the Constitution of the United States having proved itself by near half a century's experience a government beyond all others, capable of promoting rational liberty and the general welfare, it must be preserved. Resolved, as the sense of the Senate and House of Representa- tives, that the Constitution of the United States, authorises acts 163] PENNSYLVANIA ON FEDERAL POWERS 3 1 of Congress to protect manufactures, and that the actual pros- perity of the country attests the wisdom of such acts. Resolved, as the sense of the Senate and House of Representa- tives, that any diminution of the protection now afforded to iron, would be impolitic and injudicious legislation. Resolved, as the sense of the Senate and House of Representa- tives, that the Constitution of the United States authorises, and experience sanctions, the twenty-fifth section of the act of Con- gress, of September, one thousand seven hundred and eighty nine, and all others, empowering the federal judiciary to maintain the supreme laws. Resolved, as the sense of the Senate and House of Representa- tives, that whereas the bank of the United States, has tended in a great degree, to maintain a sound and uniform currency, to facilitate the financial operations of the government, to regulate foreign and domestic exchange, and has been conducive to com- mercial prosperity, the legislature of Pennsylvania recommends a renewal of its charter, under such regulations and restrictions, as to the power of the respective states, as Congress may deem right and proper. Resolved, as the sense of the Senate and House of Representa- tives, that as soon as the national debt shall be paid, the most equitable and just mode of disposing of the surplus funds which may remain in the treasury of the United States, after defraying the ordinary expenses of the government, and the payment of appropriations which may be made to objects of great national importance, will lay a distribution amongst the several states, in proportion to their representation in the Congress of the United States ; and that the executive veto was properly exercised on the bill making an appropriation to the Maysville and Lexington Road. 32 STATE DOCUMENTS [164 Progress of Nullification in South Carolina and Resolutions of the Legislature. 1830. While the citizens of South Carolina were unanimous in their opposition to the tariff law, they were not united in their support of the doctrine of nullifica- tion. As early as the fall of 1828 the " Friends of Union " began to organize, but did not prevent the adoption of the "exposition" of 1828. Hope of relief as a result of the election of Jackson for a time abated the excitement and postponed the issue. After an interval of a year, the theory of nullification was again brought to the front by Hayne in the great debate with Webster in the Senate in January, 1830. {Cong. Debates, 21 Cotig., 1 sess., VI, jPi. I, 58-93; accessible reprints of extracts are in Elliot's Debates, IV, 496-519; MacDonald's Documents, 239-259; Johnson, Amer. Orations, I, 233-302; Amer. Hist. Leaflets, No. 30. For history of debate, Harris, 156-187; Houston, 86-96; Schouler, III, 482-491; McMaster, VI, ch. LIV; Thorpe, U. S., II, 389-397.) Jackson's veto of the Maysville Road bill, May 27, 1830 (Richardson's, II, 483-493), for the moment seemed to reassure the South, and his action was hailed with enthusiastic praise.' Hayne declared "that it opened to the Southern States the first davraing of returning hope," and other prominent Southerners joined with him in the prediction that " the tariff will not long survive the death of internal improvement." (^Niles, XXXVIII, 308-315, 319-321, 379.) With the opening of the summer there began m South Carolina a campaign for the calling of a convention to pro- nounce upon the question of nullification. "The State Rights and Union Party" opposed this project, and in their efforts they had the moral support of the President. (Letter of Jackson, Oct. 26, 1830, Penna. Mag. of Hist., XII, 277.) The notable speeches of Hayne and Governor Miller in favor of, and that of Drayton and the address of Senator Smith against nullification, clearly defined the issue between the two parties. Smith, who had drawn the first anti-tariff resolutions of 1 824, was defeated for re-election to the United States Senate by Miller. {Mies, XXXVIII, 375, 380; XXXIX, 117-119, 243-248, 250; Hunt, in Pol, SH. Quar. VI, 232-247.) In the Legislature a bill for the calling a convention failed to receive the necessary two-thirds vote. ( Senate, >'^aj 23, nays 12; Hovtse, yeas, 60, nays ^6. Niles,'X.XXIX. 304, 330.) However, a series of resolutions on federal relations, consisting of the first four paragraphs of the Virginia resolutions and the first paragraph of the Kentucky resolutions of 1798, prefixed to the following resolve were reported. All were ^ This veto had the eflect of calling out new protests against internal improvement acts, or resolutions endorsing Jackson's position. The following are tj'pical: Georgia, Dec. 23, 1830, Ads ofGa., 1830, 356; Ex. Doc, 31 Cong,, a sess., II, No. 37: Dec. 34, 1832, approving Res. of Tenn., House Ex. Doc, 33 Cong., 3 sess., II, No. 91: Maine, March 30, 1831, and of Tenn., Sept. 20, 1831, in Jour, of Penna. House of Rep., 1831-33, II, 31-39, 673; New Hampshire, June 23, 1832, Senate Doc, 33 Cong., 2 sess., I, Ifo. 53. For counter replies, see ante, p. 158; also reply of Mass. to Tenn. and Ga., March 23, 1833, Res, of Mass., 1833- 34, 4»4-43«. 165] NOTES ON THE TARIFF CONTROVERSY 33 adopted, Dec. 17, 1830. [Acts of S. C, 1830, 59; Stat, ai L., I, 303, 304; Niles, XXXIX, 305; Amer. Annual Reg., 1830-31, 253-255.) During the contest two letters of Madison's appeared denying that the resolutions of 1798 gave any sanction to the nullification doctrine. {No. Amer. Review, XXXI, 537-546 (1830); reprinted in Works, IV, 95-107; Elliot's Debates, IV, 600- 608; Niles, XLIII, sup., 25-28. For Governor Hamilton's comment see Niles, XL, 277; XLI, loi.) These resolutions of South Carolina, based on those of 1798, may be considered as their reply. For other letters of Madison for the years 1828-30, on the tariff and nullification, see Works, esp. Ill, 636-658, 663; IV, 5, 42-49, 6l-66. 81. Extract from Resolutions of the Legislature, December 17, 1830. Resolved, That the several acts of the Congress of the United States now of force, imposing duties upon imports, for the pro- tection of domestic manufactures, have been and are, deliberate and highly dangerous and oppressive violations of the constitu- tional compact, and that whenever any State, which is suffering under this oppression, shall lose all reasonable hope of redress from the wisdom and justice of the Federal Government, it will be its right and duty to interpose, in its sovereign capacity, for the purpose of arresting the progress of the evil occasioned by the said unconstitutional acts. Notes on the Tariff Controversy. 1831. The tariff controversy in 1831 vifas marked in the country at large by the holding of general conventions by the Free Traders and the Protectionists. Both had in viev? the influencing of legislation. "The Free Trade Conven- tion" vifas held at Philadelphia, Sept. 30-October 7. Some two hundred delegates from fifteen States were in attendance. It adopted an address and appointed a committee to draw up a memorial to Congress. Gallatin prepared the latter. His motion to strike out that portion of the address which declared a protective tariff unconstitutional was rejected 35 to 159. The Journal of the Free Trade Convention, and their address to the People of the United States (Phila., 1831, 75 pp.), contain the proceedings; given also in Niles, XLI, 105-107, 135-141, 156-158, 166. The Memorial is given in Senate Doc., 22 Cong., I sess., I, No. 55; also in Taussig, State Papers and Speeches on the Tariff, 108-213 (Camb., 1892). "The Friends of Domestic Industry" assembled at New York, Oct. 26-Nov. i. There were present nearly five 54 STATE DOCUMENTS [l66 lundred delegates from twelve States. They likewise issued an "Address to he People of the United States,' prepared various reports on different indus- ries, and memoralized Congress. Their official publications were Journal of he Proceedings of the Friends of Domestic Industry, Hezekiah Niles, Principal Secretary (Baltimore, 1831, 44 pp.); Reports of Committees and Memorial to 7ongress {197 pp). The former is also published in Niles, XLI, 25, 180-192, 104-216; the latter forms the "Addendum " to Niles, Vol. XLI, 64 pp. While the national agitation was taking place the local contest in South 'arolina between the Unionists and the NuDificationists witnessed important levelopments. During the summer and fall Calhoun prepared a series of iapers, restating and elaborating the nullification doctrine. The first of these, ' TAe Address on the Relation of the States and the Federal Government," ap- leared in July. ( Works, VI, S9-94; Niles, XL, 437-445; Jenkins' Calhoun, 61-187.) This was followed later by "The Address to the People of South ~:arolina" {Works, VI, 122-144) and "The Report on Federal Relations" Works, VI, 94-123).. Both were prepared for members of the Legislature, "he contest between "The Union and the States Rights Party" and "The tates Rights and Free Trade Party " was renewed. Both held rival celebra- ons on July 4 at Charleston. Certain portions of Jackson's letter in reply to n invitation to attend the dinner of the Union party called from the Legisla- are, when it assembled in December, the rejoinder given below. (Jackson's ;tter is given in Niles, XLI, 350, 351.) The report was adopted by a vote f 64 to 52 in the House, and 24 to 15 in the Senate. {Legislative Proceed- ngs of S. C, 1 83 1, 60, 61, 68, 69.) The text is given in Acts of S. C, 183 1, 7-59; Stat, at L., I, 305-308; extract in Niles, XLI, 334, 335; for report rst adopted by the Senate, see Ibid., 334, 335. The Legislature also adopted, )ec. 8, a resolution declaring that " on the tariff of protection and the rights f the states" "the opinion of the Legislature is unchanged." (Acts of S. C, 831, 28.) A "Memorial of the members of the Legislature opposed to fuUification," in favor of a reduction of the tariff, signed by sixty-one mem- ers of the minority, was presented to Congress. {Senate Doc, 22 Cong., 1 •ss., I, No. 34.) For other features of the local contest, see documents in ^iles, XLI, 13, 65, 258, 259; Letters of Hayne and Hammond, 1830-34, 'mer. Hist. Rev., VI, 736-765; VII, 92-119; Correspondence of Calhoun, \mer. Hist. Assoc. Rept., 1899, Vol. II. An unexcelled and almost unused )urce for tracing the activity of the Union Party are the papers of the Poinsett iUection (MS.) in the Penna. Hist. Soc. Library. A selection from these is lortly to to be published, edited by Professor John B. McMaster. For sec- ndary accounts consult Hunt, Article in Pol. Sci. Quar., VI, 232-243; [ouston, 98-104; Stille, Life of Joel R. Poinsett, in Penna. Mag. of Hist., II, esp. 257-279; Amer. Annual Reg., 1831-32, 32-36; Lalor, II, 1050- D55; McMaster, VI, ch. LVI. Of contemporary pamphlets published the interest of the Union movement the following are of interest: The ^ariff- — Its True Character and Effect Practically Illustrated (Charleston, S'^O, ',1 pp.); National and State Rights Considered by the Hon. George 167] SOUTH CAROLINA'S REPLY TO JACKSON 35 40 pp.); a reprint of his article of 1821. The same was reprinted in a Phila. (2cl) edition under the title, Defence of a Liberal Construction of the Power of Congress, etc. (Phila., June, 1832). 82. Report of Legislature in Reply to Jackson's Letter of June 14, December 17, 1831. [Commenting on the letter the Report declares :] The Com- mittee, therefore, cannot but regard it, as the annunciation to the world by the President of the United States, that there is a plan of disorganization existing in South Carolina, against which, as chief executive of the United States, he has resolved to present an unsurmountable barrier. * » # The Committee finds it difificult to Irnd language at once suitable to the occasion and the dignity of the House. Is this Legislature to be schooled and rated by the President of the United States? Is it to legislate under the sword of the Commander-in-Chief? Is the will of one man to be substituted for deliberation-^and the enactments of this body to be fashioned by an edict from a President, not only avowing a right to annul a law when passed, but practically assuming the right to interpose while it is yet under discussion ? The executive of a most limited government ; the agent of an agency, but a part of a creature of the states, undertakes to prescribe a line of conduct to a free and sovereign State, under a denunciation of pains and penalties. It cannot but be esteemed a signal instance of forebearance, calmly to enquire into this assumed power of the President over the States. Under no part of the Constitution, or penal law of Congress, known to the Committee, is the crime of disorganization recog- nized or made punishable. It is to be lamented, that in de- nouncing a crime aud threatening punishment, the President had not used terms of more definite import. If by the vague generality of the word disorganization be intended, as the context may perhaps indicate, that a plan of disunion existed in this State, it will be equally difficult to fix upon any constitutional or legal authority, or anything in the nature of ourJnstitutifins.,_idaii:±_imp.QS£&._g.nj^^ powerj o the President to .prevent ft This is a confederacy of 36 STATE DOCUMENTS [168 sovereign States, and each may withdraw from the confederacy when it chooses; such proceedings would neither be treason nor insurrection nor a violation of any portion of the Constitution. It is a right which is inherent in a sovereign State, and has not been delegated by the States of this Union. Whether assuming such an attitude might be cause of war on the part of the general government, may be questioned, but there can be no question that the President could not declare war. But the Committee deem it unnecessary to discuss a mere hypothetical question, the possible occurrence of which, if the President has contemplated it, is the result of his entire ignorance of the feelings and purposes of this State. No one denies that it is his right and duty to see that the laws of the United States are faithfully executed and no portion of the Union will be more prompt to recognize the right, or to sustain and assist him in the duty, than the State of South Carolina — but at the same time, if in the deliberate judgment of the State, acting in her sovereign capacity, any enactment in Congress is decided to be in violation of the Constitution, and therefore no law — that judgment is paramount; and if the executive, or all the combined departments of the General Government, endeavor to enforce such enactment, it is by the law of tyrants, the exer- tion of brute force. If such a case should occur, which we pray a wise providence to avert, the State will throw herself on the protection of that providence, and if her destiny be slavery, she will not be mocked by the forms of a free government. Resolved, That the letter of the President of the United States, to sundry citizens of this State, is an unauthorized interference in the affairs of this State : that the principles advanced in it are incompatible with the constitution, and subversive of the rights of the State — that the threatened course of executive conduct would, if acted upon, destroy the liberties of this country, and as a threat, is of dangerous precedent, highly repulsive to the feel- ings of a free people. Resolved, That whilst we condemn the conduct of the Presi- dent of the United States, when he is in error, we are willing to approve it, when, in our opinion, he is right ; and that we regard with high gratification the sentiment expressed in his late message, 169] NULLIFICATION ORDINANCE 37 that the Tariff ought to be reduced to the wants of the Govern- ment, and recognize in it the just response to the solemn resolu- tions of this Legislature. 83. Ordinance of Nullification of South Carolina. November 24, 1832. The revision of the tariff by the new law of July 14, 1832 ( U. S. Stat, at L., ^ < 583-594)1 was not satisfactory to the South. {Elliott, 253-262; Harris, 201—229.) The South Carolina delegation in Congress at once issued an address to the people of that State, in which they declared as " their solemn and deliberate conviction that the protecting system must now be regarded as the settled policy of the country and that all hope of relief from Congress is irrevocably gone, they leave it vrith you, the sovereign power of the State, to determine whether the rights and liberties which you received as a precious inheritance from an illustrious ancestry shall be tamely surrendered without a struggle, or transmitted undiminished to your posterity." (NiUs, XLII, 412- 414.) The campaign for a State Convention at once opened. The Union Party in South Carolina attempted to defeat nullification by putting forward a project for a Southern Convention. {Niks, XLII, 350; XLIII, 66, 87, 88, 153, 175, 220-224.) The nuUificationists were equally active. Mr. Calhoun, Aug. 28, contributed another exposition of nullification in his Letter to Gover- nor Hamilton ( Works, VI, 144-193; Jenkins, Calhoun, 195-232'), and vari- ous addresses and resolutions were adopted by public meetings in support of this policy. [Niles, XLII, 426; XLIII, 56, 79.) As a result a Legislature favorable to calling a convention was elected. It assembled in special session Oct. 22. Governor Hamilton recommended a convention. (Message in Niles, XLIII, 173.) A bill for this purpose was at once enacted by a vote of 96 to 25 in the House and 31 to 13 in the Senate. (Text in Acts of South Carolina, 1834, Appr.., i, ii; Niles, XLIII, 152; Amer. Annual Re^., 1830-31, 262, 263). The convention was in session at Columbia November 19-24. It appointed a committee, which prepared an elaborate exposition, approved of Addresses to the People of South Carolina and to the People of the United States, and November 24 adopted the Nullification Ordinance, which follows. The Jour- nal of the Convention (Columbia, 1833), and the above are reprinted in State Papers on Nullification, I-74, 293-320. i^Mass. Gen. Court, Misc. Doc, Boston, 1834.) The documents are also given in S. C. Stat, at L., I, 312- 354; Niles, XLIII, 219, 220, 231-239, 347, 348; New York Assembly Doc, No. 3. The text of the Ordinance is given in MacDonald, 268; Preston, 300; Amer. An. Keg., 1831-32, 263, 264. Calhoun prepared the draft of an Address to the People of the Untied States ( Works, VI, 193-209), which was in part made use of in the address of the same title adopted by the convention. 38 STATE DOCUMENTS [170 An Ordinance To Nullify Certain Acts of the Congress of the United States, Purporting to be Laws, Laying Duties and Imposts on the Importation of Foreign Commodities. Whereas, the Congress of the United States, by various acts, purporting to be acts laying duties and imposts on foreign im- ports, but in reality intended for the protection of domestic manufactures, and the giving of bounties to classes and individuals engaged in particular employments, at the expense and to the injury and oppression of other classes and individuals, and by wholly exempting from taxation certain foreign commodities, such as are not produced or manufactured in the United States, to afford a pretext for imposing higher and excessive duties on articles similar to those intended to be protected, hath exceeded its just powers under the Constitution, which confers on it no authority to afford such protection, and hath violated the trtic meaning and intent of the Constitution, which provides for equality in imposing the burdens of taxation upon the several States and portions of the Confederacy. And whereas, the said Congress,- exceeding its just power to impose taxes and collect revenue for the purpose of effecting and accomplishing the specific objects and purposes which the Constitution of the United States au- thorizes it to effect and accomplish, hath raised and collected unnecessary revenue, for objects unauthorized by the Consti- tution. — We, therefore, the People of the State of South Carolina, in Conven- tion assembled, do Declare and Ordain, and it is hereby Declared and Ordained, That the several acts and parts of acts of the Con- gress of the United States, purporting to be laws for the imposing of duties and imposts on the importation of foreign commodities, and now having actual operation and effect within the United States, and more especially an act entitled " an act in alteration of the several acts imposing duties on imports," approved on the nineetenth day of May, one thousand eight hundred and twenty- eight, and also, an act entitled " an act to alter and amend the several acts imposing duties on imports," approved on the fourteenth day of July, one thousand eight hundred and j^i] NULLIFICATION ORDINANCE 39 thirty-two, are unauthorized by the Constitution of the United States, and violate the true meaning and intent thereof, and are null, void and no law, nor binding upon this State, its officers, or citizens ; and all promises, contracts and obligations, made or entered into, or to be made or entered into, with purpose to secure the duties imposed by said acts, and all judicial proceed- ings which shall be hereafter had in affirmance thereof, are, and shall be held, utterly null and void. And it is further Ordained, That it shall not be lawful for any of the constituted authorities, whether of this State, or of the United States, to enforce the payment of duties imposed by the said acts, within the limits of this State ; but it shall be the duty of the Legislature to adopt such measures and pass such acts as may be necessary to give full effect to this Ordinance, and to prevent the enforcement and arrest the operation of the said acts and parts of acts of Congress of the United States within the limits of this State, from and after the first day of February next ; and the duty of all other constituted authorities, and of all persons residing or being within the limits of this State, and they are hereby required and enjoined, to obey and give effect to this Ordinance, and such acts and measures of the Legislature as may be passed or adopted in obedience thereto. And it is further Crdained, That in no case of law or equity, decided in the Courts of this State, wherein shall be drawn in question the authority of this Ordinance, or the validity of such act or acts of the Legislature as may be passed for the purpose of giving effect thereto, or the validity of the aforesaid acts of Congress, imposing duties, shall any appeal be taken or allowed to the Supreme Court of the United States; nor shall any copy of the record be permitted or allowed for that purpose ; and if any such appeal shall be attempted to be taken, the Courts of this State shall proceed to execute and enforce their judgment, according to the laws and usages of the State, without reference to such attempted appeal, and the person or persons attempting to take such appeal may be dealt with as for a contempt of the Court. And it is further Ordained, That all persons now holding any office of honor, profit or trust, civil or military, under this State, 40 STATE DOCUMENTS [172 (meii)bers of the Legislature excepted) shall, within such time, and in such manner as the Legislature shall prescribe, take an oath, well and truly to obey, execute and enforce this Ordinance, and such act or acts of the Legislature as may be passed in pur- suance thereof, according to the true intent and meaning of the same ; and on the neglect or omission of any person or persons so to do, his or their office or offices shall be forthwith vacated, and shall be filled up as if such person or persons were dead or had resigned ; and no person hereafter elected to any office of honor, profit or trust, civil or military, (members of the Legis- lature excepted) shall, until the Legislature shall otherwise pro- vide and direct, enter on the execution of his office, or be in any respect competent to discharge the duties thereof, until he shall, in like manner, have taken a similar oath ; and no juror shall be impannelled in any of the Courts of this State, in any cause in which shall be in question this Ordinance, or any act of the Legislature passed in pursuance thereof, unless he shall first, in addition to the usual oath, have taken an oath that he will well and truly obey, execute, and enforce this Ordinance, and such act or acts of the Legislature as may be passed to carry the same into operation and effect, according to the true intent and mean- ing thereof. And we, the People of South Carolina, to the end that it may be fully understood by the Government of the United States, and the people of the co-States, that we are determined to maintain this^ our Ordinance and Declaration, at every hazard. Do further Declare, that we will not submit to the application of force, on the part of the Federal Government, to reduce this Slate to obedience ; but that we will consider the passage, by Congress, of any act authorizing the employment of a military or naval force against the State of South Carolina, her constituted authorities or citizens, or any act abolishing or closing the ports of this State, or any of them, or otherwise obstructing the free ingress of ves- sels to and from the said ports, or any other act, on the part of the Federal Government, to coerce the State, shut up her ports, destroy or harass her commerce, or to enforce the acts hereby declared to be null and void, otherwise than through the civil tribunals of the country, as inconsistent with the longer continu- 173] SOUTH CAROLINA'S REPLY 4I ance of South Carolina in the Union ; and that the People of this State will thenceforth hold themselves absolved from all further obligation to maintain or preserve their political connexion with the people of the other States, and will forthwith proceed to organize a separate Government, and to do all other acts and things which sovereign and independent States may of right do. 84. South Carolina's Reply to Jackson's Proclamation. December 20, 1832. The Legislature reassembled, Nov. 27, and speedily passed a series of Acts to carry the ordinance into effect. (For text of the same, and message of Governor Hamilton, and inaugural speech of Governor Hayne, see Acts of S. C, 1832; Legislative Proceedings, 1832; S. C. Stai. at L., I, 371-376; Niles, XLHI, 259, 260, 266, 267, 278, 279, 327, 328, 347, 348.) In view of the ac- tion of the State, President Jackson, Dec. 10, issued his notable Proclamation to the People of the State. (Text in Senate Doc, 22 Cong., 2 sess.. No. 30; re- printed in Richardson, II, 640-656; Niles, XLHI, 260-264; Elliot's Debates, IV, 582-592; MacDonald, 273-283.) The Poinsett Papers contain many letters of interest in this connection. Several of Jackson's letters to Poinsett are in Penna. Mag. of History, XII, 280 et seq. The following extract from an unpublished letter of Edward Livingston, Sec. of State, to Poinsett, dated Dec. It, 1832, is important, in view of his connection with the proclamation; " The Union party will be supported in their endeavors to preserve the Union, and one great object of the proclamation was to make them under- stand this. Your situation personally is one of responsibility and danger, but your cour- age, prudence and energy are fully appreciated and will receive the admiration, as it deserves the gratitude of your country. Let me know the effect of the proclamation on the two parties of your stale — it may encourage our friends, but I fear will not influence the conduct of the revolutionists; it will, I am sure, produce union in the other States, it was made argumentative for the purpose of enabling the people to judge for themselves on points on which Ihey have been deceived by sophisms, and by the authority of names on [which] they have placed confidence, it was therefore judged necessary to [present the '] reasoning in plain language and to point the consequences [in words not] [frjequently used in papers of this kind, but the occasion [was an] unusual one and a striking deviation from every day form was deemed neces- sary and proper. A report will in a few days be made on the measures necessary for the col- ' Uanuicript mutilated, wordc in bracket! mpplied. 42 STATE DOCUMENTS [174 lection of the revenue. This will be submitted to Congress and if they pass the necessary laws, I think your great men will soon be abandoned at least by their adherents. This is a most important conjunction, if we return to order. The cause of free governments will receive additional strength from the failure to subvert them. If your mad men prevail, or even protract the struggle, the cause is lost for ever." [Poinsett Papers, MS., Vol. VII.] The Legislature immediately replied to the President's Proclamation on Dec. 17 by authorizing the Governor to issue a counter proclamation and by passing the following resolutions. See Acts of S. C, 1832, 29, 30, 38; Le^slative Proceeding, 56-60; 5. C. Stat, at L., I, 355-357; Exec. Doc, 22 Con^., 2 sess., I, No. 45; Niles, XLIII, 287, 288, 300. Governor Hayne's Proclama- tion of Dec. 21 is given in Senate Doc, 22 Con^., 2 sess.. No. 30, 78-92; S. C. Stat, at L., I, 358-370; Niles, XLIII, 308-312. Historical works on nullification and compromise measures: Houston, chs. VII, VIII; Harris, ch. V; McMaster, VI, ch. LVI; Burgess, 178-189,220 241; Thorpe, Const. Hist, of U. S., II, 387-408; Schouler, III, 482-491; IV, 38-41, 86-111; Von Hoist, I, ch. XII; Lalor, II, 1050-1055; Sumner, Jackson, 207-223, 277- 291; Parton, Jackson, III, chs. XXXIII, XXXIV. The Committee on federal relations, to which was referred the proclamation of the President of the United States, has had it under consideration, and recommend the adoption of the fol- lowing resolutions : Resolved, That the power vested by the Constitution and laws in the President of the United States, to issue his proclamation, does not authorize him in that mode, to interfere whenever he may think fit, in the affairs of the respective states, or that he should use it as a means of promulgating executive expositions of the Constitution, with the sanction of force thus superceding the action of other departments of the general government. [The vote, Senate, 25 to 5 ; House, no division.] Resolved, That it is not competent to the President of the United States, to order by proclamation the constituted authori- ties of a state to repeal their legislation, and that the late attempt of the President to do so is unconstitutional, and manifests a disposition to arrogate and exercise a power utterly destructive of liberty. [Senate, 31 to 2 ; House, no division.] Resolved, That the opinions of the President, in regard to the rights of the States, are erroneous and dangerous, leading not only to the establishment of a consolidated government in the stead of our free confederacy, but to the concentration of all 175] SOUTH CAROLINA'S REPLY 43 powers in the chief executive. [Senate, 28 to 5 ; House, 87 to 14.J Resolved, That the proclamation of the President is the more extraordinary, that he had silently, and as it is supposed, with entire approbation, witnessed our sister state of Georgia avow, act upon, and carry into effect, even to the taking of life, prin- ciples identical with those now denounced by him in South Caro- lina. [Senate, 30 to 3 ; House, 85 to 16.] Resolved, That each state of the Union has the right, when- ever it may deem such a course necessary for the preservation of its liberties or vital interests, to secede peaceably from the Union, and that there is no constitutional power in the general govern- ment, much less in the executive department, of that government, to retain by force such state in the Union. [Senate, 27 to 5 ; House, 94 to 7. J Resolved, That the primary and paramount allegiance of the citizens of this state, native or adopted, is of right due to this state. [Senate, 27 to 5 ; House, 89 to 14.] Resolved, That the declaration of the President of the United States in his said proclamation, of his personal feelings and rela- tions towards the State of South Carolina, is rather an appeal to the loyalty of subjects, than to the patriotism of citizens, and is a blending of official and individual character, heretofore unknown in our state papers, and revolting to our conception of political propriety. [Senate, 28 to 5 ; House, no division.] Resolved, That the undisguised indulgence of personal hostility in the said proclamation would be unworthy the animadversion of this legislature, but for the solemn and official form of the instrument which is made its vehicle. [Senate, z6 to 5 ; House, no division.] Resolved, That the principles, doctrines and purposes, con- tained in the said proclamation are inconsistent with any just idea of a limited government, and subversive of the rights of the states and liberties of the people, and if submitted to in silence would lay a broad foundation for the establishment of monarchy. [Senate, 24 to 4 ; House no division.] Resolved, That while this legislature has witnessed with sorrow such a relaxation of the spirit of our institutions, that a President 44 STATE DOCUMENTS [176 of the United States dare venture upon this high handed measure, it regards with indignation the menaces which are directed against it, and the concentration of a standing army on our borders — that, the state will repel force by force, and relying upon the blessings of God, will maintain its liberty at all hazards. Resolved, That copies of these resolutions be sent to our mem- bers in Congress, to be laid before that body. 81J. Call for a Convention of the States by South Carolina. December t8, 1832. The Legislature also adopted the following resolutions. The text is in Acts of S. C, 1832, Appx. 28, 29; Senate jfour., 22 Con%., 2 sess., 83; House Ex. Doc, 11, No. 59; Niles, XLIII, 300. Whereas serious causes of discontent do exist among the States of this Union, from the exercise by Congress of powers not con- ferred or contemplated by the sovereign parties to the compact, therefore. Resolved, That it is expedient that a Convention of the States be called as early as practicable to determine and consider such questions of disputed power, as have arisen between the States of the confederacy and the General Government. Resolved, That the Governor be requested to transmit copies of this preamble and resolutions to the Governors of the Several States, with a request that the same be laid before the Legisla- tures of their respective States, and also to our Senators and Rep- resentatives in Congress, to be by them laid before Congress for consideration. Reply to South Carolina's Call for a Convention. 1833. The Legislatures of Delaware, Massachusetts and Ohio replied that it was inexpedient to hold such a convention. The text of the reply of Delaware, which follows, is found in Senate your., 22 Con^., 2 sess., 157, 158; Senate Doe., I, No. 66; Niles, XLIII, 422. The replies of Massachusetts and Ohio are given in State Papers on Nullification, 209, 244-257. Georgia proposed 177] REPLY TO SOUTH CAROLINA'S CALL. 45 a Southern convention, and Alabama a convention to amend the Constitution, but at the same time condemned nullification. See /«/, pp. 179, 180; Ames, Proposed AmendmenU, 282. 86. Delaware on a Convention of the States, January 25, 1833. Whereas certain resolutions, passed in December last by both branches of the Legislature of South Carolina, declaring " that it is expedient that a Convention of the States be called," etc., have been transmitted by the Executive of that State to the Governor of this, and by him laid before the General Assembly for an expression of its sentiments ; Therefore, Resolved, by the Senate and House of Representatives of the State of Delaware in General Assembly met. That the Constitu- tion of the United States of America, which is a form of govern- ment established by the people of the United States of America, has expressly provided a tribunal in the Supreme Court of the United States, for the settlement of all controversies between the United States and the respective States, and of all controversies arising under that instrument itself. Resolved, That the Constitution of the United States of Amer- ica does not recognize any such tribunal or political assemblage as a Convention of the States, but has expressly provided for modes of amendment, if amendment be necessary, in the fifth article. [Here follows the text of Article V.] Any other mode must therefore be repugnant to its provisions. Resolved, That such a Convention to propose amendments, when called by Congress, must be, in the nature of things, a Conventiori of the people from whom the Constitution derived its authority, and by whom alone it can be altered, and not a Convention of the States. Resolved, That no such political assemblage as a Convention of the States, could take place as a constituent organ of Govern- ment ; and that, if assembled, it could have no such power as that set forth by the resolutions of South Carolina, " to consider and determine such questions of disputed power as have arisen between the States of this Confederacy and the General Gov- ernment." 46 STATE DOCUMENTS [178 Resolved, That it is not expedient for Congress to call " a Convention for proposing amendment " at this time. But that if any amendment be necessary, it comports with the views of the General Assembly of this State, that they should be proposed in the other mode provided by the Constitution — ^"by two-thirds of both Houses of Congress." [Resolutions of transmission.] Replies of the Co-States. 1832-33. The Legislatures of the several States adopted resolutions condemning the action of South Carolina, and the large majority also expressed their approval of the proclamation and action of the President. Maine alone of the Northern States condemned the tariff laws. New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Ohio and Kentucky declared expressly against the right of secession. The resolutions of Massachusetts, New York and Delaware were accompanied by elaborate reports discussing the nature of the Union. The resolutions of Maryland also dealt with the same. New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland and Kentucky declared that the Federal Supreme Court was the proper and only tribunal for the final settlement of controversies in relation to the Constitution and the laws of Congress. Condemnation by the Northern and Pro-Tariff States was to be expected, but even the other Southern States disapproved of the action of South Carolina. Official expression of opposition to the doctrine of nullification had not been lacking in several of the Southern States in the period 1828-31. (See Niles, XXXV, 263; XXXIX, 423; XLI, 272, 352.) The resolutions adopted by the Legislatures of several of the Southern and Anti-Tariff States, which follow, have been selected as being of especial inter- est and value. It will be noted that Georgia and Alabama suggested conven- tions, that Virginia and Alabama requested South Carolina to suspend her ordinance, and Congress to modify the tariff, and that Virginia disagreed with both the position of South Carolina and of the President, and voted to send a Commissioner to South Carolina. The text of the replies of seventeen of the twenty-three Co-States to South Carolina are given in Slate Papers on Nullification. The resolves of two additional States, Kentucky and Tennessee, are in Niles, XLIII, 209, 220, 352; cf. also Acts of Ky., 1833, 309-316; Acts of Tenn., 1832; 55-57. Sev- eral of the above are in House Ex. Doc, 22 Conq., 2 sess., Nos. 19, 67, 81, 90, 103, 114, 140, 141, 142; Niles, XLIII, 274, 299, 350-352, 383, 400, 422. See also Pamphlet Laws of the several States. 179] GEORGIA ON A SOUTHERN CONVENTION 47 87. Georgia on a Southern Convention and Nullification. December 14, 1832. Another set of resolutions making application for a convention to amend the Federal Constitution in thirteen particulars, and purporting to have passed the Legislature December 12, was sent to the other States and to Congress. It was entered upon the Senate your., 22 Con^., 2 sess., 65, 66; also given in State Papers on Nullification, 238, 239. Replies of disapproval were adopted by Massachusetts, Connecticut and Mississippi. Ibid., 258-267, 277-280, 286; Ames, Prop. Amend., 282, 345. Later the Governor notified the several States that the above-mentioned resolutions had not been passed, but that the following, proposing a Southern convention, had been adopted instead. Letter of June 7, 1833, Ibid., 269. For messages of Gov. Lumpkin and action of Legislature, see Niles, XLIII, 206-208, 251, 279, 280, 287. Whereas, The Tariff Law of the last session of Congress has not satisfied the just expectation of the people of the Southern States : whereas, the recent attempt to provide a remedy for the evils which we suffer from the protective system, by a State Convention, not only will probably be abortive, but is likely, if persisted in, materially to disturb the public harmony, and lessen the moral force of the State : and, whereas, the resolutions adopted by the delegates of a minority of the people, and which are about to be submitted to the whole State for ratification, are in several respects of a most objectionable character, it becomes the duty of those who are the unquestionable representatives of the people of Georgia, to interpose for the purpose of tranquiliz- ing the public mind, and concentrating the public will, by the recommendation of a course of policy, which, they trust, will obtain the general approbation of the community. Therefore, Resolved, That if a Southern Convention be desirable, it is ex- pedient for the State of Georgia, to invite the States of Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama, Tennessee, and Mis- sissippi to concur with her in electing Delegates to a Convention, which shall take into consideration the Tariff system of the Gen- eral Government, and devise and recommend the most effectual and proper mode of obtaining relief from the evils of that system. [Vote in House, 97 to 57.J [Here follow provisions for a vote on the question of a South- ern Convention and the details of the plan for its assembly, and 48 blAlJi JJUUUMJiJNiS I 1 80 resolutions condemning the action ot a certain Convention re- cently held in the State.'] Resolved, That while we would provide a corrective for the possible continuance of those evils, of which we have so much reason to complain, we still hope that the regular operations of the General Government will supercede the necessity of any extraordinary measure on the part of the Southern people, and that we recognize the happiest augury of better things, in the growing certainty of the re-election of that illustrious patriot, Andrew Jackson. Resolved, That we abhor the doctrine of Nullification as neither a peaceful, nor a constitutional remedy, but, on the contrary, as tending to civil commotion and disunion ; and while we deplove the rash and revolutionary measuies, recently adopted by a Con- vention of the people of South Carolina, we deem it as paramount duty to warn our fellow citizens against the danger of adopting her mischievous policy. [Vote in House, 102 to 51.] [State Papers on Nullification, 271-274.] 88. Resolutions of Alabama Proposing a Convention. January 12, 1833. In addition to the following resolutions the Assembly also adopted another re- port, of the same date, recommending to Congress " a speedy modification of the tariff laws," the call of a Federal Convention, and to South Carolina to sus- pend the operation of her Ordinance, and " to abstain from the use of military power" to enforce the same, and to the government of the United States also to exercise moderation. State Papers on Nullification, 224, 225. The text of the subjoined resolutions is in Ibid., 219-223; Exec, Doc, 22 Cong., 2 sess., Ill, No. 141. None of the States responded to this suggestion for a conven- tion. For Gov. Gayle's messages, of. Niles, XLII, 352; XLIII, 220. And now, at this fearful crisis, when one of our co-States has assumed the alarming attitude of declaring an act of Congress void within her limits, and the note of preparation is sounded to sustain this attitude by force, what shall Alabama do? Our ' An Anti-Tariff convention held at Milledgeville, November 17. Its pro- ceedings are given in Niles, XLIII, 220-222, 230, 231. l8l] ALABAMA PROPOSING A CONVENTION ^g answer is never to despair of our country. We believe that there is a vital energy, a living principle inherent in our institutions, and a sense of justice residing in the bosom of our fellow citizens, which, when properly appealed to, must succeed. We concede that our northern brethren believe that they are acting within the pale of the constitution, but can it be believed that they will, by insisting on the obnoxious duties, peril the union of these States, and make shipwreck of the last hope of nrankind? Can any pecuniary benefit compensate for results like these? If blood be shed in this unhallowed contest, a wound will be inflicted which may never be healed : to confidence will succeed distrust, mutual recriminations, and mutual injuries; and the choicest blessings of Heaven, by the madness and folly of man, will be converted into the most deadly poison. Deeply impressed with these views, we recommend the adop- tion of the following resolutions, which we are satisfied embody the opinions of our constituents, and, in their name, propose to our co-States a Federal Convention. Be it resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the State of Alabama, in General Assembly convened, That, we con- sider the present tariff of duties unequal, unjust, oppressive, and against the spirit, true intent, and meaning of the constitution ; that, if persevered in, its inevitable tendency will be to alienate the affections of the people of the Southern States from the General Government. And be it further resolved. That we do not consider the tariff of 1832 as fastening upon the country the principle of protection : but that we receive it as the harbinger of better times — as a pledge that Congress will at no distant period, abandon the principle of protection altogether, and reduce the duties on imports to the actual wants of the Government, levying those duties on such articles as will operate most equally on all sections of the Union. And be it further resolved, That nullification, which some of our southern brethren recommend as the constitutional remedy for the evils under which we labor, is unsound in theory and dangerous in practice ; that as a remedy, it is unconstitutional and essentially revolutionary, leading in its consequences to anarchy and civil discord, and finally to the dissolution of the Union. 50 STATE DOCUMENTS [182 And be it further resolved, That we earnestly entreat the people of this State not to distrust the justice of the General Govern- ment, and to rest satisfied that, though long delayed, it will certainly be accorded to them. And above all things, to avoid those dangerous and unconstitutional remedies proposed for their imitation and adoption, no matter how specious their exterior, which may lead to bloodshed and disunion, and will certainly end in anarchy and civil discord. And, at the same time, we would most solemnly adjure the Congress of the United States, in the name of our common country, to abandon the exercise of those dubious and constructive powers claimed under the consti- tution, the assertion of which has produced jealousy, excitement, and dissatisfaction to the Government, and, if persevered in, will, in all human probability, dissolve this Union. By this means, and by this alone, can we be prevented from fulfilling our high destinies, and our onward march to greatness be arrested. And be it further resolved. That as we have now, for the first time in the history of our country, presented to us the appalling spectacle of one of the States of this Union arraying herself against the General Government, and declaring sundry acts of Congress void and of no effect within her limits ; presenting to Congress the alternative of repealing the obnoxious laws, or permitting her secession from the Union, and preparing by an armed force to sustain the position she has assumed ; and as we cannot silently look on, and witness the failure of all the high raised hopes and just expectations of those patriots who cemented our liberty with their blood — Therefore, as a last resort, we recommend to our co-States the calling of a Federal Conven- tion, to meet in the city of Washington, on the ist of March, 1834, or at such other time and place as may be agreed on, which shall be authorized to devise and recommend some plan which will satisfy the discontents of the south, either by an ex- plicit denial of the right of Congress to protect domestic industry by duties on imports laid for protection, or by defining and restricting the power aforesaid within certain prescribed limits, and making such other amendments and alterations in the con- stitution as time and experience have discovered to be necessary. [Resolutions of transmission.] 183] RESOLVES OF NORTH CAROLINA 5 I 89. Resolves of North Carolina. January 5, 1833. Gov. Stokes' message is in Niles, XLIII, 219. The text of the resolutions is in State Papers on Nullification, 201, 202; Niles, XLIII, 351, 352. They passed by a vote of 47 to 7 in the Senate^ and 98 to 22 in the House. Resolved, That the General Assembly of the State of North Carolina doth entertain, and doth unequivocally express a warm attachment to the Constitution of the United States. Resolved, That the General Assembly doth solemnly declare a devoted attachment to the Federal Union, believing that on its continuance depend the liberty, the peace and prosperity of the United States. Resolved, That whatever diversity of opinion may prevail in this State, as to the constitutionality of the acts of Congress imposing duties on imports for protection, yet, it is believed, a large majority of the people think those acts unconstitutional ; and they are united in the sentiment, that the existing Tariff is impolitic, unjust and oppressive ; and they have urged, and will continue to urge its repeal. Resolved, That the doctrine of Nullification as avowed by the State of South Carolina, and lately promulgated in an Ordinance, is revolutionary in its character, subversive of the Constitution of the United States and leads to a dissolution of the Union. Resolved, That our Senators in Congress be instructed, and our representatives be requested to use all constitutional means in their power, to procure a peaceable adjustment of the existing controversy between the State of South Carolina and the General Government, and to produce a reconciliation between the con- tending parties. [Resolutions of transmission.] 90. Report and Resolves of Mississippi, January Session, 1833. In relation to the Resolutions from the States of Maine, New Hampshire, and Pennsylvania, and that portion of the Message which points to the consideration, your Committee would express the belief that the sentiments of a majority of the people of this State in regard to the subjects to which they relate, are in accord- ance with those expressed by the General Assembly in the year 52 STATE DOCUMENTS [184 1829, declaring the Tariff of 1828, so far as it contemplated a system of protection, carried beyond the manufacture of such articles as are necessary to the national defence, to be " contrary to the spirit of the Constitution of the United States, impolitic and oppressive in its operation on the southern States, and should be resisted by all constitutional means." But fearful lest false inferences should be drawn from this expression of public opinion — inferences, calculated to induce a belief that this State is prepared to advocate and uphold the disorganizing doctrines, recently promulgated in South Carolina, your Committee deem it their duty to speak plainly, and to undeceive their Sister States in this respect. We are opposed to Nullification. We regard it as heresy, fatal to the existence of the Union. " It is resistance to law by force — it is disunion by force — it is civil war." Your Committee are constrained to express the opinion, that the State of South Carolina has acted with a reckless precipitancy, (origin- ating, we would willingly believe, in delusion,) well calculated to detract from her former high character for wisdom in council, purity of patriotism, and a solicitous regard for the preservation of those fundamental principles, on which alone rest the peace, the prosperity and permanency of the Union. Your Committee deeply deplore the alarming crisis in our national affairs ; they regret it the more as proceeding from the unwarrantable attitude assumed by a sister of the South, whose best interests are identi- fied with our own. In the spirit of brethren of the same family, we would invoke them to pause — to hearken attentively to the paternal, yet ominous, warning of the Executive of the Union. We would conjure them to await patiently the gradual progress of public opinion .: and to rely, with patriotic confidence, on the ultimate decision of the talented statesmen and pure patriots in the Congress of the United States. But they would also loudly proclaim, that this State owes a duty to the Union, above all minor considerations. That she prizes that Union less than liberty alone. That we heartily accord in the general political sentiments of the President of the United States, as expressed in his recent Proclamation ; and that we stand firmly resolved, at whatever sacrifice of feeling, in all events, and at every hazard, to sustain him in enforcing the paramount laws of the land, and 185] RESOLVES OF VIRGINIA 53 preserving the integrity of the Union — that Union, whose value we will never stop to calculate — holding it, as our fathers held it, precious above all price. Your Committee would therefore recommend the adoption of the following resolutions ; 1 . Be it resolved by the Legislature of the State of Mississippi, That, in the language of the father of his country, we will " indig- nantly frown upon the first dawning of every attempt to alienate any portion of our country from the rest, or to enfeeble the ties which link together its various parts.'' 2. Resolved, That the doctrine of Nullification is contrary to the letter and spirit of the Constitution, and in direct conflict with the welfare, safety and independence of every State in the Union ; and to no one of them would its consequences be more deeply disastrous, more ruinous, than to the State of Mississippi — that State in which are concentrated our dearest interests — around which cling our most tender ties — the fair land of our nativity or adoption — the haven of our hopes, the home of our hearts. 3. Resolved, That we will, with heart and hand, sustain the President of the United States, in the full exercise of his legiti- mate powers, to restore peace and harmony to our distracted country, and to maintain, unsullied and unimpaired, the honor, the independence and integrity of the Union. [Resolutions of transmission.] [Laws of the State of Mississippi, 1833, 246-248.] 91. Resolves of Virginia. January 26, 1833. The text of the several messages of Gov. Floyd are given in Niles, XLII, 351; XLIII, 27s, 379. For action of the Legislature, see Ibid., 275, 276, 286. The text of the report is in Ibid., 394-397; of the resohitions in Ads of Virt^nia, 1832-33, 201, 202; State Papers on Nullification, 195-197. For documents in connection with the mission of B. W. Leigh as Commis- sioner to South Carolina, see Ibid., 323-337; Niles, XLIII, 397, 434, 435; XLIV, 71, 72. Report of Leigh upon his mission. Calendar of Va. State Papers, X, 584-586. Whereas, the General Assembly of Virginia, actuated by an 54 STATE DOCUMENTS [.l56 ardent desire to preserve the peace and harmony of our common country — relying upon the sense of justice of the people of each and every State in the Union., as a sufficient pledge that their Representatives in Congress, will so modify the acts laying duties and imposts on the importation of foreign commodites, commonly called the Tariff Acts, that they will no longer furnish cause of complaint to the people of any particular State ; believing, ac- cordingly, that the people of South Carolina are mistaken in supposing that Congress will yield them no relief from the pres- sure of those acts, especially as the auspicious approach of the extinguishment of the public debt affords a just ground for the indulgence of a contrary expectation ; and confident that they are too strongly attached to the union of the States, to resort to any proceedings which might dissolve or endanger it, whilst they have any fair hope of obtaining their object by more regular and peaceful measures ; persuaded, also, that they will listen willingly and respectfully to the voice of Virginia, earnestly and affec- tionately requesting and entreating them to rescind or suspend their late Ordinance, and await the result of a combined and strenuous effort of the friends of union and peace, to affect an adjustment and reconciliation of all public differences now un- happily existing ; regarding, moreover, an appeal to force on the part of the General Government, or on the part of the Govern- ment of South Carolina, as a measure which nothing but extreme necessity could justify or excuse in either ; but, apprehensive at the same time, that if the present state of things is allowed to continue, acts of violence will occur, which may lead to con- sequences that all would deplore, cannot but deem it a solemn duty to interpose and mediate between the high contending parties, by the declaration of their opinions and wishes, which they trust that both will consider and respect. Therefore, r . Resolved, by the General Assembly, in the name and on be- half of the people of Virginia, That the competent authorities of South Carolina be, and they are hereby earnestly and respectfully requested and entreated to rescind the Ordinance of the late Convention of that State, entitled "An Ordinance to Nullify cer- tain Acts of the Congress of the United States, purporting to be laws laying duties and imposts on the importation of foreign 187] RESOLVES OF VIRGINIA 55 commodities;" or, at least to suspend its operation until the close of the first session of the next Congress. 2. Resolved, That the Congress of the United States be, and they are hereby earnestly and respectfully requested and en- treated, so to modify the Acts laying duties and imposts on the importation of foreign commodities, commonly called the Tariff Acts, as to effect a gradual but speedy reduction of the resulting revenue of the General Government, to the standard of the necessary and proper expenditure for the support thereof. 3. Resolved, That the people of Virginia expect, and in the opinion of the General Assembly, the people of the other States have a right to expect, that the General Government, and the Government of South Carolina, and all persons acting under the authority of either, will carefully abstain from any and all acts whatever, which may be calculated to disturb the tranquility of the country, or endanger the existence of the Union. And whereas, considering the opinions which have been ad- vanced, and maintained by the Convention of South Carolina, in its late Ordinance and Addresses, on the one hand, and by the President of the United States, in his Proclamaton, bearing date the loth day of December, 1832, on the other, the General Assembly deem it due to themselves, and the people whom they represent, to declare and make known their own views in relation to some of the important and interesting questions which these papers present. Therefore, 4. Resolved by the General Assembly, That they continue to regard the doctrines of State Sovereignty and State Rights, as set forth in the Resolutions of 1798, and sustained by the Report thereon of 1799, as a true interpretation of the Constitution of the United States, and of the powers therein given to the General Government ; but that they do not consider them as sanctioning the proceedings of South Carolina, indicated in her said Ordi- nance ; nor as countenancing all the principles assumed by the President in his said Proclamation — many of which are in direct conflict with them. 5. Resolved, That this House will, by joint vote with the Sen- ate, proceed on this day to elect a Commissioner, whose duty it shall be to proceed immediately to South Carolina, and commu- 56 STATE DOCUMENTS [l88 nicate the foregoing Preamble and Resolutions to the Governor of the State, with a request that they be communicated to the Legislature of that State, or any Convention of its citizens, or give them such other directions as in his judgment may be best calculated to promote the objects which this Commonwealth has in view ; and that the said Commissioner be authorized to express to the pubhc authorities and people of our sister State, in such manner as he may deem most expedient, our sincere good will to our Sister State, and our anxious solicitude that the kind and peaceful recommendations we have addressed to her, may lead to an accommodation of all the difficulties between that State and the General Government. [Resolutions of trans- mission.] 92. South Carolina's Final Action. March 18, 1833. As South Carolina continued her preparations for resistance to force (see call for volunteers, Niles, XLIII, 312), and the President showed his determination to enforce the tariff laws in his special message of January 16, 1833, an armed conflict seemed imminent as the critical date, February I, drew near. Owing to the failure of the other Southern States to support South Carolina, and the indications that Congress would adopt a Force Bill, as well as the prospect of a modification of the tariff, the leading nuUificationists determined to avoid a resort to force. Accordingly, a meeting of citizens at Charleston, January 21, informally suspended the nullification ordinance pending the action of Congress. {A'iles, XLIII, 380-382.) At the soHcitation of the Commissioner from Virginia, B. W. Leigh, who presented the resolutions of the Legislature of that State, the President of the Convention, James Hamilton, Jr., on February 13, issued a call for the reassembling of that body on March II. Before the Convention met, Congress, after a notable discussion, adopted both the Force Bill and the Compromise Tariff Bill. (For speeches of Webster and Calhoun of February 15 and 16, on nullification and the F'orce Bill, see Con^. Debates, 553-587, 750-774; Webster, Works, III, 448-505, Calhoun, Works, II, 197-309; Johnson, Amer. Orations, I, 303-319. The text of the Force Act is in U. S. Stat, at L., IV, 632-635; reprinted in MacDonald, 284-289.) At the second session of the South Carolina Convention the ordinance nullifying the tariff laws was repealed March 15, but a new ordinance nullifying the " Force Bill " was adopted March 18. The text of the new ordinance, which follows, is found in S. C. Stat, at L., I, 400, 401; Acts of S. C, 1834, Appx. ii. The yournal of the second session of the Convention (Columbus, 1833) is reprinted 189] SOUTH CAROLINA'S FINAL ACTION 57 in State Papers on A'ullification, 321-375. The important documents are also given in S. C. Stat, at L., I, 377-389. The correspondence of B. W. Leigh and the Reply of the Convention to Virginia are also contained in the above; see also ante, p. 185. For South Carolina's celebrations and com- ments upon the result of the controversy see Niles, XLIV, 58, 89, 107, 114, 126 128, 383; XLV, 23, 129. Gov. Hayne's message of congratulation of November 26, 1833, is in Legislative Proceedings, 1833, 1-8. An Ordinance To Nullify an Act of the Congress of the United States, entitled "An Act further to provide for the Collection of Duties on Im- ports," commonly called the Force Bill. We, the People of the State of South Carolina in Convention assembled, do Declare and Ordain, that the Act of the Congress of the United States, entitled "An Act further to provide for the collection of duties on imports," approved the second day of March, 1833, is unauthorized by the Constitution of the United States, subversive of that Constitution, and destructive of public liberty; and that the same is, and shall be deemed, null and void, within the limits of this State ; and it shall be the duty of the Legislature, at such time as they may deem expedient, to adopt such measures and pass such acts as may be necessary to prevent the enforcement thereof, and to inflict proper penalties on any person who shall do any act in execution or enforcement of the same within the limits of this State. We do further Declare and Ordain, That the allegiance of the citizens of this State, while they continue such, is due to the said State ; and that obedience only, and not allegiance, is due by them to any other power or authority, to whom a control over them has been, or may be delegated by the State ; and the Gen- eral Assembly of the said State is hereby empowered, from time to time, when they may deem it proper, to provide for the administration to the citizens and officers of the State, or such of the said officers as they may think fit, of suitable oaths or affirma- tions, binding them to the observance of such allegiance ; and abjuring all other allegiance; and, also, to define what shall amount to a violation of their allegiance, and to provide the proper punishment for such violation. \ 58 STATE DOCUMENTS [ipO The North-Eastern Boundary Controversy. 1831-32. The States of Maine and Massachusetts were very much alarmed for fear that the recommendations of the King of Holland, arbitrator in the North Eastern boundary controversy, wolild be accepted. This would have deprived Maine of a considerable portion of the territory she claimed, and Massachu- setts of the ownership of certain tracts of lands. Accordingly the Legislatures of both States passed resolutions protesting against the decision, and declaring that its acceptance would be null and void. The award was not accepted, and subsequently the boundary was determined by the Webster-Ashburton treaty {Treaties and Conventions, 432-438.) For other reports, resolves and addi- tional documents, see Resolves of Maine, 1820-28, 659-797; /bid., 1829-35, 243-246, 449-500; Resolves of Mass., 1832-35, 76-97; see also Amer. An. Reg., 1826-27, 438-440; Ibid., 1830-31, 306-316; Ibid., 1831-32, 229-234; Niles, XLI, 227, 228; XLII, 100-104, 460-464; McMaster, V, 463-476; Thorpe, Const. Hist, of Amer. People, I, 340, 341, note. 93. Extract from Resolutions of the Legislature of the State of Maine, January 19, 1832. Resolved, That the Constitution of the United States does not invest the General Government with unlimited and ab.solute powers, but confers only a special and modified sovereignty, without authority to cede to a foreign power any portion of territory belonging to a State, without its consent. Resolved, " That if there is an attribute of State Sovereignty which is unqualified and undeniable, it is the right of jurisdiction to the utmost limits of State Territory ; and if a single obligation under the Constitution rests upon the Confederacy, it is to guarantee the integrity of this territory to the quiet and undis- turbed enjoyment of the States." Resolved, That the doings of the King of Holland, on the subject of the boundary between the United States and Great Britain, are not a decision of the question submitted to the King of the Netherlands ; and that his recommendation of a suitable or convenient line of boundary is not obligatory upon the parties to the submission. Resolved, That this State protests against the adoption, by the Government of the United States, of the line of boundary recommended by the King of Holland as a suitable boundary between Great Britain and the United States; inasmuch as it I^l] THE NORTH-EASTERN BOUNDARY CONTROVERSY eg ■will be a violation of the rights of Maine, — rights acknowledged and insisted upon by the General Government, — and will be a precedent, which endangers the integrity, as well as the inde- pendence, of every State in the Union. Resolved, That while the people of this State are disposed to yield a ready obedience to the Constitution and laws of the United States, they will never consent to surrender any portion of their territory, on the recommendation of a Foreign Power. [Resolves of Maine, 1829-35, 343-] 94. Extracts from Resolutions of Massachusetts, February 15, 1832. Resolved, by the Senate and House of Representatives, in General Court assembled, that the Government of the United States possesses the constitutional right to ascertain and settle, by negotiation with foreign powers, arbitration, or otherwise, such parts of the boundary lines of the said States, as were left doubtful by the Treaty of Peace of 1783, but that the said Government does not possess the constitutional right to alter, by negotiation with foreign powers, arbitration, or otherwise, the boundary lines of the said States so far as the same were ascer- tained and settled by the said treaty, to the prejudice of the territorial or other rights of any State, without the consent of such State previously obtained. * * * Resolved * * * that the Government of the United States, in permitting the same to be made a question by the said Com- missioners, and to be by them submitted to the arbitration of the King of the Netherlands, without the consent of Massachusetts and Maine previously obtained, exceeded its constitutional powers, and that any decision which the said King might have given upon said question, would have been entirely null and void, for want of constitutional power in the Government of the United States to make the submission. Resolved, That the Government of the United States has no constitutional right to cede any portion of the territory of the States composing the Union to any foreign power, or to deprive any State of any land, or other property without the consent of 6o STATE DOCUMENTS [192 such State, previously obtained; and that the adoption of the aforesaid new boundary line, recommended, as aforesaid, by the King of the Netherlands, without the consent, previously obtained, of the States of Massachusetts and Maine, would be a violation of the rights of jurisdiction and property, belonging respectively to the said States, and secured to them by the Fed- eral Constitution ; and that any act, purporting to have such effect, would be wholly null and void, and in no way obligatory upon the Government or People of either of the said States. Resolved, That as the adoption, by the Government of the United States, of the aforesaid new boundary line, so recom- mended by the said King of the Netherlands, would deprive the Commonwealth of Massachusetts of large tracts of land, without equivalent, it is not expedient for the said Common- wealth to give consent thereto ; and that the General Court hereby solemnly protest against such adoption, declaring, that any act, purporting to have such effect, will have been performed without the consent of the Commonwealth, and in violation of the rights thereof, as secured by the Federal Constitution, and will be consequently null and void and in no way obligatory upon the Government or people. Resolved, That the General Court have received with satisfac- tion the communication made to them through His Excellency the Governor, from the Government of the State of Maine, of the proceedings of the said Government, upon this subject; — that they reciprocate the friendly sentiments, which have been expressed on this occasion, by that Government, and will readily and cheerfully cooperate with the State of Maine, in such meas- ures as shall be best calculated to prevent the adoption, by the Government of the United States, of the new boundary line recommended, as aforesaid, by the King of the Netherlands. • *»»**» [Resolves of Mass., 1832-35, 92-97 in passim.'] STATE DOCUMENTS ON FEDERAL RELATIONS: THE STATES AND THE UNITED STATES. NUMBER V. Early Resolutions on Slavery : Powers of Congress. 1790-1808. The House of Representatives of the first Congress was called upon to de- fine the powers vested in Congress relating to slavery. As this question be- came of such vital importance in the later struggle over slavery it seems desirable to note the first formal expression of opinion from an official source. The subjoined resolutions were adopted, March 23, 1 790, by the Committee of the whole House, after an extended discussion, by a vote of 29 yeas to 25 nays, in place of the report of the special committee. Annals, I Cong., 2 sess., 1413-1417, 1450-1474; House Journal, 168-181; 'U-a.'&aa, Suppression of the African Slave Trade, ch. VIH; Schouler, I, 145-148; Wilson, Rise and Fall of the Slave Power, I, 60-67; Curtis, Const. History, II, 231-244. Three years later Congress was led to exercise the power conferred upon it by the Constitution to pass the first Fugitive Slave Act, Feb. 12, 1793 {^Stat. at Large, I, 302"). See, McDougall, Fugitive Slaves, 16-19; Hildreth, IV, 406- 440; Von Hoist, I, 309-315; Wilson, I, ch. VI. With the exception of the resolutions of Virginia, of 1800-1804, on colon- ization, referred to later, the only other phase of the slavery question which 193] ' 2 STATE DOCUMENTS [194 especially called out resolutions from the State legislatures during the early- years was that of the abolition of the foreign slave trade. In the period i8o4-'o8 at least seven states, including North Carolina, Maryland and Tennessee proposed an amendment to the Constitution to abolish this trade, but this was deemed unnecessary, and the trade was prohibited by act of Con- gress, March 2, 1807, to go into effect on Jan. I, 1808. {Stat, at Large, II, 426.") See Du Bois, ch. VIII; Kxa&i, Proposed Amendments, 208, 209 : Wilson, I, ch. VII. 95. The House of Representatives on the Powers of Congress. March 23, 1790. The Committee of the whole House, to whom was committed the report of the committee on memorials of the people called Quakers, and of the Pennsylvania Society for promoting the Abol- ition of Slavery, report the following amendments : First. That the migration or importation of such persons as any of the States now existing shall think proper to admit, can- not be prohibited by Congress, prior to the year one thousand eight hundred and eight. Secondly. That Congress have no authority to interfere in the emancipation of slaves, or in the treatment of them within any of the States ; it remaining with the several States alone to provide any regulations therein, which humanity and true policy may re- quire. Thirdly. That Congress have authority to restrain the citizens of the United States from carrying on the African trade, for the purpose of supplying foreigners with slaves, and of providing, by proper regulations, for the humane treatment, during their pas- sage, of slaves imported by the said citizens into the States ad- mitting such importation. Fourthly. That Congress have authority to prohibit foreigners from fitting out vessels in any port of the United States for trans- porting persons from Africa to any foreign port.^ ' This resolution is the same as in the report of Special Committee. 195] VIRGINIA ON COLONIZATION 3 96. Resolutions of Virginia on Colonization. December 23, 1816. As early as December 31, 1800, the Virginia House of Delegates, in conse quence of a slave conspiracy authorized Governor Monroe to correspond with President Jefferson in regard to the purchase of lands " whither persons ob- noxious to the laws and dangerous to the peace of society may be removed." This correspondence was laid before the legislature, and that body, on Janu- ary 23, 1802, adopted resolutions in favor of the United States procuring a place without the limits of the country, preferably Africa or South America, for the colonization of free negroes. Again in December, 1804, other resolu- tions were passed favoring the setting apart a portion of Louisiana for this purpose. For text of these resolutions and the Monroe-Jefferson correspond- ence, see American State Papers, Misc., 1, 464-467; Annals, 9 Cong., 2 sess., Appx., 994-1000. See also Jefferson's Works, V, 563; Writings, VIII, 103, 152, l6l. Here the matter rested until December 23, 1816, when the question was again raised by the subjoined resolutions of Virginia. (Vote of House, 137 to 9.) This movement was followed by the organization of the American Colo- nization Society at Washington a few days later. The objects of the society were shortly endorsed by Georgia, Dec. 19, 1817; Maryland, Jan. 26, 1818; Tennessee, in 1818, and Vermont, Nov. 5, 1819. Opposition to the movement did not appear until about 1824. (See/ojr, p. 203.) Mercer's Report, 19 Cong., 2 sess.. House Reports, II, No. loi, contains the history of the society, extracts from its Reports and acts and resolutions of several of the states, 1817-27. See Annual Reports of Amer. Col. Society, 1818-; also Memorial of the Semi- centennial Anniversary of Amer. Col. Society (1867), 65-78. The text of the Virginia resolutions is in Acts of Virginia, 1816-17, 200; Niles, XI, 275. General references: Ballagh, History of Slavery in Virginia, 136, 137; McPherson in Johns Hopkins Univ. Studies, IX, 495-497; McMaster, IV, 557-563; V, 193-196; Schouler, II, 58, 129; III, 138-144; Von Hoist, I, 329-333; Wilson, Rise and Fall of Slave Power, I, ch. XV. Whereas the General Assembly of Virginia have repeatedly sought to obtain an asylum, beyond the limits of the United States, for such persons of colour, as had been, or might be eman- cipated under the laws of this commonwealth, but have hitherto found all their efforts, for the accomplishment of this desirable purpose, frustrated, either by the disturbed state of other nations, or domestic causes equally unpropitious to its success ; They now avail themselves of a period, when peace has healed 4 STATE DOCUMENTS [196 the wounds of humanity, and the principal nations of Europe have concurred, with the government of the United States, in abolishing the African slave trade, (a traffic which this common- wealth, both before and since the revolution, zealously sought to terminate,) to renew this effort, and do therefore resolve, that the executive be requested to correspond with the President of the United States, for the purpose of obtaining a territory upon the coast of Africa, or upon the shore of the North Pacific, or at some other place not within any of the States or territorial gov- ernments of the United States, to serve as an asylum for such persons of colour, as are now free, and may desire the same, and for those who may be hereafter emancipated, within this common- wealth ; and that the senators and representatives of this state in this congress of the United States be requested to exert their best efforts to aid the president of the United States in the attainment of the above object : Provided, that no contract or arrangement respecting such territory shall be obligatory on this common- wealth until ratified by the Legislature. \Acts of Virginia, 1816, 200.] The Missouri Contest. 1819-1820. While the question of the admission of Missouri was still pending in Con- gress during the session of i8ig-20, the legislatures of several of the northern states adopted resolutions against the admission of Missouri, except with the exclusion of slavery. Such resolutions were passed by Vermont, New Hamp- shire, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Ohio and Indiana. On the other hand, resolutions opposing any such restrictions were adopted by some of the southern states, including Maryland, Virginia and Kentucky. The Massachusetts and Virginia resolutions were each accom- panied by a report containing the chief arguments advanced in support of their respective positions. The New Hampshire report (June, 1820) replied to that from Virginia. {Niks, XVIII, 337-340.) Examples of each class follow. For the text of others, see Vermont Assembly Journal, 1819, 109, 174, 212; Records of Governor and Council of Vermont, VI, 540; Resolves of Massa- chusetts, 1819-24, 147-151; Journal of New York Assembly, 1820, 115; Laws of Pennsylvania,'VHl,(>']4; Acts of Virginia, i8ig-20, 1 13-124; Acts of Kentucky, 1S19-20, 989 990; Senate Journal, 16 Conff., 1 sess., 78-80, 113- 197] RESOLUTIONS OF PENNSYLVANIA 5 116, 124, 130, 131, 136. Several of the above are also given in Niles, XVII, 296, 334. 342-344. 395. 399. 4°°. 416; XVIII, 337-340; Greeley, History oj the Struggle of Slavery Extension and Restriction (N. Y., 1856), 25-27; National Intelligencer, February 8, 1821 ; McMaster, IV, S77-579; Hildreth, VI, 687, 688. General references: MacDonald, Documents, 219-226; Burgess, ch. IV; Greeley, American Conflict, I, ch. VII; Hildreth, VI, 661-712, passim; McMaster, IV, ch. :SXXIX; Rhodes, I, 29-40; Schouler, III, 155-173, 178- 1S6; Schurz, Clay, I, ch. VIII; Thorpe, Constitutional History American People, I, ch. X; Von Hoist, I, ch. IX; Wilson, I, ch. XI, XII; Woodburn in American Historical Association Reports, 1893, 251-297; Jefferson's Works, VII, 158, 159, 194; Writings, X, 156-158, 172, 177, 178, 180; Madison's Works, III, 149-157, 167-169, 186, 187, 199; Monroe's Writings,Vl, 114- 116, 121, .160-162; Johnson, American Orations (Rev. Ed.), 11, 33-101, 343-365; Channing and Hart, Guide, § 177. 97. Resolutions of Pennsylvania. December 22, i8ig. * * * A measure was ardently supported in the last Con- gress of the United States, and will probably be as earnestly urged during the existing session of that body, which has a pal- pable tendency to impair the political relations of the several states ; which is calculated to mar the social happiness of the present, and future generations ; which, if adopted, would impede the march of humanity and freedom through the world, and would affix and perpetuate an odious stain upon the present race : a measure, in brief, which proposes to spread the crimes and cruel- ties of slavery, from the banks of the Mississippi to the shores of the Pacific. When measures of this character are seriously advocated in the republican congress of America in the nineteenth century, the several states are invoked to the duty which they owe to the Deity, by the veneration which they entertain for the memory of the founders of the republic, and by a tender regard for posterity, to protest against its adoption, to refuse to covenant with crime, and to hmit the range of an evil that already hangs in awful bod- ing over so large a portion of the Union. * * * If, indeed, the measure against which Pennsylvania considers 6 STATE DOCUMENTS [198 it her duty to raise her voice, was calculated to abridge any of the rights guaranteed to the several states ; if, odious as slavery is, it was proposed to hasten its extinction by means injurious to the states upon which it was unhappily entailed, Pennsylvania would be amongst the first to insist upon a sacred observance of the constitutional compact. But it cannot be pretended that the rights of any of the states are at all to be affected by the refusing to extend the mischiefs of human bondage over the boundless regions of the west, a territory which formed no part of the con- federation at the adoption of the constitution ; which has been but lately purchased from an European power by the people of the Union at large ; which may or may not be admitted as a state into the Union at the discretion of Congress, which must estab- lish a republican form of government, and no other; and whose climate affords none of the pretexts urged for resorting to the labor of natives of the torrid zone. Such a territory has no right, inherent or acquired, such as those states possessed which estab- lished the existing constitution. When that constitution was framed, in September, seventeen hundred and eighty seven, the concession that three lifths of the slaves in the states then existing should be represented in Congress, could not have been to em- brace regions at that time held by a foreign power. On the contrary, so anxious were the Congress of that day to confine human bondage within its ancient home, that, on the thirteenth of July, seventeen hundred and eighty seven, that body unani- mously declared that slavery or involuntary servitude should not exist in the extensive territories bounded by the Ohio, the Mis- sissippi, Canada and the lakes. And in the ninth section of the first article of the constitution itself, the power of Congress to prohibit the migration of servile persons after the year eighteen hundred and eight, is expressly recognized ; nor is there to be found in the statute book a single instance of the admission of a territory to the rank of a state, in which Congress have not ad- hered to the right vested in them by the constitution, to stipulate with the territory upon the conditions of such admission. The Senate and House of Representatives of Pennsylvania, therefore, cannot but deprecate any departure from the humane 199] RESOLUTIONS OF NEW JERSEY 7 and enlightened policy, pursued not only by the illustrious Con- gress of 1787, but by their successors, without exception. They are persuaded that, to open the fertile regions of the west to a servile race, would tend to increase their numbers beyond all past example, would open a new and steady market for the lawless venders of human flesh, and would render all schemes for obliter- ating this most foul blot upon the American character, useless and unavailing. Under these convictions, and in the full persuasion that upon this topic there is but one opinion in Pennsylvania — Resolved, by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, That the Senators and Repre- sentatives of this state in the Congress of the United States, be and they are hereby requested, to vote against the admission of any territory as a state into the Union, unless " the further intro- duction of slavery or involuntary servitude, except for the punish- ment of crimes, whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall be prohibited ; and all children born within the said terri- tory, after its admission into the Union as a state, shall be free, but may be held to service until the age of twenty-five years." [Resolution of transmission.] \_Senate Journal, 16 Cong., I sess., 78-80.] 98. Resolutions of New Jersey. January 24, 1820. r. They'^ do resolve and declare. That the further admission of territories into the Union, without restriction of slavery, would, in their opinion, essentially impair the right of this and other exist- ing states to equal representation in Congress, (a right at the foundation of the political compact,) inasmuch as such newly admitted slave holding state would be represented on the basis of their slave population ; a concession made at the formation of ^ The representatives of the people of New Jersey, etc. 8 STATE DOCUMENTS [20O the constitution, in favor of the then existing states, but never stipulated for new states, nor to be inferred from any article or clause in that instrunaent. 2. Resolved, That, to admit the territory of Missouri as a state into the Union, without prohibiting slavery there, would, in the opinion of the representatives of the people of New Jersey afore- said, be no less than to sanction this great political and moral evil, furnish the ready means of peopling a vast territory with slaves, and perpetuate all the dangers, crimes, and pernicious effects of domestic bondage. 3. Resolved, As the opinion of the representatives of the afore- said. That, inasmuch as no territory has a right to be admitted into the Union but on the principles of the federal constitution, and only by a law of Congress consenting thereto on the part of the existing states, Congress may rightfully, and ought to refuse such law, unless upon reasonable and just conditions, assented to on the part of the people applying to become one of the states. 4. Resolved, In the opinion of the representatives aforesaid, That the article of the constitution which restrains Congress from prohibiting the migration or importation of slaves, until after the year eighteen hundred and eight, does, by necessary implication, admit the general power of Congress over the subject of slavery, and concedes to them the right to regulate and restrain such migration and importation after that time, into the existing or any newly to be created state. 5 . Resolved, As the opinion of the representatives of the people of New Jersey aforesaid. That, inasmuch as Congress have a clear right to refuse the admission of a territory into the Union, by the terms of the constitution, they ought in the present case to exer- cise that absolute discretion, in order to preserve the political rights of the several existing states, and prevent the great national disgrace and multiplied mischiefs which must ensue from conced- it, as a matter of right, in the immense territories yet to claim admission into the Union, beyond the Mississippi, that they may tolerate slavery. [Resolution of transmission.] [Senate Journal, 16 Con^., I sess., 113.] 20l] RESOLUTIONS OF VIRGINIA g 99. Resolutions of Virginia. February i, 1820. The General Assembly of Virginia have beheld, with the deep- est concern, the proceedings in congress, upon the petition of the people of Missouri to be admitted into the union. They believe that the effort, which is now making, to impose upon the people, as one of the conditions of their admission, an unalterable inhibi- tion of slavery, is forbidden, by good faith, by the constitution of the United States, and by considerations intimately connected with the tranquillity and welfare of the nation. * • * Entertaining these views of the obligation of the treaty, the principles of the constitution, and the character of the proposed measure ; — believing that the adoption of this measure would be an act of oppression to the people of Missouri, a breach of public faith, and a dangerous infraction of the constitution ; — believing, moreover, that it is eminently calculated to kindle the angriest passions ; to excite bitterness, jealousy and distrust among the states ; to extinguish that spirit of concession, and destroy that mutual forbearance and fraternal affection which founded and have sustained our confederacy ; — sincerely attached to the union of these states, and the constitution which binds them together ; — and anxious to avert the evils which threaten ; — the General Assembly has felt itself imperiously called upon to avow its opin- ions, and endeavor to give them effect. Therefore, Resolved, That, in the opinion of the General Assembly of Virginia, the people of Missouri have a right to demand, upon the faith of the treaty of 1803, that they shall be admitted into the union upon terms of equality with the other states. That the congress of the United States have no right to im- pose upon the people of Missouri, as a condition of their admis- sion into the union, the restriction which has been proposed in congress, or any other restriction not necessary to guarantee a republican form of government. Resolved, That the senators from this state in the congress of the United States, be instructed, and the representatives requested, lO STATE DOCUMENTS [202 to use their best efforts in procuring the admission of the state of Missouri, into the union, upon the principles contained in the foregoing resolutions, and in resisting any attempt which shall be made in congress, to impose conditions upon the people of Mis- souri, not warranted by the treaty of cession and the constitution of the United States. [Resolutions of transmission.] lAcis of Virginia, 1819-20, 113, 123, 124.I 100, Vermont on the Missouri Constitution. November 16, 1820. The following resolutions were called out by the obnoxious clauses in the new constitution of Missouri, which led to a renewal of the contest in Con- gress in the session of 1820-21, and ended with a second compromise. The text is given in Records of Governor and Council, VI, 541-543; Senate jfournal, 16 Cong., 2 sess., 50-54. For similar resolutions adopted by New York, Nov. 13, 1820, and by the Indiana House of Representatives Dec. 30, 1820, see Niles, XIX, 208; National Intelligencer, Feb. 8, 1821. Resolved, That, in the opinion of this legislature, slavery, or involuntary servitude, in any of the United States, is a moral and political evil ; and that its continuance can be justified by neces- sity alone. That Congress has a right to inhibit any further introduction or extension of slavery, as one of the conditions upon which any new state shall be admitted into the Union. Resolved, That this legislature views with regret and alarm, the attempt of the inhabitants of Missouri to obtain admission into the Union, as one of the United States, under a constitution which legalizes and secures the introduction and continuance of slavery ; and also contains provisions to prevent freemen of the United States from emigrating to, and settling in Missouri, on account of their origin, colour, and features. And that, in the opinion of this legislature, these principles, powers, and restrictions, con- tained in the reputed constitution of Missouri, are anti-republican, and repugnant to the constitution of the United States, and sub- versive of the unalienable rights of man. 203] EMANCIPATION AND COLONIZATION II Resolved, That the Senators from this state, in the Congress of the United States, be instructed, arid the Representatives re- quested, to exert their influence, and use all legal means, to pre- vent the admission of Missouri, as a state, into the union of the United States, with those anti-republican features and powers in their constitution. [Resolution of transmission.] I OX. Ohio on Emancipation and Colonization. January 17, 1824. The Ohio Legislature, by adopting the subjoined resolutions, revived the agitation of the colonization question. By June of 1825, eight other Northern States had indorsed the proposition (Pa., Vt., N. J., Del., 111., Ind., Conn., Mass.), but six of the slave-holding states emphatically disapproved of the suggestion, viz.: Georgia, Dec. 7, 1824; South Carolina, Dec, 1824; Mis- souri, Jan. 22, 1825; Mississippi, Feb., 1825, and Jan. 23, 1826; Louisiana, Feb. l6, 1826, and Alabama, Jan. i, 1827. The text of several of these resolutions are given in Papers of the Governor, Penna. Archives, 4th series, V, 507, 555, 572, 580, 582, 602-604, 621, 643- 645, and in the session laws of the above-mentioned States. See also Mc- Master, V. 204; W. H. Smith, Political History of Slavery, I, 23, 24. "Resolved by the General Assembly of the State of Ohio ; That the consideration of a system providing for the gradual emanci- pation of the people of color, held in servitude in the United States, be recommended to the Legislatures of the several States of the American Union, and to the Congress of the United States. Resolved, That in the opinion of the General Assembly a sys- tem of foreign colonization, with correspondent measures might be adopted that would in due time effect the entire emancipation of the slaves in our country without any violation of the national compact, or infringement of the rights of individuals ; by the pas- sage of a law by the general government (with the consent of the slaveholding states) which should provide that all children or persons now held in slavery, born after the passage of such law, should be free at the age of twenty-one years (being supported during their minority by the persons claiming the service of their parents) providing they then consent to be transported to the in- tended place of colonization — Also — 12 STATE DOCUMENTS [204 Resolved, That it is expedient that such a system should be predicated upon the principle that the evil of slavery is a national one, and that the people and the states of this Union ought mutually to participate in the duties and burthens of removing it. Resolved, That his Excellency, the Governor be requested to forward a copy of the foregoing Resolutions to his Excellency the Governor of each of the United States, requesting him to lay the same before the legislature thereof : and that his Excellency will also forward a like copy to each of our Senators and Representa- tives in Congress requesting their co-operation in all national measures having a tendency to effect the grand object embraced therein. [Zozwj of Ohio, Local, 1824, 160.] South Carolina's Reply to Ohio and the Federal Government. In consequence of the disclosure of a negro plot at Charleston, in May, 1822, the Legislature passed, among other precautionary measures, the "Negro Sea- men Act," Dec. 21, 1822. {Acts of S. C.,\?>22,\i-\i,^ The enforcement of this law soon brought out protests from American masters. (Annals, 17 Cong., 2 sess., 1055; iV^/te, XXIV, 31,32.) The test case of Elkinson vs. Deliesseline came before the U. S. District Court and Judge Wm. Johnson, a. ci'.izen of South Carolina, on August 7, 1823, held the law unconstitutional. {AHles, XXV, 12-16, 47.) But South Carolina refused to abide by this deci- sion and continued to enforce the law. Soon complaints were lodged by the British Government at the State Department. {Niles, XXVII, 261, 262.) The Attorney-General, William Wirt, gave the opinion that the law was neither constitutional nor compatible with the rights of England under the treaty. (l Opinions Attorney-General, 659; Niles, XXVII, 262, 263.) This protest, together with Wirt's opinion, were sent to Governor Wilson, of South Carolina, and by him transmitted tQ the legislature, Nov. 25, 1824 (Message in Niles, XXVII, 261.) In the meantime the Legislature of Georgia, Dec. 22, 1823, suggested a remedy by proposing to so amend the Federal Constitution as to leave " the importation or ingress of any person of color " into a state wholly to the laws of each state. The Ohio proposition also came before the legislature at about this time. The above circumstance accounts in part for the character of Gov- ernor Wilson's Message, transmitting the Georgia proposition and the reply of the Senate to the Attorney-General's opinion and the Ohio proposal, which 20S] MESSAGE OF GOVERNOR WILSON 1 3 follow. The House refused to accept the Senate resolves and adopted a milder reply. The Georgia amendment, between 1824 and 1826, was approved by Missouri, Mississippi and Louisiana, and disapproved of by nine other states. (Ames, Proposed Amendments, 210, 339.) Not only was this act enforced by South Carolina with'impunity, especially against domestic vessels, Attorney-General Berrien, in 1830, having^ reversed Wirt's opinion ( 2 Opinions Attorney- General, 433) , but all the other southern sea-board states adopted somewhat similar restrictions, while those of Florida and Alabama apparently were copied from the laws of South Carolina. (Flor- ida, Act of 1832, Thompson's Digest, 546; Alabama, Act of 1831, Clay's Digest, 546.) The frictions growing out of the administration of these laws led to a renewal of the agitation in 1844. {Sieepost, 237.) General references: McMaster, V, 200-204,417; Von Hoist, HI, 128, 129; Wilson, I, 576, 577. For account of the insurrection, see Atlantic Monthly, VII, 730-740- 102. Message of Governor John L. Wilson of South Carolina. December i, 1824. In submitting this proposed amendment, I feel a confidence that I am submitting, what already attaches to each state in its sovereign and independent capacity. A few days since I had the honor of enclosing to you the remonstrance of the British minis- ter, Mr. Canning, on a clause of a legislative act passed in South Carolina, entitled'" an act for the better regulation and govern- ment of free negroes and persons of color, and for other pur- poses," together with the opinion of Mr. Wirt upon the same. A reference to the rule laid down by England, under similar circum- stances, will, at once, prove that the deductions I drew in my communication, were well warranted by her own practice. [He refers to the opinion of Sohcitor General Lee, in 1791, in regard to the right of self-defence of a state in the case of Roman Catholics.] There should be a spirit of concert and of action among the slave-holding states, and a determined resistance to any violation of their local institutions. The crisis seems to have arrived when we are called upon to protect ourselves. The president of the 14 STATE DOCUMENTS [206 United States, and his law adviser, so far from resisting the efforts of a foreign ministry, appear to be disposed, by an argument drawn from the overwhelming powers of the general government, to make us the passive instruments of a policy, at war, not only with our interests, but destructive also of our national existence. The evils of slavery have been visited upon us by the cupidity of those who are now the champions of universal emancipation. A firm determination to resist, at the threshold, every invasion of our domestic tranquillity, and to preserve our sovereignty and inde- pendence as a state, is earnestly recommended ; and, if an appeal to the first principles of the right of self-government be disre- garded, and reason be successfully combatted by sophistry and error, there would be more glory in forming a rampart with our bodies on the confines of our territory, than to be the victims of a successful rebellion, or the slaves of a great consohdated gov- ernment. lAiles, XXVII, 263, 264.] 103. Resolutions of the Senate of South Carolina. December, 1824. Resolved, That the state of South Carolina is desirous of com- plying with any measure necessary to promote harmony between this state and the government of the United States and foreign nations, and will .cheerfully comply in all cases which do not in- volve a surrender of the safety and inherent rights of the state. Resolved, That the legislature of this state has carefully consid- ered the documents transmitted by the president of the United States, being a correspondence with the British minister relative to a law, passed December, 1822, regulating free negroes and persons of color, and can yet perceive no departure from the duties and rights of this state, or of the United States, in that law. Resolved, That the legislature sees, with profound regret, the alarming symptoms of an unconstitutional interference with her colored population, whose condition, as it existed at the estab- lishment of the present constitution of the United States, is ex- 20/] RESOLUTIONS OF SOUTH CAROLINA 1 5 pressly recognized, (paragraph 3 of sec. 2, of art. i), and dis- tinctly guaranteed by that instrument. Resolved, That it is as much the duty of the state to guard against iusubordination or insurrection among our colored popu- lation, or to control and regulate any cause which might excite or produce it, as to guard against any other evil, political or phy- sical, which might assail us. This duty is paramount to all laws, all treaties, all constitutions. It arises from the supreme and per- manent law of nature, the law of self-preservation ; and will never, by this state, be renounced, compromised, controlled or partici- pated with any power whatever. Resolved, That this legislature, having received a very strange and ill-advised communication from the legislature of the state of Ohio, approves of the reply of the governor of Georgia to a similar communication, and will, on this subject, be ready to make common cause with the state of Georgia, and the other southern states similarly circumstanced in this respect. Resolved, Therefore, that the legislature of South Carolina protests against any claims of right, of the United States, to inter- fere, in any manner whatever, with the domestic regulations and preservatory measures in respect to that part of her property which forms the colored population of the state, and which property they will not permit to be meddled with, or tampered with, or in and manner ordered, regulated, or controlled by any other power, foreign or domestic, than this legislature. [Vote 36 to 6.] [M7fj,XXVn,264.] 104. Resolutions of House of Representatives of South Carolina. December, 1S24. Resolved, That the legislature of South Carolina have received, with regret, the communication from the state of Ohio, as the discussions to which it invites them can lead to no result but to the unfriendly intemperance of conflicting interests and opinions. 1 6 STATE DOCUMENTS [208 Resolved, That the legislature of Ohio be informed that the people of this state will adhere to a system, descended to them from their ancestors, and now inseparably connected with their social and political existence. Resolved, That the governor be requested to transmit a copy of the above resolutions to the governor of Ohio. \_Niles, XXVII, 292.] 105. Extract from the Message of Governor Troup of Georgia. May 23, 1825. The legislature of Georgia already Dec. 7, 1824, had expressed its disap- proval of the Ohio proposition. Governor Troup, aroused by the bill proposed by Senator King in the Senate, Feb. 18, 1825, for the establishment of a fund from the sale of public lands to be used for aiding in the emancipation of slaves and their removal, as also in the removal of free persons of color from such states permitting it, for purposes of colonization {^Senate Journal, 18 Cong., 2 sess., 171 ; Niks, XXVIIl, 276, 277), and by the supposed argument of Att.-Gen'l Wirt, gave expression to the following belligerent language in his annual message {A'iles, XXVIIl, 240). Resolutions in lieeping therewith were introduced into the House, but were not passed. {^Ibid., XXVIIl, 271, 272.") The Governor sent a special message, June 7, on the same subject, in which he declared tbat, " The United States can choose between our enmity and our love." {Ibid., 277.) Again in his message of Nov. 8, he refers to the resolutions from the northern states on the subject of emancipation in strong language. {Ibid., XXIX, 207.) References: A'iles, XXVIIl, 274- 277; McMaster, V, 205, 206; Von Hoist, I, 439, 440; Phillips, Oeorgia and State nights, Anier. Hist. Assoc. Kept. 1901, II, 158-160. Since your last meeting, our feelings have been again outraged by officious and impertinent intermeddlings with our domestic concerns. Beside the resolution presented for the consideration of the Senate by Mr. King, of New York, it is understood that the Attorney General of the United States, who may be presumed to represent his Government faithfully, and to speak as its mouth piece, has recently maintained, before the Suprem.e Court,' doc- 1 See evidence of the Judges refuting this charge. Niles, XXVIIl, 347- 349- 209] RESOLUTIONS ON COLONIZATION SOCIETY 17 trines on this subject, which, if sanctioned by that tribunal, will make it quite easy for the Congress, by a short decree, to divest this entire interest, without cost to themselves of one dollar, or of one acre of public land. This is the uniform practice of the Government of the United States ; if it wishes a principle estab- lished which it dare not establish for itself, a case is made before the Supreme Court, and the principle once settled, the act of Congress follows of course. Soon, very soon, therefore, the United States' Government, discarding the mask, will openly lend itself to a combination of fanatics for the destruction of every thing valuable in the Southern country ; one movement of the Congress unresisted by you, and all is lost. Temporize no longer — make known your resolution that this subject shall not be touched by them, but at their peril ; but for its sacred guaranty by the con- stitution, we never would have become parties to that instrument ; at this moment you would not make yourselves parties to any constitution without it ; of course you will not be a party to it, from the moment the General Government shall make that movement. If this matter be an evil, it is our own — if it be a sin, we can implore the forgiveness of it — to remove it we ask not even their sympathy or assistance : it may be our physical weakness — it is our moral strength. * * * I entreat you, therefore, most earn- estly, now that it is not too late, to step forth, and, having ex- hausted the argument, to stand by your arms. (^Executive Doc, 19 Cong., 2 sess., IV, No. 59, pp.'69, 70.) Resolutions on the Colonization Society. 1827-1832. The agitation aroused by the various propositions for emancipation, and the renewed efforts of the American Colonization Society in 1827 to obtain national aid for its projects {Exec. Doc, 19 Cong., 2 sess., IV, No. 64), and a favorable report from a Committee of the House of Representatives, March 3, 1827 (House Reports, II, No. loi), called out a new series of resolutions proxaAcon. The legislatures of at least ten States, during 1827-1832 in- l8 STATE DOCUMENTS [2IO dorsed this policy. (1827, Ky., Tenn., Del., Vt.; 1828, Ohio; 1829, Ind., Penn.; 1830, Ind., Md.; 1 83 1, Mass.; 1832, Md., New York.) This was met by emphatic protests from some of the slave-holding states, notably the fol- lowing: South Carolina, December 19, 1827. Ante, p. 145; Georgia, De- cember 27, 1827, Acts of Georgia, 1827, 194-200; Senate Doc, 20 Cong., I sess., Ill, No. 81; £xec. Doc, III, No. 126; Dec. 20, 1828, Ante, pp. 153, 154; MacDonald, 234; Missouri, Jan. 23, 1829, Laws of Mo., 1828-29, 89- 91; Senate Doc, •20 Cong., 2 sess., II, No. 89. The Georgia and Missouri re- ports presented arguments against the constitutionality of the proposed aid. Maryland replied to Georgia, 1830 (Allies, XXXVII, 428), but in 1832 suggested, if necessary, an amendment to the constitution. Acts of Md., 1831-32. Res. No. 124; Ames, Proposed Amend., 207, 345. Ohio by 1831 had become non-committal, and declared " it is premature and inexpedient to express an opinion." References: For resolutions favoring the society, see House Reports, 2\ Cong., I sess.. Ill, No. 348, pp. 20-26; Ante, p. 195; McMaster, V, 206-208. For the attitude of the South see Weeks, Anti-Slavery Sentiment in the South, Pub. of Southern History Assoc, II, 97, 100-103, i^2-ii^,post, p. — . For opposition from abolitionists, Garrison, Life of Garrison, I, 289-304; Jay, Misc. Writings on Slavery, 1-124. 106. Delaware in Favor of the Colonization Society. February 8, 1827. Be it resolved, by the Senate and House of Representatives of the State of Delaware, in General Assembly met, That it is requisite for our prosperity, and, (what is of more important concern,) essential to our safety, that measures should be taken for the removal, from this country, of the free negroes and free mulaltoes. Resolved, That this general assembly approve the objects of "the American colonization society" and consider that these objects deserve public support, and that they ought to be fostered and encouraged by the national government, and with the national funds. Resolved, That the Senators of this State in Congress, be re- quested to approve and promote, in the councils of the nation, measures for removing from this country to Africa, the free col- oured people who may be willing to emigrate. {Laws of Delaware, 1827, 158.] 2ii] GEORGIA ON THE COLONIZATION SOCIETY ig 107. Georgia on the Colonization Society. ■ December a8, 1827. * * * At the establishment of the Colonization Society, what- ever may have been intended or avowed as its object, your Com- mittee believe that they can say with truth, that the general im- pression in the southern States as to that object was, that it was limited to the removal beyond the United States of the then free people of color and their descendants, and none others. Under this impression, it at once received the sanction and countenance of many of the humane, the wise, and the patriotic among us. Auxiliary societies were formed in our own State, and the num- bers, the influence, and the resources of the Society, were daily increased. It is now ascertained that this impression was false ; and its officers, and your Committee believe the Society itself, now boldly and fearlessly avow, that its object is, and ever has been, to remove the whole colored population of the Union to another land ; and to effect this object, so wild, fanatical, and destructive in itself, they ask, that the general fund, to which the slave holding States have so largely contributed, should be ap- propriated for a purpose so especially ruinous to the prosperity, importance, and political strength, of the southern States. That the people of the south, at the time of the adoption of the Constitution, considered not only the retention, but the increase of the slave population, to be all-important to the welfare and interest of their States, is manifest from a reservation in that in- strument itself, which, it cannot be doubted, was inserted on their express requisition. * * * What was the motive of those people in insisting upon the reservation of the right to make such importation for twenty years? Unquestionably to increase that species .of population. Why increase it? Because they believed it to be essential to the improvement, welfare, and prosperity of their section of the country ; and upon the numbers of which, by another provision of the Constitution, the weight of the southern States in the general council in part depended. If such were the motive, and what other could there have been for the insertion of that reservation, can it be believed that those very people meant. 20 STATE DOCUMENTS [212 by another clause, to give to Congress the power to appropriate money out to the common fund to which they were so largely to contribute, for the purpose of again removing that very popula- tion, the right to increase which was so carefully reserved ; that they insisted upon retaining the right to import Africans, merely again, and in part at their own expense, to re-export them to the shore from whence they had been brought ! Yet such would be the effect of the constructive power contended for. Your committee cannot avoid reprobating the cold-blooded selfishness, or unthinking zeal, which actuates many of our fellow- citizens in other states, to an interference with our local concerns and domestic relations, totally unwarranted either by humanity or constitutional right. Such interference is becoming every day more determined and more alarming. It commenced with a few unthinking zealots, who formed themselves into abolition societies ; was seized upon by more cunning and designing men for political purposes ; and is now supported by more than one of the States, as it is evident from the amendments of the Con- stitution proposed by legislative bodies, and so frequently, and indeed insultingly presented for our approbation. The result of such interference, if persevered in, is awful and inevitable. The people of Georgia know and strongly feel the advantages of the federal Union. As members of that Union, they are proud of its greatness — as children born under that Union, they love it with filial affection — as parties of that Union, they will ever defend it from foes, internal or external ; but they cannot, and will not, even for the preservation of that Union, permit their rights to be assailed — they will not permit their property to be rendered worthless — they will not permit their wives and their children to be driven as wanderers into strange lands — they will not permit their country to be made waste and desolate, " by those who come among us under the cloak of a time-serving and hypocritical benevolence." But how is this increasing evil to be met and remedied? Nothing can be hoped from remonstrance — the judicial tribunals of the Union cannot reach it — our own Legis- lature can by no enactment prevent it. How, then, is this evil 213] GEORGIA ON THE COLONIZATION SOCIETY 2 1 to be remedied? Only by a firm and determined union of the people and the States of the south, declaring, through their legis- lative bodies, in a voice which must be heard, that they are ready and willing to make any sacrifice, rather than submit longer to such ruinous interference ; and warning their enemies that they are unwittingly preparing a mine, which once exploded, will lay our much-loved country in one common ruin. Your committee hope that such a calamity is yet far distant, and that there is still remaining in the Congress of the Union sufiicient discretion, in- telligence, and patriotism, to avert it altogether. With that hope, they deem it unnecessary now to do more than to recommend the adoption of the following resolutions : Resolved, by the Senate and House of Representatives of the State of Georgia, i n General Assembly met. That the Congress of the United States have no constitutional power to appropriate moneys to aid the American Colonization Society, or for objects to effect which that Society was established ; and that this Legis- lature, representing the feelings and will of the people, and the sovereignty of the State of Georgia ; in the name and in behalf of the State of Georgia, denying the right, solemnly protest against the exercise or any attempt to exercise such unconstitu- tional power, by the Congress of the United States. i|t iff ■5|f -^ ■# i|C- # And be it further resolved. That a copy of the above report and resolutions be forwarded to the Governor of each slave-holding State of the Union, with a request that the same shall be laid before the respective Legislatures, asking their concurrence in such constitutional mode, as to them shall seem best, to prevent the exercise of such power by the Congress of the United States. [Senate Doc, 20 Cong., I sess.. Ill, No. 81.] 22 STATE DOCUMENTS [214 The South on the Abolition Question. 1831-1839. The activity of the new type of Abolitionists, especially after the establish- ment of "The Liberator," Jan. i, 1831, and the excitement caused by the Nat. Turner insurrection in Southampton County, Virginia, in Aug., 1831, com- bined to arouse general apprehension throughout the South. (For insurrec- tion, see Higginson in Atlantic Monthly, VIII, 173-187; Williams, History of the Negro Race in America, II, 85-92.) Already in the Virginia Constitu- tional Convention of 1829, the subject of emancipation and of slave represen- tation had been discussed. {Proceedings and Debates of the Virginia State Convention of i82g-30, passim; Thorpe, Const. Hist. Amer. People, I, chs. xiv, yy, passim.) In view of the recent insurrection, the Virginia Legislature of 1831-32, discussed gradual emancipation and colonization as remedies, and the institution of slavery was severely condemned by several of the speakers. (See speeches of Philip A. Boiling, Thomas Marshall, John A. Chandler, Henry Berry, Thomas J. Randolph, and James M'Dowell, Jr., in the House of Delegates. Each printed separately [Richmond, 1832]; A'iVw, XLIII, 23; Wilson, I, ch. xiv; Curtis, II, 250-253; Von Hoist, II, 90-95.) But a reac- tion set in and no legislation of this character followed. Gov. Floyd of Va. in his message, Dec. 6, 1831, charged the recent insurrec- tion as being instigated by the Abolitionists. {Niles, XLI, 350, 351.) The accusation was repeated in other states. See message of Governor of La. {Ibid., 314, 315.) Georgia appropriated $5,000 for the arrest and trial of the editor of "The Liberator." {Acts of Ga., 1831, 255. For similar action of Miss, see Niles, XLIX, 39.) The Legislature of Alabama appears to have been the first to adopt a report and resolutions, Jan. 21, 1832, relative "to the suppression of publications of an incendiary nature in other States." {Act of Ala., 1831-32, ii6, 117.) The establishment of the American Anti-Slavery Society in 1833, the con- tinued efforts of the Abolitionists to circulate their publications in the South, and the increase in the number of petitions for the abolition of slavery in the District of Columbia led to a general demand on the part of the South for the suppression of abolition publications and societies. Already during the sum- mer of 1835 ^^ rifling of the mails at Charleston, S. C, and the remarkable correspondence of Postmaster-General Kendall had aroused national interest. {Niles, XL VIII, 447, 448; XLIX, 7-9.) President Jackson in his message of Dec. 2, 1835, recommended legislation to prohibit the circulation through the mails of incendiary publications. (Richardson, III, 175, 176.) A bill reported by Calhoun was defeated in the Senate, apparently on constitutional grounds by a vote of 25 to 19. (See Report and Speech of Calhoun, Works, II, 509-533; V, 190-208.) The Governors of several of the Southern States devoted a large part of 215] "^^^ SOUTH ON THE ABOLITION QUESTION 23 their annual messages of 1835 '° ^^^ Abolitionists. For the celebrated mes- sage of Gov. McDuffie of S. C, see your, of the General Assembly, 1835, 4-'°; reprinted in Amer. Hist. Leqflets,'Ho. 10; Message of 1836, your, of General Assembly, 1836, 9-12; Gov. Gayle of Ala., your, of Alabama Bouse of Rep., 1835, 12-14; reprinted in Gulf States Hist. Mag., 11, z^'^^.; for documents in connection vfith the demand for the. extradition of Robert G. Williams, editor of "The Emancipator," and the refusal of Gov. Marcy of N. Y., see Ibid., 28, 29; Miles, XLIX, 290, 358-360; Messages of Govs. Schley of Ga., and Swain of N. C, are in A'iles, XLIX, 187, 228. The Legislatures of seven of the states during the session of 1835-36, adopted reports and resolutions vigorously protesting, and demanding Northern legislation. Those of South Carolina, Dec. 16, are given as typical. Acts and Res. of S. C, 1835, 26-28; North Carolina, Dec. 19, Acts of N. C. Sess. ofiSsSt 119-121 ; Georgia, Dec. 22, Acts of Ga., 1835, .297-300; Alabama, Jan. 9, Acts of Ala., 1835-36, 174, 175; Senate Doc, 24 Cong. I sess., II, No. 124; Virginia, Feb. 16, Acts of Va , l83S-36> 395> 396; Senate Doc, III, No. 233; Mississippi, Feb. 27 ; Laws of Mississippi, '^an.-Fsh., 1839, 101-103; Kentucky, March i. Acts of Ky., '835-36, 683-686; Senate Doc, III, No. 249. The texts of all the above are in the your, of the Senate of Penna., 1835-36, II; several are also in Niles, XLIX, 245, 309, 318, 319, 362, 363. Later resolutions were passed by Louisiana, Feb. 20, 1837, Acts of La., 1837, 18, ig, and by Missouri, Feb. 12, 1839, Laws of Mo., 1838-39, 337, 338. The former proposed "a conven- tion composed of delegates of the slave-holding States," " to enquire into and determine on the best possible means to obtain ' peaceably if they can, forci- bly if they must,' that respect for their institutions to which they are entitled by the positive enactments of the Federal compact, and by the stronger law of self-preservation." General references: Channing and Hart, Guide, §§ 187, 188; Von Hoist, II, ch. ii; Wilson, I, esp. chs. xiii, xiv, xxiv; Greeley, I, 107-117, 122-125; Burgess, ch. xi; McMaster, VI, ch. Ivi; Schouler, IV, 203-224; Benton, Thirty Years' View, I, 576-588, 609,610; Garrison, C?a>'?-W£)«, I, chs. vii, viii, ix, xii, xiv; II, ch. ii; Schurz, Clay, II, 69-78; Von Hoist, Calhoun, 134-150; Smith, I, 41-45; Jay, Misc. Writings, 125 et seq.; Hart, Contemporaries, III, Nos. 169, 174, 175, 180; Goodell, Slavery and Anti-Slavery, 4:3, 414; Bryant and Gay, United States, IV, ch. xiii. 24 STATE DOCUMENTS [216 J 08. Resolutions of South Carolina. December 16, 1835. ******** The present condition of the slave question in the states of this confederacy, presents one of the most extraordinary spectacles which, your committee will venture to assert, has ever challanged the notice of the civilized world. We see sovereign states united by a common league, in about one-half of which states the insti- tution of slavery not only exists, but its legal existence is solemnly recognized and guaranteed by their compact of union. Yet in the face of this compact, and the clear and distinct admission that the non-slaveholding states have not the slightest right, either constitutionally or otherwise, to interfere with this institution, the most incendiary associations are tolerated or permitted to exist within their limits, the object and ends of which not only strike at the prosperity and happiness of eleven states in the confeder- acy, but at their very social existence. Painful as it may be, it is impossible to disguise the fact, that this is a condition of things which cannot, in the long run, be permitted to exist. Every wise instinct of self-preservation for- bids it. Let it be admitted, that the three millions of free white inhabitants in the slave-holding states are amply competent to hold in secure and pacific subjection the two millions of slaves, which, by the inscrutable dispensations of Providence, have been placed under our dominion. Let it be admitted, that, by reason of an efficient police and judicious internal legislation, we may render abortive the designs of the fanatic and incendiary within our own limits, and that the torrent of pamphlets and tracts which the abolition presses of the north are pouring forth with an inexhausti- ble copiousness, is arrested the moment it reaches our frontier. Are we to wait until our enemies have built up, by the grossest misrepresentations and falsehoods, a body of public opinion against us, which it would be almost impossible to resist, without separating ourselves from the social system of the rest of the civilized world ? Or are we to sit down content, because from our own vigilance and courage the torch of the incendiary and 217] RESOLUTIONS OF SOUTH CAROLINA 2$ the dagger of the midnight assassin may never be applied ? This is impossible. No people can live in a state of perpetual excite- ment and apprehension, although real danger may be long de- ferred. Such a condition of the public mind is destructive of all social happiness, and consequently must prove essentially injuri- ous to the prosperity of a community that has the weakness to suffer under a perpetual panic. This would be true, if the causes of this excitement proceeded from the external hostility of a foreign nation. But how infinitely interesting and momentous the consideration becomes, when they flow from the acts and doings of citizens of states, with whom we are not only in amity, but to whom we are bound by the strongest bonds of common union, which was framed to promote the happiness, peace, security, and protection of all. We have, therefore, a claim on the governments of the non- slave-holding states, not only moral and social, but of indispensible constitutional obligation, that this nuisance shall be abated. They not only owe it to us, but they owe it to themselves, to that union, at whose shrine they have so often offered up the highest pledges by which man can plight his temporal faith. * * * * Your committee are aware, that it has been said, that no legis- lation can be adapted to arrest the proceedings of the abolition- ists by the non-slaveholding states, without violating the great principles of the liberty of the press. We consider that this objection rests on no just foundation. There is certainly some difference between the freedom of discussion, and the liberty to deluge a friendly and coterminous state with seditious and incen- diary tracts, pamphlets and pictorial representations, calculated to excite a portion of its population to revolt, rapine and blood- shed. We would fain believe, that the northern liberty of the press, would never be construed into a liberty, to lay the south in ashes. Under a law honestly passed to meet this crime against society, and treason against the Union, the whole circumstances of the case, and the quo animo of the offender might be left to a jury to determine like any other criminal issue, and if we are to believe in the condition of public opinion, as recently exhibited in most of the non-slaveholding state?, we are far from thinking that such leeislation would be a mere dead letter. 26 STATE DOCUMENTS [2 1 8 South Carolina will not anticipate the crisis, which must be presented by a refusal on the part of the non-slaveholding states,, to accord to us the protection of such legislation, or such other means, as they may select for the suppression of the evils of which we complain, for she will not doubt the good faith and amity of her sister states. She desires to live in peace and harmony in this Union. In the assertion of her rights and in preferring her claims to be secure in the enjoyment of her property, under the compact, she desires to act in entire concert with those states, whose interests are identical with her own. She is, however, prepared to do her duty to herself and posterity, under all and every possible conjuncture of circumstances. In conclusion, your committee, desirous of making a matter of record, both of our rights, and the assertion of the just expecta- tion that they will be respected by those who are united with us in the bonds of a common union, beg leave to offer the following resolutions, for the adoption of both branches of the Legislature. 1. Resolved, That the formation of the abolition societies, and the acts and doings of certain fanatics, calling themselves aboli- tionists, in the non-slaveholding states of this confederacy, are in direct violation of the obligations of the compact of union, dis- social, and incendiary in the extreme. 2. Resolved, That no state having a just regard for her own peace and security can acquiesce in a state of things by which such conspiracies are engendered within the limits of a friendly state, united to her by the bonds of a common league of political association, without either surrendering or compromitting her most essential rights. 3. Resolved, That the Legislature of South Carolina, having every confidence in the justice and friendship of the non-slave- holding states, announces to her co-states her confident expecta- tion, and she earnestly requests that the governments of these states will promptly and effectually suppress all those associations within their respective limits, purporting to be abolition societies, and that they will make it highly penal to print, publish and dis- tribute newspapers, pamphlets, tracts and pictorial representations calculated and having an obvious tendency to excite the slaves of tVip sniithprn states to insurrection and revolt. 219] RESOLUTIONS OF SOUTH CAROLINA 27 4. Resolved, That, regarding the domestic slavery of the south- ern states as a subject exclusively within the control of each of the said states, we shall consider every interference, by any other state or the general government, as a direct and unlawful inter- ference, to be resisted at once, and under every possible circum- stance. 5. Resolved, In order that a salutary negative may be put on the mischievous, and unfounded assumption of some of the abolitionists — the non-slaveholding states are requested to disclaim by legislative declaration, all right, either on the part of them- selves or the government of the United States, to interfere in any manner with domestic slavery, either in the states, or in the territories where it exists. 6. Resolved, That we should consider the abolition of slavery in the District of Columbia, as a violation of the rights of the citizens of that District, derived from the implied conditions on which that territory was ceded to the general government, and as an usurpation to be at once resisted as nothing more than the commencement of a scheme of much more extensive and flagrant injustice. 7. Resolved, That the legislature of South Carolina, regards with decided approbation, the measures of security adopted by the Post Office Department of the United States, in relation to the transmission of incendiary tracts. But if this highly essential and protective policy, be counteracted by congress, and the United States mail becomes a vehicle for the transmission of the mischievous documents, with which it was recently freighted, we, in this contingency, expect that the Chief Magistrate of our state, will forthwith call the legislature together, that timely measures may be taken to prevent its traversing our territory. [Resolutions of transmission.] \^Acts and Resolutions of South Carolina, Dec. 183^, 26-28.] 28 STATE DOCUMENTS [220 Reply of the Northern States. 1836-1839. The Governors of several of the Northern States commented favorably upon these resolutions, especially Governors Marcy, of New York, and Everett, of Mass., in their messages of January, 1836. (Greeley, I, IZ4; Resolves 0/ Mass., 1835-36, 296-298.) Gov. Ritner, of Pennsylvania, alone took an un- compromising stand for freedom of speech and the press. (^Papers of the Governor, VI, 250, 290-292.) None of the states enacted the legislation de- sired, but a fevi^ passed resolutions similar to the foUovping adopted by New York. See Laws of Ohio, Local, 1835-36,657; Reports and Resolutions of Maine, 1836, 47-50; Laws of New Hamp., 1836-37, 228, 229; Laws ofLnd., 1838-39, 353; Senate Doc, 25 Cong., 3 sess.. Ill, No. 209; Niles, LVI, 15, 66; LVII, 378. In contrast to these, Vermont, Nov. 16, 1836, asserted "that neither Congress nor the state governments have any constitutional right to abridge the full expression of opinions or the transmission of them through the public mail." Acts of Vt., 1836, 44; Niles, LI, 210. Also seeposi, p. 221. 109. New York in Reply to the South. May 23, 1836. Resolved unanimously, That the views and sentiments contained in the late annual message of the governor of this state, recogniz- ing the constitutional right ■ of the several states of the union, to regulate and control within their own limits, the relations of master and slave, and to continue or abolish the same as the governments of those states may respectively deem consistent with their duty, safety and welfare, meet the full and cordial concurrence of this legislature. Resolved, That the people of this state, by responding with un- exampled unanimity, to those views and sentiments, and mani- festing their determination to abstain from, and to discountenance those political agitations and public discussions of the subject of domestic slavery, which were calculated to produce an exciting, an improper and a pernicious influence within the limits of other states, have given to the Union stronger guarantees than law could furnish, and rendered present legislation upon the subject by their representatives unnecessary and inexpedient. [Resolu- tion of transmission.] [Zaaj of New York, 1836. Sli, 8x2.] 22 1 ] SLAVERY IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA 29 Slavery in the District of Columbia and the Right of Petition. 1836-1844. As early as Jan. 23, 1829, the legislature of Penna. had adopted resolutions for the passage of a law to abolish slavery'in the District of Columbia {Laws of Penna., 1828-29, 371, 372; Niles, XXXV, 363. Vote, House, 81 to 8; Senate, 24 to 4) , and the New York Assembly had passed the measure in the same year. (Jay, 160, 215,) The subject was debated in Congress, in 1829, and the Committee on the District reported adversely. (^Debates of Cong., 20 Cong., 2 sess., 167, 175-187, 191 ; Reports of Commillees, No. 60.) No further resolutions from the Northern States on this subject appear until the denial of the right in the resolutions of the Southern States in 1835-36. Ante, p. 214. Vermont led the way in reasserting this right of Congress in connection with her declaration on the freedom of the mails. Ante, p. 220. The increase in the number of petitions on this subject finally led to both houses of Congress adopting rules or practices restricting the right of petition for the abolition of slavery daring the period 1836-1844. These so-called " g^g rules " not only caused a great increase in the petitions, but also called out resolutions from the legislatures of several of the Northern States protest- ing against the " gag rules," and either asserting the right or praying for the abolition of slavery in the District, as follows : 1837, Mass., Vt.; 1838, Mass., Ct., Vt.; 1839, Vt. : 1840, N. Y., Mass.; 1842 and 1843, Vt. Acts of Vermont, 1836, 53; Ibid., 1837, 1°^; Ibid., 1838, 23; Ibid., 1839, 20; Ibid., 1841, 33; Ibid., 1842, 97; Res. of Mass., 1835-38, 559, 560, 734-736, 742-743; Ibid., 1839-42, 262, 264; Res. and Private Acts of Conn., 1838, 24-26; House Ex. Doc, 25 Cong., 2 sess., X, Nos. 408 and 415; Laws of New York, 1840, 349; Niks, LIT, 87, 150; LIII, 296, 297, 324; LIV, 236; LV, 351. The resolu- tions of Mass. of 1837 and New York of 1840, as typical of this class, are given below. Great excitement and an extended debate was caused by the presentation of the Vermont resolution in the Senate in Dec, 1837. See Calhoun's reso- lution and speech, Cong. Globe, 25 Cong., 2 sess., 39, 55, 107-109; Works, III, 140-202; also earlier speeches on abolition petitions and defence of slavery. Works, II, 465-490, 625-633. For the speech of Slade, of Vt., in the House, and " the secession " of the southern members, Dec. 20, 1837, see Cong. Globe, 41, 45, 46; Adams, Memoirs, IX, 450-455. The legislature of Louisi- ana adopted resolutions, Jan. 9, 1838, thanking "that portion of the southern delegation who withdrew from the floor of Congress rather than suffer in their presence a debate on the abolition of slavery in the south." Acts of La., 1838, 14, 15. Ohio, Feb. 12, 1842, adopted resolutions censuring J. Q. Adams for presenting the Haverhill petition, but rescinded the same, Feb. 27, 1845. Laws of Ohio, 1841-42, 213; Ibid., 1844-45, 444. General References: Tremain, Slavery in the District of Columbia, ch. iv; 30 STATE DOCUMENTS [222 Von Hoist, II, 235-291, 467-484; Wilson, I, chs. xxiii, xxv, xxvl, xxviii, xxx, passim; Greeley, I, 142-147; Burgess, 252-270; McMaster, VI, chs. Ix; Schouler, IV, 224-229, 296-302, 423-427; Benton, I, 609-623; Morse, y. Q. Adams, 243-289; Von Hoist, Calhoun, 165-180; Jenkins, Calhoun, 328-336, 379-385; Peck, The Jacksonian Epoch, 373-391; Lalor, III, 167-169; Jay, 347-351; 379-408; Bryant & Gay, IV, 339-340. no. Resolutions of the Legislature of Massachusetts. April 12, 1837. Whereas, the house of representatives of the United States, in the month of January, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty-seven, did adopt a resolution, whereby it was ordered that all petitions, memorials, resolutions, propositions or papers, relating in any way, or to any extent whatever, to the sub- ject of slavery, or to the aboHtion of slavery, without being either printed or referred, should be laid upon the table, and that no further action whatever should be had thereon; and whereas, such a disposition of petitions, then or thereafter to be received, was a virtual denial of the right itself; and whereas, by the reso- lution aforesaid, which was adopted by a standing rule of the aforesaid house of representatives, the petitions of a large number of the people of this Commonwealth, praying for the removal of a great social, moral and political evil, have been slighted and contemned : therefore. Resolved, That the resolution above named is an assumption of power and authority at variance with the spirit and intent of the constitution of the United States, and injurious to the cause of freedom and free institutions ; that it does violence to the in- herent, absolute and inalienable rights of man ; and that it tends essentially to impair those fundamental principles of natural justice and natural law which are antecedent to any written con- stitutions of government, independent of them all, and essential to the security of freedom in a state.' •The Massachusetts resolutions of March 21, 1840, characterized the prac- tice of the Senate as " a procedure not less despotic, in effect, than the uncon- stitutional rule adopted by the House." 223] NEW YORK ON THE RIGHT OF PETITION 31 Resolved, That our senators and representatives in Congress, in maintaining and advocating the full right of petition, have entitled themselves to the cordial approbation of the people of this Commonwealth. Resolved, That Congress, having exclusive legislation in the District of Columbia, possess the right to aboUsh slavery in the said District, and that its exercise should only be restrained by a regard to the public good. \_Resolves of Massachusetts, 1835-38, 559, 560.] III. Resolutions of New York on the Rights of Pe- tition. February 16, 1840. Resolved, That the vote and decision of the house of rep- resentatives of the United States, on the twenty-eighth day of January last, by which that house refused to receive there- after, or in any manner act upon, any petition relating to slavery in the United States, are, in the opinion and judgment of this legislature, a denial of the common right of any and every citizen of this country to be heard by their representatives upon any and every subject upon which they may think proper respectfully to address them, and are, moreover, a violation of the common and natural right of every human being to address his prayers for aid to those who have the power to afford protection and relief; and an open and direct infringement of the constitution of the United States, and of the principles of the declaration of inde- pendence. Resolved, That this legislature has seen with deep regret, that certain representatives from the state of New York, voted with the majority for the adoption of the rule of the house of repre- sentatives, by which the right of petition is denied, and without whose votes the rule aforesaid could not have been adopted. \_Laws of New York,\%^o. 349.] 32 STATE DOCUMENTS [224 Annexation of Texas. 1837-1845. The resolutions relating to the annexation of Texas fall into the two periods of this movement, namely, 1837-38 and 1841-45. In the first period the fol- lowing Southern States passed resolutions in favor: Kentucky, Jan. 24, 1837; South Carolina, Dec. 19, 1837; Alabama, Dec. 25, 1837; Tennessee, Jan. 20, 1838, while several of the Northern States adopted resolutions against, viz: Vermont, Nov. I, 1837, Oct. sess. 1838; Rhode Island, Oct. sess. 1837; Ohio, Feb. 23, 1838; Massachusetts, March 16, 1838; Michigan, April 2, 1838; Conn., May sess. 1838. Those of Vermont of 1837, Alabama and Miss- issippi, are given as typical of the two classes. With the revival of the move- ment in 1841-42, Vermont again led the opposition, in which it was joined in the years 1842-45 by the legislatures of Mass., Conn., Ohio, N. J., Del. and R. I., while Alabama, Tenn., Miss., S. C, Mo. and La., zealously advocated annexation, and this project received the endorsement of Maine, New Hamp- shire and 111. Several of the legislatures repeatedly adopted resolutions in advocacy of their position. Those of South Carolina and Mass. follow. An address warning the country of the revival of the project of annexation was issued March 3, 1843, by thirteen anti-slavery members of the 27th Con- gress. It quoted from a significant report of the legislature of Mississippi, given below.' {Niles, LXIV, 173, 174; Greeley, I, 157, 158.) For popular movement in favor of " Texas or Disunion," and a Southern Convention in parts of the South in 1844-45, ^^^ Niles, LXVI and LXVII Index under " Southern Convention." References : For text of resolutions see Session Laws of the several States, also the Senate Doc, and the House Exec. Doc, for the following Congresses, 25 Cong. 2 sess., 27 Cong. 2 sess., 28 Cong. I sess., 28 Cong. 2 sess., 29 Cong. I sess. Niles, LXVII, 278, 281, 282, 346, 371. Channing and Hart, Guide, § 193; MacDonald, 343-346; Von Hoist, II, ch. vii; III, ch. iii; Wilson, I, chs. xlii-xlv; Greeley, I, 147-175; Burgess, chs. xiii, xv; Benton, II, chs. 24, 135, 138-142, 148; McMaster, VI, ch. Ix; Schouler, IV, 303-307, 440-459, 476-487; Garrison, Garrison, III, ch. v; Tyler, Tyler, chs. ix-xii; Von Hoist, Calhoun,ch. viii; Thorpe, United States, II, 415-420; Thorpe, Avier. People, I, 336-340, notes; GtstXty, Slavery Extension or Jiestriction, ^1-44; Rhodes, I. 75-85- ^ This report has not been found in any official document. From the context it would ap- pear to have been drawn in 1837-38; if so, it was not adopted by the legislature as no resolves on Texas are given in the Latvs of Miss., until Feb. 25, 1842. This report may have been prepared in 1842, but no report is published with these resolves. Laws of Miss. y 1842, 257; Senate Doc, 27 Cong.j a sess., IV, No. 277. 22 5 J MISSISSIPPI ON ANNEXATION OF TEXAS 33 1X2. Resolution of Vermont. November i, 1837. 1. Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives, That our Senators in Congress be instructed, and our Representatives be requested to use their influence in that body to prevent the annexation of Texas to the Union. 2. Resolved, That representing as we do the People of Ver- mont, we do, hereby, in their name, solemnly protest against such annexation in any form. 3. Resolved, That as the Representatives of the People of Ver- mont, we do solemnly protest against- the admission into this Union, of any State whose constitution tolerates domestic slavery. 4. Resolved, That Congress have full power by the constitution, to abolish slavery and the slave trade in the District of Columbia and in the Territories of the United States. 5. Resolved, That our Senators in Congress be instructed and our Representatives requested to present the foregoing Report and Resolutions to their respective Houses in Congress, and to use their influence to carry the same speedily into effect. \_Acts of Vermont, Oct, Session, 1837, ^•~\ 113. Report of the Legislature of Mississippi on Annexation of Texas. Session of 1837.' * * * But we hasten to suggest the importance of the an- nexation of Texas to this republic upon grounds somewhat local in their complexion, but of an import infinitely grave and interest- ing to the people who inhabit the Southern portion of this con- federacy, where it is known that a species of domestic slavery is tolerated and protected by law, whose existence is prohibited by the legal regulations of other states of this confederacy ; which system of slavery is held by all, who are familiarly acquainted with its practical effects, to be of highly beneficial infltience to the country within whose limits it is permitted to exist. ' See note ante, p. 224. 34 STATE DOCUMENTS [226 The Committee feel authorized to say that this system is cher- ished by our constitutents as the very palladium of their prosper- ity and happiness ; and, whatever ignorant fanatics may elsewhere conjecture, the Committee are fully assured, upon the most dilligent observation and reflection upon the subject, that the south does not possess within her limits a blessing with which the affections of her people are so closely entwined and so completely enfibered, and whose value is more highly appreciated, than that which we are now considering. * * * It may not be improper here to remark that, during the last session of Congress, when a Senator from Mississippi proposed the acknowledgment of Texan independence, it was found with few exceptions, the members of that body were ready to take ground upon it as upon the subject of slavery itself. » » * We sincerely hope there is enough good sense and genuine love of country among our fellow-countrymen of the Northern States to secure us final justice on this subject; yet we can not consider it safe or expedient for the people of the South to entirely disregard the efforts of the fanatics, and the efforts of such men as Webster', and others who countenance such danger- ous doctrines. The northern states have no interests of their own which re- quire any special safeguards for their defense, save only their domestic manufacture ; and God knows they have already re- ceived protections from the government on a most liberal scale ; under which encouragement they have improved and flourished beyond example. The South has very peculiar interests to pre- serve, — interests already violently assailed and boldly threatened. Your Committee are fully persuaded that this protection to her best interests will be afforded by the annexation of Texas; an equipoise of influence in the halls of Congress will be secured, which will furnish us a permanent guarantee of protection. \_NiUs' Register, LXIV, 173, 174.] 'In a part of the report omitted reference had been made to Wehster'i speech in New York, March 15, 1837. See Works, I, 354-357. 22;] RESOLUTIONS OF ALABAMA 35 114. Preamble and Resolutions of Alabama. December 25, 1837. The General Assembly of the State of Alabama have witnessed, with feelings of deep mortification, the course pursued by a few citizens of the United States, in opposition to the admission of the republic of Texas into the Federal Union. Professing, as we have, friendship for civil liberty, and a devo- tion to the holy cause of freedom in every clime, it was to have been hoped that no voice would be heard among us, to rebuke an application from Texas for admission into this boasted asylum from oppression. * « * As far as it can be brought to bear upon the question in a con- stitutional or political point of view, precedents are not wanting, if justice could require or yield to precedent, which will sustain fully the advocates of the annexation of Texas. We refer to the acquisition of Louisiana, during the administration of Mr. Jeffer- son, and to the still more recent annexation of Florida, during the administration of Mr. Monroe. The inhabitants of those countries were not admitted into the Union at their own sohcita- tion, but without their formal consent ; they were purchased of their royal and imperial masters with our common treasure, and, together with their soil, their rehgion, their language, their household goods, were brought within the pale of our General Government. How different, in many respects, is the case with the republic of Texas ? Upon the unanimous application of her brave and chivalrous citizens, who may be said to be " bone of our bone, and flesh of our fiesh," she seeks, " without money and without price," from us, to obtain shelter and protection under the ample folds of our Federal banner. Is there, in the whole length and breadth of our land, a friend of liberty, a lover of justice, or even a mere philan- thropist, who can hesitate for one moment in the decision of this question? There are some, it is to be apprehended and regretted, who view this subject alone through the dim and deceptive medium of sectional party feelings. We cannot consent to be influenced by such sordid and circumscribed motives. • * * 36 STATE DOCUMENTS [228 The solid and everlasting foundation on which our political fathers sought to establish justice, to insure domestic peace, to form a perfect Union of our States, and to perpetuate the bless- ings of liberty to themselves and their posterity, was a well-regu- lated balance of governmental and territorial power. Since the formation of the constitution, the northeast, the north, and the northwest have increased more rapidly in numerical power of States and population, then the south and southwest. It needs but a glance at the map to satisfy the most superficial observer, that an over-balance is produced by the extreme northeast, which as regards territory, would be happily corrected and couter-balanced by the annexation of Texas. And when it is recollected, too, that the very territory which it is now proposed to acquire, was once within the scope of a just claim of our Gen- eral Government, extending to the Rio del Norte, and that it was bartered for a mess of porridge by a prime-mover of the present opposition to its re-acquisition,^ there remains no pretext for a subterfuge, under which the adversaries of annexation can hope to disguise the covert designs which, there is much reason to fear, prompted the exchange of our claims in Texas for the unappropriated portions of Florida, consisting mainly of barren sands and poisonous everglades. » * » 1. Be it resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the State of Alabama in General Assembly convened, That the overture on the part of the republic of Texas, for annexation to the United States of America, ought to be met by the Federal authorities in the most friendly manner, and should be accepted as soon as it can be done without a violation of our honor as a nation, or any principle of international law. 2. And be it further resolved, That our Senators in Congress be instructed, and our Representatives requested, to urge and sus- tain the foregoing views on all proper occasions. \_Acts of Alabama, 1837, 129-131.] ' This refers to John Quincy Adams, but the charge of course was groundless. 229] MASSACHUSETTS ON ANNEXATION OF TEXAS 37 115. South Carolina Declares Annexation Essential. December 18, 1844. Resolved, That the State of South Carolina takes the deepest interest in the annexation of Texas to this Federal Union, because we believe it essential to preserve the peace and permanent inde- pendence of the Confederacy, and must result in advancing prosperity of the whole country. Resolved, That collateral issues, which have arisen in the pro- gress of the Texas negotiations, by the official communication of Lord Aberdeen to the Federal Government, dated December 26, 1843,^ in which he announces that Great Britain desires, and is constantly exerting herself to procure the "general abolition of slavery throughout the world," are of such a nature as to make the annexation of Texas a vital and permanent question to the people of South Carolina. Resolved, That we look with confidence to the recent election of a Republican President and Vice-President as giving us a guar- antee that all the constitutional powers of the government will be exerted to secure the immediate annexation of that Republic. \_Acts and Resolutions of South Carolina, 1844, 187.] Massachusetts' Opposition to the Annexation of Texas. 1843-1845. The state of Massachusetts took a very prominent part in opposing the an- nexation project. It passed resolves March 17, 1843, March 15, 1844, Feb. 22, and March 26, 1845. (^Acts and Res. of Mass., 1843-45, ^8, 319, 320, 558- 599, 651-653.) The two series which are given below are of especial interest as presenting a view similar to that taken by the same state in opposition to the annexation of Louisiana in 1803, and again in 181 1-13 {Ante, pp. 65-68), as well as for their strong assertion of state rights. A similar constitutional position was taken by the Legislatures of Vt., Ohio, Del. and Conn, at this same time, and Maryland declared that annexation by joint resolution would be a flagrant violation of the Constitution on the very day that measure was approved, March i, 1845. (_Acts and Res. of Vt., Oct. sess., 1845, 36; Laws of Ohio, 1844-45, 437; ^"'^^ of Del., 1845, 90, 91; Res. and Private act of ' See Calhoun's reply to this communication, Works, V, 333-339. 38 STATE DOCUMENTS [23O Conn., May sess., 1845, "'> -^""'■f »/ M<^-i 1844-45, R^^. No. 25. See C. F. Adams, Texas and the Mass. Resolutions. An Anti-Texas Convention was held in Mass. Jan. 29, 1845, ■A'V/«j, LXVII, 363-367; also another in the fall of 1845. /W(/., LIX, 178; Wilson, I, 622, ch. xlv. 116. Massachusetts on the Annexation of Texas. March 15, 1844. 1. Resolved, That the power to unite an independent foreign state with the United States is not among the powers delegated to the general government by the constitution of the United States. 2. Resolved, That the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, faith- ful to the compact between the people of the United States, according to the plain meaning and intent in which it was under- stood and acceded to by them, is sincerely anxious for its preser- vation, but that it is determined, as it doubts not the other states are, to submit to undelegated powers in no body of men on earth;' That the project of the annexation of Texas, unless arrested on the threshhold, may tend to drive these states into a dissolution of the union, and will furnish new calumnies against republican governments of exposing the gross contradiction of a people professing to be free, and yet seeking to extend and per- petuate the subjection of their slaves. [Resolutions of transmission.] \_Acts and Resolves of Massachusetts, 1844. 319.] 117. Massachusetts Denies the Legality of the Admission of Texas. March 26, 1845. Whereas, The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has, through her Legislature, with great unanimity, in the years one thousand eight hundred and forty-three, and forty-four, and forty-five, solemnly and strenuously protested against the admission, by the federal government, of the foreign nation of Texas, as a State, 1 Quoted from the Kentucky Resolutions of 1708. 231] MASSACHUSETTS ON ADMISSION OF TEXAS 39 into the Union, because the act would be in direct viola- tion of the Constitution of the United States, and because it would perpetuate the slavery of a portion of mankind in America, and because it would extend the unequal rule of representation, by federal numbers, over a new region never within the contem- plation of those who consented to its establishment, at the time of the formation of the Constitution : and whereas, the consent of the executive and legislative departments of the government of the United States has been given, by a resolution passed on the twenty-seventh day of February last, to the adoption of prelimin- ary measures to accomplish this nefarious project : Therefore, be it Resolved, That Massachusetts hereby refuses to acknowledge the act of the government of the United States, authorizing the admission of Texas, as a legal act, in any way binding her from using her utmost exertions in cooperation with other States, by every lawful and constitutional measure, to annual its conditions, and defeat its accomplishment. Resolved, That the annexation of a large slaveholding territory, at the will of the government of the United States, with the de- clared intention of giving strength to the institution of domestic slavery in these states, is an alarming encroachment upon the rights of the freemen of the Union, a perversion of the principles of republican government, a deliberate assault upon the compro- mises of the Constitution, and demands the strenuous, united and persevering opposition of all persons, without distinction, who claim to be the friends of human liberty. Resolved, That the right to hold men as slaves was conceded by the Constitution of the United States to be a matter exclusively belonging to those States in which that right was acknowledged, upon the understanding, however, that the power which it gives, should be exercised strictly within those limits, but now that it arrogates the control of millions of freemen living beyond them, and puts at hazard the predominance of the principles of liberty in America, it justifies the adoption on their part, of a systematic policy of counteraction, by lawful and constitutional means, even though that policy should ultimately bring on the downfall of slavery itself. 40 STATE DOCUMENTS [232 Resolved, That the Constitution of the United States was framed in order to protect a people of freemen, and perpetuate the bless- ings of liberty to them and posterity, and that Massachusetts will cooperate with any, or all, of the free States of the Union, in an honest endeavor, by lawful means, to restore it in every case where it has been perverted from the fulfillment of its original and noble purpose. Resolved, That no territory hereafter applying to be admitted to the Union, as a State, should be admitted without a condition that domestic slavery should be utterly extinguished within its borders, and Massachusetts denies the validity of any compromise whatsoever, that may have been, or that hereafter may be, entered into by persons in the government of the Union, intended to pre- clude the future application of such a condition by the people acting through their representatives in the Congress of the United States. [Resolutions of transmission.] \_Acts and Resolves of Massachwetts, 1843-1845. 651-653.] Inter-State Controversies. Georgia — Maine and Virginia — New York. I 837-1 843. In two cases the refusal of the Governors of Northern States to honor re- quisitions from the executives of Southern States for persons charged with " slave-stealing " created great excitement and general protest in the South. The first, between Georgia and Maine, occurred in 1837, the second, between Virginia and New York, in 1839. For the correspondence of Governors Scheley of Ga., and Dunlap of Me., see Senate Doc, 26 Cong., I sess., V, No. 273, Niles, LIII, 71, 72; LV, 356. The refusal of the Governor of Maine to comply with the requisition led the Legislature of Georgia, Dec. 25, 1837, '° call upon the Legislature of Maine to redress the grievance. {Acts of Ga., 1837, 282-287.) Their failure to do so led Georgia to adopt a memorial to Congress, Dec. 24, 1839, declaring that " To this generation has been reserved the humiliating spectacle of a sovereign State making herself a city of refuge for fugitive felons from her sister confederates." They pronounced the ex- isting laws inadequate, and proposed amending them so as to require the Federal Judges and Marshals to cause the arrest and delivery of fugitives from 233] INTER-STATE CONTROVERSIES 4I justice and service. {Acts of Ga., 1839, 229-231 ; Senate Jour., 26 Cong., i sess., 235, 236; Niles LVIII, 27.) New Jersey expressed its view on the obliga- tion to carry out the law, Niles, LVI, 215, Acts of N. J., 1838-39, 242. In the meantime a second controversy had arisen owing to the refusal of Gov. Seward of N. Y., to honor the requisition from Virginia. (For Seward's correspondence with Va., 1839-4:, and messages see Works, II, 385, 390, 413) 449-516.) The Virginia Legislature thereupon adopted an elaborate re- port and resolutions, March 17, 1840, extracts from which follow. (^Acts of Va., 1839-40, 155-169.) Seward declining to reverse his decision, and New York having passed a law granting trial by jury to fugitive slaves, (^Laws of N. Y., 1840, 174.) Virginia retaliated March 13, 1841, by passing an in- spection law entitled, " An act to prevent citizens of New York from carrying slaves out of the Commonwealth," etc. (Acts of Va., 1840-41; jg-Sz). Her Executive, Gov. Gilmer refused to surrender a forger to New York until Seward would honor his requisition for the slave- stealers, thereupon the Leg- islature of Va. condemned the action of the Governor and he resigned. (/Hit, 157, 158; JVi/es, LX, 55, 68-70, 150-152.) The Whig Legislature of New York sustained Seward, but April II, 1842, the Legislature being Democratic, passed resolutions in disapproval of his position (Laws of N. Y., 1842, 419), which Seward refused to transmit. ( Works, II, 432-435.) These two controversies called out resolutions from the other Southern States pledging their support to Georgia and Virginia in the maintenance of their rights. Those of South Carolina and Mississippi are given as representa- tive. South Carolina, Dec. 17, 1 841, also passed an inspection law directed against New York, similar to that of Virginia. (Act of S. C, 1841, 149- 152; Niles, LXI, 372.) The resolutions of the other states were adopted as follows: Alabama, Feb. 2, 1839, Sess. of 1840-41, Apr. 27, 1841, Feb. 14, 1843. ^^'-^ of Ala. 1838-39, 211; Hid, 1840-41, 199; ibid, AyrW 1841, 19; ibid, Dec. 1843, 225; Louisiana, March 16, 1842, Acts of La., 1842, 288, 289; Maryland, Apr. 6, 1841, Acts of Md., 1841, Res. No. 9; Missouri, Feb. 16, 1841, Laws of Mo., 1840-41, 336,337; South Carolina, Dec. 17, 1841, Rep. and Res. of S. C, 1841, 44-49. See also Senate Doc, 26 Cong. 2 sess., II, No. 96, III, No. 127, A'iles, LVII, 272; LXIX, 374, 404; LX, 90; LXI, 372; LXII, 86, 112, 117. For correspondence of Seward growing out of another controversy with Georgia, see Works, II, 519-546; Niles, LXI, 241. General references: Channing and Hart, Cuide,% 189; Wilson, 1, 473-475 ; Von Hoist, II, 538-540; Smith, I, 50, 51; Bryant and Gay, IV, 340-342; Seward's Works, I, ixiii-lxv; Seward's Autobiography, 437-439> 463. 464> 528-531; Bancroft, Seward, I, 101-105; Lathrop, Seward, 38-42. Cal- houn's Works, III, 155, 156; Winthrop, Addresses and Speeches, I, 340-352; Pierce, Sumner, II, 256-259. 42 STATE DOCUMENTS [234 118. South Carolina on the Georgia-Maine Controversy. December 20, 1839. * * * The facilities which the Federal Constitution affords to citizens of the United States, who are inimical to slavery, of abducting and inveigling slaves from their owners, and the temptation to embrace those facilities, which is suggested by such impunity, as the authorities of Maine have provided for her citizens, presents a conjuncture, which the least timid, and the most prudent amongst us, may well deem full of peril to the rights of the South. Where [when] the safe-guards of the Federal Con- stitution shall have become Ineffectual and illusory, then, indeed, will the period have arrived, when the states of the South must take care that their citizens sustain no detriment. Let us tell our brethren of the North, mildly, but resolutely, that if they did in- troduce slaves amongst us against our remonstrance, they shall not remove them against our consent, and that whilst we vnll tolerate no impairment of our title to our property, in the Halls of the Federal Legislature, we will, also, permit no State to convert itself into a city of refuge, for those who invade it as felons. Your Committee recommend the adoption of the following resolutions : 1. Resolved, That it is the duty, as well as the right of any State, to insist on a faithful observance of the Federal Constitu- tion, by each State in the Union. 2. Resolved, That to define crimes and felonies, within its jurisdiction, is an incident to the sovereignity of each State, and that no other State can question the exercise of that right. 3. Resolved, That to demand the surrender and removal of fugitives from its justice, is, by the Constitution, a right, and the arrest and surrender a duty ; that the denial or impairment of this right, is inconsistent with the constitutional obligation of a State and subversive of the peace and good government of the other States. 4. Resolved, That the right has been impaired, if not denied. 235] VIRGINIA AND NEW YORK 43 by the authorities of Maine and that this State will never consent, that any State shall become an asylum for those, who are fugitives from the justice of other States. 5. Resolved, That this State will make common cause with any State of the Confederacy, in maintaining their just rights, under the guarantee of the Constitution of the United States, and should the obligations of that instrument be disregarded, by those whose duty it may be to enforce them, it will take counsel with its co-States of the Confederacy, having similar interests to pro- tect, or similar injuries to redress, in devising and adopting such measures as will maintain, at all hazards, those rights — and that property, which the obligations of the compact of union, cancelled as they then will be as to us, have failed to enforce. [Resolu- tions of transmission.J \_Reports and Resolutions of S. C, 1839, S6-gi, passim.] 119. Virginia on the New York- Virginia Controversy. March 17, 1840. * * * The patience of the south has already been too severely taxed, and we once for all, without bravado or threat, in the language of a distinguished senator of New York, warn the non-slave-holding states " that they may find when it is too late that the patience of the south, however well founded upon princi- ple, from repeated aggressions will become exhausted." * * * 1. Resolved, That the reasons assigned by the governor of New York for his refusal to surrender Peter Johnson, Edward Smith and Isaac Gansey as fugitives from justice, upon the demand of the executive of this state, are wholly unsatisfactory; and that that refusal is a palpable and dangerous violation of the constitu- tion and laws of the United States. 2. Resolved, That the course pursued by the executive of New York cannot be acquiesced in ; and if sanctioned by that state and persisted in, it will become the solemn duty of Virginia to adopt the most decisive and efficient measures for the protection of the 44 STATE DOCUMENTS [236 property of her citizens, and the maintenance of rights, which she can and will not, under any circumstances, surrender or abandon. 3. Resolved, That the governor of this state be authorized and requested to renew his correspondence with the executive of New York, requesting that that functionary will review the grounds taken by him ; and that he will urge the consideration of the subject upon the legislature of his state. 4. Resolved, That the governor of Virginia be requested to open a correspondence with the executive of each of the slave- holding states, requesting their co-operation in any necessary and proper measure of redress which Virginia may be forced to adopt. [Resolutions of transmission.] \_Acts of Virginia, 1839-40, 168, 169.] 1 20. Mississippi on the Rendition of Fugitives from Justice. February 6, 1841. Be it resolved by the Legislature of the state of Mississippi, That the right of the executive authority of one state to demand fugitives from justice of the executive authority of another state, and the duty of the latter to surrender such fugitives upon such demand, is a right secured by the terms of the federal compact, a right which cannot be denied without a palpable violation of the constitution, and a right which no state legislature can annul, evade or impair. Be it further resolved. That the attempt of the governor and legislature of the state of Maine, and the governor of New York, to evade, impair and deny that right, is deemed by this legisla- ture, an outrage upon the chartered rights of Virginia and Georgia, and a precedent full of danger to all the slave-holding states. Be it further resolved, That this state will make common cause with any of her sister states whose rights have been or may here- after be invaded as aforesaid, in any mode or measure of resist- 237] SOUTH CAROLINA AND MASSACHUSETTS 45 ance or redress necessary for their or our protection. [Resolu- tions of transmission.] \_I.aws of Mississippi, 1841, 155, 156.] Inter-State Controversies. South Carolina and Massachusetts. 1839-1845. The "Negro Seaman's Act" of South Carolina of 1822 {Anie,^^. 204- 207;, was superseded by a new law, Dec. 19, 1835. (Acts of S. C, 1835,34-39; Greeley, I, 179, note.) This act like the previous one led to complaints. The Mass. Legislature passed resolves, April 8, 1839 and March 3, 1842, pro- testing against it, and authorizing the Governor to take steps to secure the re- lease of any of their citizens so imprisoned. {Acts and Res. of Mass., 1839-42, 105, 568; NiUs, LVIII, no; House Jour., 26 Cong. I sess., 786.) These protests were without avail, and in the meantime Louisiana, March 16, 1842, passed a similar law. {Acts of La., 1842, 308-318.) The Mass- Legislature then determined to test the constitutionality of these acts, and accordingly adopted resolutions March 24, 1843 and March 16, 1844, author- izing the Governor to send agents to each of these states to institute legal proceedings to that end. {Acts and Res. of Mass., 1843-45, 81, 330.) Act- ing under the second of these measures, Samuel Hoar proceeded to Charleston and Henry Hubbard to New Orleans. Mr. Hoar upon his arrival addressed Gov. Hammond of S. C, who informed the Legislature of his mission. That body shortly passed the subjoined resolutions for Mr. Hoar's expulsion from the state, and an act to prohibit and punish similar missions in the future, {Acts of S. C, 1844, 160, 292, 293; Niks, LXVII, 326, 327, 346, 347; Greeley, I, 181.) For Mr. Hoar's report of his treatment see, Niles, LXVII, 315-317 : and for similar experience of Mr. Hubbard in La., ibid, 323, 346, 398, 399. The earlier resolutions of Mass. had called out a reply from Georgia, Dec. 28, 1842, sharply rebuking Mass's, resolutions "as the sickley effusions of a wild and reckless fa.|i^ticism," and defending her own law of a similar nature. {Acts of Ga., i842'^..i8l.), Maine also protested against these acts of the southern states, March 22, 1843. {Senate Doc, 28 Cong. I sess., IV, No. 245.) The action of S. C, was endorsed and that of Mass. condemned by the Legislatures of Ark., Ga., Miss, and Ala., during 1845-46. {Acts of Ark. ^ 1844-45, 163, Acts of Ga., 1845, 209-21 r. Senate Doc, 29 Cong., I sess., IV, 100; Laws of Miss., 1846, 542, 543; Acts of Ala., 1844-45, 214.) Mr. Hoar's report was submitted to the Legislature of Mass., and on March 25, 1845, they adopted an elaborate report severely arraigning S. C. and recording a solemn 46 STATE DOCUMENTS [238 protest. On the following day they passed resolutions condemning the action of S. C. and La., which made " an appeal to the Federal Courts for redress in such cases, an offense punishable as an infamous crime," and demanding from Congress protection for her absent citizens. (^Ac/s and Res. of Mass., 1843—45, 626-645, 648, 649, 681-685; Niles, LXVII, 314, 315, 394-398.) Congress took no action, and Mass., May 22, 1852, again protested against the sale of her citizens into slavery, this time in Texas. (^Acts and Res. of Mass., 1852-53, 307.) The new act of S. C. called out a protest from the British consul in 1850, but the Legislature refused to essentially change the law. {^Report and Res. of S. C, 1850,242-245; ibid, 1851, 99-1 11. References: Greeley, I, 178-185; Von Hoist, III, 131-139; Wilson, I, ch. xli. 121. South Carolina on the Mission of Samuel Hoar. December 5, 1844. Resolved, That the right to exclude from their territories sedi- tious persons, or others, whose presence may be dangerous to their peace, is essential to every independent State. Resolved, That free negroes and persons of color are not citi- zens of the United States within the meaning of the Constitution, which confers upon the citizens of one State the privileges and immunities of citizens in the several States. Resolved, That the emissary sent by the State of Massachusetts to the State of South Carolina, with the avowed purpose of inter- fering with her institutions, and disturbing her peace, is to be re- garded in the character he has assumed, and to be treated ac- cordingly. Resolved, That his Excellency the Governor be requested to expel from our territory the said Agent, after due notice to de- part, and that the Legislature will sustain the Executive authority in any measures it may adopt for the purpose aforesaid. {Reports and Resolutions of South Carolina, 1844, 160.] 239] VIRGINIA CONDEMNS MASSACHUSEITS 47 Replies to Massachusetts' Proposal to Abolish Rep- resentation for Slaves. 1843-1844. The Democratic Legislature of Mass., March 23, 1 843, proposed an amend- ment to the Federal Constitution to apportion representatives and direct taxes among the States according to their respective number of free persons. (Acts and Res. of Mass., 1843-45,79.) Its presentation to Congress called out " the most memorable debate ever entertained in the House," (Adams, Memoirs, XI, 455,) and resolutions of condemnation from Georgia, Dec. 25, 1843, and Alabama, Jan. 17, 1844. The next Legislature of Mass., the Whigs now being in control, indorsed the same amendment. This second resolution aroused still greater excitement and condemnation both in and out of Congress. The legislatures of Virginia, Kentucky, Alabama and Georgia during 1844-45 bitterly denounced the proposition and the state of Mass, The resolutions of Virginia are given below. Mass. repHed to Virginia's accusation March 14, 1844, unanimously reaffirming its position and the right of amendment. {Acts and Res. of Mass., \%a,%-/^\, 325-328, A'z'fc, LXVI, 67.) References: For text of Resolutions and discussion in Congress, see, Acts of Ga., 1843, 186; ibid. 1845, 206, 207; Acts of Ala., 1843-44, 196; ibid, 1844-45, 211-214; ■^'^^s of ^"-t •843-44> "S! ^'^^ of Ky., 1844, 2691 270; Senate Doc, 28 Cong., I sess.. Ill, Nos. 106, 156; ibid, 29 Cong., I sess., IV, No. loi; Cong. Globe, 28 Cong., i sess., 64-66,179-180,243,342,360, 361; A^i/«, LXV, 349, 382; LXVI, 13, 31. Wilson I, 482-487; P^mes,, Pro- posed Amend., 46-49, 352; Julian, Life of Giddings, 151-153. 122. Virginia Condemns Massachusetts' Proposed Amendment. February 15, 1844. * * * It is well known that the recognition and protection of the peculiar interests of the slaveholding states, by making the slaves a part of the basis of representation and taxation in the federal government, was a compromise upon which the federal union of the states was formed ; was acknowledged by Massachu- setts, in convention, as the language of all America ; adopted in the federal convention by a vote almost unanimous ; and is essen- 48 STATE DOCUMENTS [24O tial to the peace, welfare and continuance of the slaveholding states in this Union. Therefore, 1. Resolved unanimously by the general assembly of Virginia, That we cannot regard these resolutions as, in truth, a proposi- tion to amend the federal constitution, but virtually one to dis- solve the Union. 2. That whilst we have forborne the expression of complaint at the disturbance of the peace and safety of the south by the agita- tion of the subject of our peculiar domestic institutions, by indi- viduals and voluntary societies at the north, we regard this attack by the highest constitutional authority of a sister state, as in the highest degree unjust, unkind, faithless to the compromises of the constitution, and meriting the deepest condemnation of every patriot and friend of the Union. 3. That when we look back to those periods of our history when Massachusetts and Virginia co-operated so cordially, zeal- ously and effectively in achieving our independence, and secur- ing it by the adoption of our federal constitution, we cannot but regard this attack with increased regret and abhorrence. 4. That the governor of this commonwealth be and he is hereby requested to communicate copies of the foregoing preamble and resolutions to the governors of the several states, with the request that they may be laid before their respective legislatures ; to the senators and representatives in congress from Virginia ; and especially to return the original resolutions to the governor of Massachusetts. {Acts of Virginia, 1843-44, 115.] STATE DOCUMENTS ON FEDERAL RELATIONS: THE STATES AND THE UNITED STATES. NUMBER VI. 123. Massachusetts Against the Mexican War and Slavery. April 26, 1847. Resolutions condemning the policy of the administration in the war with Mexico were passed in the sessions of 1846-47 by Vermont, Rhode Island, Maryland and Massachusetts. The latter is given below as typical. A few of the northern legislatures favored the war, although opposing the extension of slavery, as appears in the resolves of New York and Michigan of Feb., 1847. Some of the Southern .States defended the administration against these attacks, notably three series of resolutions of Alabama of the sessions of 1847-48, and the elaborate resolves of Mississippi of March 4, 1848. References: 29 Cong., 2 sess., Senate Doc., II, No. 97; [II, Nos. 122, 207; House Exec. Doc, IV, Nos. 81, 85; 30 Cong., i sess.. Senate Misc., No. 85; Acts of Vt., Oct. sess., 1846, 48, 49; Ads of Mich., 1847, 193-195; Laws of New York, 1847, 3775 Laws of Alabama, 1847-48, 447, 448, 456, 457; Laws of Miss., 1848, 524, 525; mies, LXXI, 371; Von Hoist, III, 239-255, 335- 338. Resolved, That the present war with Mexico had its primary 241] I 2 STATE DOCUMENTS [242 origin in the unconstitutional annexation to the United States of the foreign State of Texas ; that it was unconstitutionally com- menced by the order of the President, to General Taylor, to take military possession of territory in dispute between the United States and Mexico, and in the occupation of Mexico ; and that it is now waged by a powerful nation against a weak neighbor — un- necessarily and without just cause, at immense cost of treasure and life, for the dismemberment of Mexico, and for the conquest of a portion of her territory, from which slavery has already been excluded, with the triple object of extending slavery, of strength- ening the slave power, and of obtaining the control of the Free States, under the Constitution of the United States. Resolved, That such a war of conquest, so hateful in its objects, so wanton, unjust and unconstitutional in its origin and character, must be regarded as a war against freedom, against humanity, against justice, against the Union, against the Constitution, and against the free states ; and that a regard for the true interests and highest honor of the country, not less than the impulses of Christian duty, should arouse all good citizens to join in efforts to arrest this war, and in every just way to aid the country to retire from the position of aggression which it now occupies toward a weak, distracted neighbor, and sister republic. Resolved, That our attention is directed anew to the " wrong and enormity " of slavery, and to the tyranny and usurpation of the " slave power," as displayed in the history of our country, particularly in the annexation of Texas, and the present war with Mexico ; and that we are impressed with the unalterable convic- tion, that a regard for the fair fame of our country, for the prin- ciples of morals, and for that righteousness which exalteth a nation, sanctions and requires all constitutional efforts for the destruction of the unjust influence of the slave power, and for the abolition of slavery within the limits of the United States. \Acts and Resolves of Massachusetts, 1846-48, 541, 542.J 243] PENNSYLVANIA FAVORS THE WILMOT PROVISO 3 The Wilmot Proviso and Slavery in the Territories. 1846-1850. The efforts to secure the adoption by Congress of the Wilmot Proviso in August, 1846, and in February, 1847, and the later contest to obtain the recog- nition of a similar principle in the organization of the government in the newly acquired territory, were instrumental in calling out resolutions during the period 1846-1850, from the legislatures of nearly all the States. During the year 1847 all of the New England and Middle States, together with Ohio and Michigan passed resolutions favoring the Wilmot Proviso, while prior to the ratification of the treaty with Mexico, March 16, 1848, the legislatures of Vir- ginia, Missouri, Alabama and Texas had vigorously opposed it. An even larger number of resolutions were prompted by the discussion rela- tive to the organization of the territories during the years 1848-1850. The following States passed resolves; those in opposition to slavery extension were: 1848, New Hamp., Vt., New York, Ohio (2), Wis.; 1849, New Hamp., Vt. (2), Mass., R. I., Conn., New York, 111., Mich., Wis.; 1850, Mass., R. I. (2), Conn., New York, New Jersey, Ind., Mich. (3), Wis. Those in favor of the extension were : 1848, So. Carolina; 1849, Va., No. Carolina, So. Carolina, Florida, Missouri; 1 850, Md., Va., Ga., Miss. (2), Texas. Typical resolutions from both sections follow. References : For the texts of the resolutions see Session Laws of the several States, also the following congressional documents : 29 Cong., 2 sess., Senate Doc., Nos. 122, 149, 153, 207, 219; House Exec. Doc, Nos. 73, 8g, loi; 30 Cong., I sess.. Senate Misc., Nos. 15, 17; House Misc., Nos. 1, 19, 27, 84, 85, 91, 96; 30 Cong., 2 sess., Senate Misc., Nos. 38, 41, 48, 51, 6r, 62; House Misc., Nos. 6, 9, 10, 12, 34, 42, 56, 58, 62; 31 Cong., i sess.. Senate Misc., Nos. 24, 52, 108, 121; House Misc., Nos. 3, 4, 5, 10, 22, 25. General refer- ences: Channing and Hart, Guide, i 196; Von Hoist, III, 284-327; Wilson, II, chs. ii, iii; Greeley, I, 187-198; Gte.e\s.y, Slavery Extension, /^-'^2; Lalor, HI, 1114-1117; Burgess, 334-359; Rhodes, I, 89-98; Schouler, IV, 543; V, 66-70, 95-99, 1 15-120; W. H. Smith, I, ch. iv; Thorpe, U. S. II, 418-425; Curtis, II, 257-259; Benton, II, 694-700; Niles, LXXIII, 44. 124. Pennsylvania Favors the Wilmot Proviso. January 22, 1847. The following resolves are typical of the early resolutions adopted by the Northern States, referred to above. Some of these, as those of Ohio, Feb. 8, 1847, also included the exclusion of slavery from the Territory of Oregon. {Local Laws of Ohio, 1846-47, 214.) 4 STATE DOCUMENTS [244 Whereas, The existing war with Mexico may result in the acquisition of new territory to the Union ; And whereas, Measures are now pending in Congress, having in view the appropriation of money and the conferring authority upon the treaty- making power to this end ; therefore, Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in General Assembly met, That our Senators and our Representatives in Congress be requested to vote against any measure whatever, by which territory will accrue to the Union, unless, as a part of the fundamental law upon which any contract or treaty for this purpose is based, slavery or involuntary servitude, except for crime, shall be forever prohibited. [Resolutions of transmission.] \_Laws of Pennsylvania, 1847, 48c), 4<)o^ 125. Virginia Against the Wilmot Proviso. March 8, 1847. After the adoption of the Wilmot Proviso the second time by the House of Representatives, Feb. 15, 1847, Calhoun, on Feb. 19, in connection v^ith a speech in the Senate in which he denounced the Proviso and called upon the South to repudiate compromise and stand upon their rights, presented a set of resolutions containing the new doctrine that Congress can impose no re- strictions on slavery in the Territories.' ( Works, IV, 339-349; Niles, LXXI, 407,408. See also his speech and proceedings at Charleston, March 9, 1847. Works, IV, 394, 395 ; Niles, LXXII, 39, 40, 73-75 ; and his letter to a mem- ber of the Alabama Legislature, Benton, II, 698-700.) These led to an acrimonious debate between Benton and Calhoun. {Benton, II, 696-698; Calhoun, Works, IV, 362-382; Niles, LXXII, 223, 225.) Cialhoun's resolu- tions were not pressed to a vote, but the principles underlying them were gen- erally adopted in the South and found expression in the resolutions of several of the Southern Legislatures. (Ante, p. 243.) The first of these, the Virginia resolutions, were adopted unanimously, March 8, 1847, and contained in the second resolve the assertion of this doctrine in very nearly the language of Calhoun's second resolution. These typical resolutions, known as the " Plat- form of the South," are given below. The Virginia Legislature re-enacted these ^ The resolutions of Georgia of Dec. 22, 183s, had maintained the legality of slavery in all the Territories, but this view was not urged until Calhoun presented his resolutions. Acts of Georgia, 1835, 29. 245] VIRGINIA AGAINST THE WILMOT PROVISO 5 resolutions with additions, Jan. 20, 1849. (Acts of Virginia, 1848-49, 257, 258; Senate Misc., 30 Cong., 2 sess., I, No. 48; House Misc., No. 56; Niles, LXXV, 73.) The Legislature of Alabama, in Dec, 1847, ^^^ ""'X asserted the same in strong language but also declared that the Constitution " does not authorize it [Congress] to deprive or to empower others to deprive, a citizen of any of the said States of his property whatever it may be, in any such territory, except for 'public use,' and upon making 'just compensation ' therefor," and an- nounced that it would " act in concert with and make common cause with the other slave-holding States, for the defence, in any manner that may be neces- sary, of the institution [slavery] aforesaid." (Acts of Ala., 1847-48, 450, 451.) The Texas Legislature, March 18, 1848, affirmed the same doctrine and declared " we will never submit to a usurpation of power which robs us of our rights." (House Misc., 30 Cong., i sess.. No. 91. See also /bid.. No. 27.) About this time the doctrine of " squatter sovereignty " was brought forward (Speech of Dickinson, Jan. 12, 1848, Cong. Globe, 30 Cong., i sess., 159, 1 60; see also his resolutions, Jbtd., 21 ; and the Cass-Nicholson letter, Niles, LXXIII, 293), which alarmed Calhoun and other Southern leaders who denounced it. Yancey, of Alabama, secured its condemnation by the Alabama Democratic Con- vention in the so-called " Alabama Platform of 1848." This was approved by the Democratic party in some of the other Southern States, but Yancey's reso- lution was rejected by the National Democratic Convention of 1848 by a vote of 36 to 216. (DuBose, Yancey, 199-220; Brown, The Lower Soufh, 131- 133; Niles, LXXIII, 392; Von Hoist, III, 35 1-365; Wilson, II, 133. For letter of Gov. Brown, of Miss., to Gov. Smith, of Va., on receipt of the Virginia resolutions, see Niles, LXXII, 178.) Whereas a bill appropriating money to prosecute war or nego- tiate peace with the Republic of Mexico, has passed the house of representatives of the United States, with the following proviso attached thereto : " Provided, That as an express and funda- mental condition to the acquisition of any territory from the Re- public of Mexico by the United States, by virture of any treaty which may be negotiated between them, and to the use by the executive of the moneys herein appropriated, neither slavery nor involuntary servitude shall ever exist in any part of said territory, except for crime, whereof the party shall be first duly convicted." And this general assembly deeming this proviso to be destructive of the compromises of the constitution of the United States, and an attack on the dearest rights of the south, as well as a danger- ous and alarming usurpation by the federal government : There- fore ; 6 STATE DOCUMENTS [246 1. Be it resolved unanimously by the general assembly of Vir- ginia, That the government of the United States has no control, directly or indirectly, mediately or immediately, over the institu- tion of slavery, and that in taking any such control, it transcends the limits of its legitimate functions by destroying the internal organization of the sovereignties who created it. 2. Resolved unanimously, That all territory which may be ac- quired by the arras of the United States, or yielded by treaty with any foreign power, belongs to the several states of this union, as their joint and common property, in which each and all have equal rights, and that the enactment by the federal government of any law which should directly or by its effects prevent the citizens of any state from emigrating with their property of what- ever description into such territory would make a discrimination unwarranted by and in violation of the constitution and the rights of the states from which such citizens emigrated, and in deroga- tion of that perfect equality that belongs to the several states as members of this Union, and would tend directly to subvert the Union itself. 3. Resolved, That if in disregard alike of the spirit and princi- ples of the act of congress on the admission of the state of Missouri into the Union, generally known as the Missouri com- promise, and of every consideration of justice, of constitutional right and of fraternal feeling, the fearful issue shall be forced upon the country, which must result from the adoption and attempted enforcement of the proviso aforesaid as an act of the general government, the people of Virginia can have no difficulty in choosing between the only alternatives that will then remain ot abject submission to aggression and outrage on the one hand, or determined resistance on the other, at all hazards and to the last extremity. 4. Resolved unanimously, That the general assembly holds it to be the duty of every man in every section of this confederacy, if the Union is dear to him, to oppose the passage of any law for whatever purpose, by which territory to be acquired may be sub- ject to such a restriction. 5. Resolved unanimously. That the passage of the above-men- 247] VERMONT ON SLAVERY 7 tioned proviso makes it the duty of every slaveholding state, and of all the citizens thereof, as they value their dearest privileges, their sovereignty, their independence, their rights of property, to take firm, united and concerted action in this emergency. [Resolutions of transmission.] l^Ac^s of Virginia, 1846-47, 236. J 126. Vermont on Slavery in the Territories and District of Columbia October Session, 1848. During this period the Legislature of Vermont adopted annually radical resolutions in condemnation of slavery. Those following are typical and rep- resent the extreme Northern position. So offensive were the resolves of Ver- mont of Nov. 3, 1846, and of New Hampshire of June 30, 1847, tliat the cop- ies transmitted to Virginia were returned by direction of the Legislature of that State. (^Acts of Vt., Oct. sess., 1846, 48, 49; Senate Doc, 29 Cong., 2 sess., II, No. 97; House Exec. Doc, IV, No. 81; Laws of New Hamp., June sess., 1847, 488; Senate Misc., 30 Cotig., i sess., No. 17; Acts of Va., 1846-47. 236, 237; Niles, LXXI, 333.) Similarly the resolutions of Vermont of Nov, 12, 1849, were returned by the Legislatures of Virginia and Maryland. {^Acts of Vt., Oct. sess., 1849, 47, 48; House Misc., 31 Cong., I sess., I, No. 4; Acts of Va., 1849-50, 234; Laws of Md., 1849-50, Res. No. 28. For debate in Congress on the printing of the Vt. Res., see Globe, 31 Cong., 1 sess., 119-123, 133-137, 1390; Appx., 52-54, 91-97. For list of resolutions on the Wilmot Proviso see ante, p. 243). The denial of the principles of the Virginia Resolution by some of the other Northern States call for especial mention. Thus New Hampshire in its resolu- tions of Dec. 29, 1848, declared " We rest with hope and confidence upon the opinion of the eminent jurists and statesmen, representing all parties, who de- clare that slavery, as a mere local institution, cannot be transferred to territories now free, without the positive interference of Congress in its behalf." (^Lavis of N. H., 1848, 711.) Michigan, Jan. 13, 1849, asserted the principle that "slavery cannot exist without positive laws authorizing its existence." (^House Misc., 31 Cong., i sess.. No. 10.) The latter part of the subjoined resolves of Vermont call attention to the renewal of the agitation for the abolition of slavery and the slave trade in the District of Columbia during the period 1846-1850. (See ante, p. 221.) The following States passed resolves, all demanding the extinction of both Slavery and the slave trade in the District with the exception of those from New York and New Jersey which related only to the slave trade : 1846, N. H.,; 1848, N. H., 8 STATE DOCUMENTS [248 R. I., Vt.; 1849, N. Y., R. I., Wis., Mass., N. J., O., Mich., Conn., Vt.; 1850, N. Y., R. I., Conn. (2). The resolution of Rhode Island of the May sess., 1848, anticipated Vermont in suggesting the removal of the seat of govern- ment. {Laws of N. H., 1846,333; Jbid., 1848,712; Acts of Vt., Oct. sess., 1848, 40; Ibid., Oct. sess., 1849, 48; Acts and Res. of Mass., 1849, 200; Acts and Res. of R. /., May sess., 1848, 11; Ibid., Jan. sess., 1850, 27; Res. and Private Acts of Conn., May sess., 1849, 60-63; Ibid., May sess., 1850, 141- 143; Laws of N. Y., 1849, 727; Ibid., 1850, 816-818; Acts of N. J., 1849, 334; Local Laws of Ohio, 1848-49, 396; Acts and Res. of Wis., 1849, 172; 29 Cong., 2 sess.. House Exec. Doc, No. 24; Senate Doc, No. 155; 30 Cong. 2 sess.. House Misc., Nos. 6, 8, 62; Senate Misc., Nos. 61, 62; 31 Cong., I sess., House Misc., Nos. 2, 3, 9, 22; Senate Misc., Nos. 52, 121. For replies of the Southern States, see post, p. 253). For discussion in Cong., see esp. Globe, 30 Cong., 2 sess., 83, 84, 105-no, 2H-216; Ibid., 31 Cong., I sess., 79 et seq ; Julian, Giddings, 258-262, 365-390. Resolved, by the Senate and House of Representatives, That we seek, in vain, to discover any foundation for human slavery in the divine, or natural law, or the law of nations ; that its origin in all cases may be traced to fraud or physical force, and that all local laws for its continuance or protection have been afterwards intro- duced by the slaveholders themselves to justify and perpetuate their usurpation. Resolved, That Congress possesses and ought immediately to exercise the power to prohibit slavery in the territories of New Mexico and California ; and that without such prohibition and the strong arm of the general government to enforce its observ- ance, there is great danger that it will obtain a foothold there, not only without the aid of the local laws, but against them ; thus adding a still darker stain upon our national honor, and subject- ing the free States to the injustice of a still greater inequality in their representation in Congress. Resolved, That our Senators in Congress be instructed, and our Representatives requested, to exert their efforts for the passage of a law abolishing slavery in the District of Columbia, and pro- hibiting the traffic in slaves between the States. Resolved, That it is unbecoming the representatives of freemen maintaining the declaration that liberty is inalienable to legislate for the general welfare, while their eyes are insulted with the frequent spectacle of men, chained, shackled, and driven to 249] DEMAND FOR NEW FUGITIVE SLAVE LAW g market, or confined in pens awaiting buyers ; and, whereas, slavery in the District of Columbia exerts a baneful influence upon the action of Congress, checking the freedom of debate, threaten- ing the freedom of the press, and controlling the executive de- partments of Washington ; therefore Resolved, That unless slavery in that district be speedily abol- ished by the action of Congress, with the assent of the inhabi- tants, it is the duty of Congress to pass a law removing the seat of government into the territory of some free State, more central, and more convenient for the nation, where the representatives of the people may be more free to legislate for the general welfare. \Acts and Resolves of Vermont, October Sess., 1848, 40, 41.] Demand for a New Fugitive Slave Law. The boarder States being especially exposed to the loss of their slaves through their escape to the free States and to Canada were the first to seek relief. As early as 1 81 7 Maryland applied to Congress for the passage of a new Fugitive Slave Law, and renewed her efforts during the next few years. In 1826 she complained of the laws of Penna. and Delaware again kidnap- ping (McDougall, 23, 24, 107, loS; Siebert, 295-302). Kentucky, during the years 1820-27, thrice requested the government to negotiate with Great Britain relative to the return of fugitive slaves in Canada (Acts of Ky., 1820, 223; Ibid., 1823, 487; Ibid., 1826-27, 197). Negotiations were undertaken but without effect^ {Niks, XXXV, 289-291 ; Siebert, 299; McDougall, 25). Following the decision in the case of Priggvs. Penn {16 Peters, 6ii) in 1842 the real agitation for a new fugitive slave law began. This decision led some of the free States to pass a new class of personal liberty laws which greatly interferred with the rendition of fugitive slaves. The growth of abolition sentiment also had resulted in several cases of forcible rescue. These circum- stances led the legislature of Maryland, in the Dec. session 1843, to pass reso- lutions calling for law making the rescue of a runaway slave a criminal offence {Senate Doc, 28 Conn., t sess., IV, No. 270). Kentucky, March I, 1847, adopted similar resolutions, which were suggested by the attack on Francis Troutman by " an abolition mob " in Marshall, Mich. {Acts of Ky., 1847, 385, 386; Senate Misc., 30 Cong., I sess.. No. 19). The Senate Committee on the Judiciary reported a bill for a new fugitive slave law, but it was only ad- vanced to a second reading {Senate Reports, No. 12). Finally the legislature ^ Missouri renewed the suggestion Jan, 25, 1847, Senate Doc, rg Cong., 2 sess.. Ill, No. ISO. 10 STATE DOCUMENTS [250 of Virginia adopted an elaborate report arraigning the Northern States for their Personal Liberty Laws and suggesting radical amendments to the Fugi- tive Slave Law. Extracts from this report follow. Georgia also included the failure to return fugitives among her grievances {iee post, p. 260). The legis- lature of New Hampshire rephed to Virginia July 7, 1849, declaring her re- port overdrawn, and expressed " in language too broad for truth and far too angry for that courtesy which ought to be observed between sovereign States," and declaring that both sections were open to censure for their acts (^Laws of N. H., June sess., 1849, 874-876). Such was the situation prior to the adop- tion of the second Fugitive Slave Act, Sept. 18, 1850. General References : McDougall, Fugitive Slaves, chs. ii, v; Siebert, Under- p-ound Railroad, 245, 246, 259-261, 264-267, 337, 338; Rhodes, 1, 125, 126; Wilson, II, chs. v-vii; Smith, I, 68-73. 127. Extract from Report of Virginia on the Rendi- tion of Fugitive Slaves. February 7, 1849. Look well at these solemn warnings, and then look at the actual state of things in the sixtieth year of the constitution ! It is simply and undeniably this : That the South is wholly without the benefit of that solemn constitutional guaranty which was so sacredly pledged to it at the formation of this Union. Our con- dition is precisely in effect, that which it was under the articles of the old confederation. No citizen of the South can pass the frontier of a non-slaveholding state and there exercise his un- doubted constitutional right of seizing his fugitive slave, with a view to take him before a judicial officer and there prove his right of ownership, without imminent danger of being prosecuted criminally as a kidnapper, or being sued in a civil action for false imprisonment — imprisoned himself for want of bail, and subjected in his defence to an expense exceeding the whole value of the property claimed, or finally of being mobbed or being put to death in a street fight by insane fanatics or brutal ruffians. In short, the condition of things is, that at this day very few of the owners of fugitive slaves have the hardihood to pass the frontier of a non-slaveholding state and exercise their undoubted, adjudi- 251] VIRGINIA ON RENDITION OF FUGITIVE SLAVES n cated constitutional right of seizing the fugitive. In such a con- juncture as this, the committee would be false to their duty — they would be false to their country, if they did not give utterance to their deliberate conviction, that the continuance of this state of things cannot be, and ought not to be much longer endured by the South — be the consequences what they may. In such a diseased state of opinion as prevails in the non-slave- holding states on the subject of Southern slavery, it may well be imagined what the character of their local legislation must be. Yet it is deemed by the committee their duty to present before the country the actual state of that legislation, that the people of this commonwealth and of the entire South may see how rapid and complete has been its transition from a fraternal interest in our welfare to a rank and embittered hostility to our institutions. The legislation to be found upon this subject, on the statute books of the non-slaveholding states, may be divided into two classes. The first of which would embrace the legislation of those states, which professing a seeming respect for the obligations of the con- stitution, do, under the pretext of conforming to its requisitions, subject the slave owner to conditions utterly incompatible with the recovery of his slaves. * * * But, in the maddening process which abolitionism has made in the Northern states, this class of laws has fallen far behind the spirit of the times, and has yielded to a new brood of statutes' marked by deeper venom and a more determined hostility. And in this class are embraced. Second. The laws of those states which affect no concealment of their hatred to Southern institutions, nor of their utter and open contempt and defiance of the obligations of the federal compact. Of this class, which is now indeed the prevailing legislation of almost the whole non-slaveholding states, an act passed by the general assembly of the state of "Vermont, on the ist day of November, 1843, may be cited as a fair illustration.' [Here fol- lows the text of this act.] Laws of similar character and in almost the same language are • Acts and Res. of Vermont, 1843, n. 12 STATE DOCUMENTS [25; to be found on the statute books of Massachusetts ' and Rhod( Island.' But the state of Pennsylvania has gone a bowshot beyond al the rest in this new legislative war against the constitutional right: of the slaveholding states. An act was passed by the Legislatur( of that state on the third of March eighteen hundred and forty seven, entitled "An act to prevent kidnapping, preserve the pub lie peace, prohibit the exercise of certain powers heretofore ex ercised by judges, justices of the peace,'' etc.* » * * But this disgusting and revolting exhibition of faithless and un constitutional legislation must now be brought to a close. It maj be sufficient to remark, that the same embittered feeling agains the rights of the slaveholder, with more or less of intensity, nov marks, almost without exception, the legislation of every non slaveholding state of this Union. So far, therefore, as our right! depend upon the aid and co-operation of state officers and statt legislation, we are wholly without remedy or relief. 7F fit f^ y^ T^ Tfp TF ^1 Against such a current of popular feeling and prejudice as nov prevails on this subject in the non-slaveholding states, it will therefore, be difficult to legislate, so as to accomplish the full anc perfect enforcement of our rights, at all times and under all cir cumstances. Still, much of the evil that now threatens to disturl the relations between the two great divisions of this confederacy and to endanger the future peace and tranquillity of this nation may be repressed by wise, energetic and judicious legislatioi upon the part of Congress. We, at least, shall have dischargee our duty to our country, by pointing out, in an honest spirit, t( that tribunal having cognizance of the subject, those remedie which may control and restrain the evil within the limits of : patient endurance. Upon Congress, if it shall refuse to adopt thi suggestion herein set forth, or wiser or better remedies than thosi suggested, be the painful responsibility of the consequences tha must inevitably follow. * * * [Acis of Virginia, 1849-1850, 240-2^,^ passim.'] ' Zaws of Mass., 1843, 33- '^ ^'^'•^ and Res. ofR. /., 1848, 12. ^ Laws of Penna., 1847, 206. 25 3 j CALLING A SOUTHERN CONVENTION I 3 Calling a Southern Convention. The discussion over slavery was vigorously renewed in Congress in the ses- sion of 1848-49. Early in the session, December 23, 1848, a caucus of sixty- nine Southern Delegates was held. An "Address to the people of the Southern States " was finally issued January 22, 1849, originally drawn by Cal- houn, but amended as adopted. It reviewed the grievances of the South and called for " unity among ourselves," to resist any application of the Wilmot Proviso. (Calhoun's Works, VI, 290-313; A'iles, LXXV, 84-88; see for Berrien's proposed substitute, Niles, LXXV, 101-104, for minority address, Ibid., 231-233. Calhoun's Correspondence on address, Amer. Hist. Assoc. Rept., 1899, II, 761-763). General references: Von Hoist, III, 417-423; Benton, II, 753-756; Schouler, V, 115-118; Rhodes, I, 104, 105; Smith, I, 107, 108. This address found a general response in the public opinion of the South, as the resolutions of several State legislatures and public meetings show. South Carolina already Dec. 15, 1848, had declared " that the time for discussion has passed, and that this General Assembly is prepared to cooperate with her sister States in resisting the application of the Wilmot Proviso * * ■« at any and all hazard." Rept. and Res. of So. O2?-., 1848, 147; Senate Misc., 30 Cong., 2 sess., I, No. 51. Florida, Jan. 13, 1849, announced herself ready to join other States " for the defence of our rights, whether through a Southern Convention or otherwise," Ibid., II., No. 58, Virginia, Jan. 20, 1849, re-enacted her resolves of 1847, and made provision for a special session of the legislature, should Congress pass the obnoxious laws. (^»/i?., pp. 244, 245), Ibid., I, No. 48; North Carolina, Jan. 27, 1849, after denouncing the restrictive legislation, suggested the extension of the .Missouri compromise line to the new territory. House Misc., 30 C 1204-1: Mississippi formally inaugurated the movement, ' explicitly following Calhoun suggestion. (Letter to C. S. Tarpley of Miss., July 9, 1849, Cong. Globe, 3 Cong., I sess,, Appx. 52). The Southern State Convention assembled at Jacl son in Oct., 1849. After reviewing the situation, it issued "An Address to tl Southern States," inviting them to send delegates to a convention to be hel at Nashville, June 3, 1850, " with the view and hope of arresting the cours of aggression, and, if not practicable, then to concentrate the South in wil understanding, and action," and as the possible ultimate resort the callin of another " like regularly constituted convention of all the assailed States, t provide, m the last resort, for their separate welfare by the formation of compact and a Union, that will afford protection to their liberties and rights. Cong. Globe, 31 Cong., I sess., 578. The resolves of the Legislature of Miss., embodying those of the Jackso Convention are given below. Laws of Miss., 1850, 521—526; Senate Misc 31 Cong., I sess., I, No. 1 10. Another set of resolves were adopted by th Miss. Legislature on the same date, referring the question of the admission c California to the Nashville Convention. Laws of Miss., 1850, 526-528, Con^ Globe, 579. Both Senators Foote and Jefferson Davis defended in Congres the action of Mississippi in calling the Convention, when presenting the reso lutions of the Legislature in the spring of 1850. Cong. Globe, 577-579, 941 944. See also article by J. W. Garner, " The First Struggle over Secession i Miss.," in Miss. Hist. Soc. Pub., IV, 89-92; Claiborne, Life and Correspona ence of jfohn A. Quitman, II, 21-26; Cong. Globe, 32 Cong., 2 sess., Appx 63, 174; Schouler, V, 153-157; Thorpe, U. S., II, 440, 441. During the winter of 1849-50, the movement for the Convention grew ii popularity, owing to the strained situation in Congress, and nine of the South em States accepted the invitation and chose delegates (_SeePost, p. 262). Re ferences for the action of several States are : So. Car., Dec. 19, 1849, J?epts. & Jies. of So. Car., 1849, 312-314; Texas, Feb. II, 1850, Law of Texas, 185c 171; Ga., Feb. 6, 1850, Acts of Ga., 1849-50, 418; Va., Feb. 12, 1850, Acl of Va., 1849-50, 233, 234. 128. Mississippi Calls a Southern Convention. March 6, 1850. * * * We have arrived at a period in the political existenc( of our country, when the fears of the patriot and philanthropis may well be excited, lest the noblest fabric of constitutional gov ' The primary meeting was held May 7, 1849. 25 S] MISSISSIPPI CALLS A CONVENTION I 5 ernment on earth may, ere long, be laid in ruins by the elements of discord, engendered by an unholy lust for power, and the fell spirit of fanaticism acting upon the minds of our brethren of the non-slave holding States, and that beneath its ruins will be forever burried the hopes of an admiring world for the political regenera- tion of the enslaved millions. The fact can no longer be dis- guised, that our brethren of the free States, so called, disregard- ing the compromises of the constitution — compromises without which it never would have received the sanction of the slave- holding States, are determined to pursue towards those States a course of policy, and to adopt a system of legislation by Congress, destructive of their best rights and most cherished domestic in- stitutions. In vain have the citizens of the slave States appealed to their brethren of the free States, in a spirit of brotherly love and devotion to that constitution framed by our fathers and cemented by their blood, as a common shield and protection for the rights of all their descendants. In vain have they invoked the guarantees of that sacred instrument, as a barrier to the en- croachments of their brethren upon their rights. The spirit of fore- bearance and concession, which has been for more than thirty years manifested and acted on by the slave-holding States, has but strengthened the determination of their Northern brethren, to fasten upon them a system of legislation in regard to their pecu- liar domestic relations, as fatal in its effects to their prosperity and happiness as members of the confederacy, as it is unjust and contrary to the principles and provisions of the constitution. Slavery, as it exists in the Southern States, recognized and pro- tected by the constitution of the United States, is a domestic relation, subject to be abolished or modified by the sovereign power alone of the States in which it prevails ; it is not a moral or political evil, but an element of prosperity and happiness both to the master and slave. Abolish slavery, and you convert the fair and blooming fields of the South into barren heaths ; their high-souled and chivalrous proprietors into abject dependents — and the now happy and con- tented slaves into squalid and degraded objects of misery and wretchedness ! 1 6 STATE DOCUMENTS [256 The Southern States have remonstrated and forborne until fore- bearance is no longer a virtue. — The time has arrived when, i) they hope to preserve their existence as equal members of the confederacy, and to avert the calamities which their Northern brethren, actuated by an insatiate and maddening thirst for power would entail upon them, they must prepare to act — to act with resolution, firmness and unity of purpose, trusting to the right- eousness of their cause and the protection of the Almighty Ruler of the destinies of nations, who ever looks benignently upon the exertions of those, who contend for the prerogatives of freemen ; therefore, be it Resolved by the Legislature of the State of Mississippi, That they cordially approve of the action of the Southern State Convention, held at the city of Jackson, on the first Monday ot October, 1849, ^"^d adopt the following resolutions of said body as declaratory of the opinions of this Legislature and of the people of the State of Mississippi. 1st. Resolved, That we continue to entertain a devoted and cherished attachment to the Union, but we desire to have it as it was formed, and not as an engine of oppression. 2nd. Resolved, That the institution of slavery in the Southern States is left, by the constitution, exclusively under the control of the States in which it exists, as a part of their domestic policy, which they, and they only, have the right to regulate, abolish or perpetuate, as they may severally judge expedient ; and that all attempts on the part of Congress, or others, to interfere with this subject, either directly or indirectly, are in violation of the con- stitution, dangerous to the rights and safety of the South, and ought to be promptly resisted. 3d. Resolved, That Congress has no power to pass any law abohshing slavery in the District of Columbia, or to prohibit the slave trade between the several States, or to prohibit the intro- duction of slavery into the territories of the United States, and that the passage by Congress of any such law, would not only be a dangerous violation of the constitution, but would aiford evi- dence of a fixed and deliberate design, on the part of that body, to interfere with the institution of slavery in the States. 257] MISSISSIPPI CALLS A CONVENTION 1 7 4th. Resolved, That we would regard the passage, by Congress, of the"Wilmot proviso," (which would, in effect, deprive the citizens of the slave-holding States of an equal participation in the territories acquired equally by their blood and treasure), as an unjust and insulting discrimination — to which these States cannot without political degradation, submit ; and to which this convention, representing the feelings and opinions of the people of Mississippi, solemnly declare they will not submit. 5th. Resolved, that the passage of the " Wilmot Proviso," or of any law abolishing slavery in the District of Columbia, by the Congress of the United States, would, of itself, be such a breach of the federal compact, as, in that event, will make it the duty, as it is the right, of the slave-holding States, to take care of their own safety, and to treat the non-slave-holding States as enemies to the slave-holding States and their domestic institutions. 6th. Resolved, That in view of the frequent and increasing evi- dence of the determination of the people of the non-slave-holding States, to disregard the guarantees of the constitution, and to agitate the subject of slavery, both in and out of Congress, avowedly for the purpose of effecting its abolition in the States ; and also, in view of the facts set forth in the late "Address of the Southern Members of Congress," this convention proclaims the deliberate conviction, that the time has arrived when the Southern States should take counsel together for their common safety, and that a convention of the slave-holding States should be held at Nashville, Tennessee, on the first Monday in June next, to devise and adopt some mode of resistance to these aggressions. 8th. Resolved, That it is the duty of the Congress of the United States to provide territorial organization and governments for all the territories acquired by the common blood and treasure of the citizens of the several States ; and to provide the means of en- forcing in said territories, the guarantees of the constitution of the United States in reference to the property of citizens of any of the States removing to any of said territories with the same, without distinction or limitation. 1 8 STATE DOCUMENTS [258 [p//^. Appropriating money to defray expense of delegates to Nashville Convention and for convening the legislature if the safety of the South requires the separate or united action of the slave- holding States.] loth. Be it further resolved. That in the event of the passage by the Congress of the United States of any of the measures enumerated in the preceding resolutions, and such action therein by the Convention of the slave holding States, to be held in Nash- ville on the first Monday of June next, as shall, in the opinion of the Legislature, render a Convention of the Legislature necessary for the assertion and defense of their sovereign and constitutional rights, the Governor is hereby authorized and required to issue writs of election to the several counties of the State for the choice of delegates to said Convention. * * * \_iith and I2ih Resolves made provision for election of twelve delegates to Nashville Convention and for their payment.] 13th. Be it further resolved, That the State of Mississippi will stand by and sustain her sister States of the South in whatever course of action may be determined on by the convention of slave-holding States, to be held at Nashville on the first Monday of June next. \_Laws of Mississippi, January-March l8i;o, 521-526, tn passim."] Resolves on the Proposed Compromise Measures. The famous debate in Congress upon Clay's Compromise measures and the failure to reach any agreement durmg the spring, in addition to the move- ment for calling a Southern Convention, gave rise to other resolves relating to slavery, during the first half of the year 1850, emanating from both Southern and Northern States' legislatures. These not only reflect the opinion of the respective sections, but also reveal the acute fear of the disruption of the Union. The typical resolutions of Georgia and of Connecticut follow. The very strong report of Georgia is given in Acts of Ga., 1849-50, 405-409; House Jour, of Ga., 1849-50, 309-315; see also, Phillips, Amer. Hist. Assoc. Report, 1901, n, 161-164; Von Hoist, IV, 8. The Legislature alio passed an Act on the same day providing for the calhng of a State Convenlion in the event contemplated in the resolutions. Acts 0/ Ga., iS^g-^o, 122. In addition Texas, Virginia and Mississippi passed resolves either pledging themselves " to make common cause with the sister States of the South in the defense of 2 59 J RESOLUTIONS OF GEORGIA 1 9 their constitutional rights" (Texas) or providing for calling a Southern or State Convention in the event of the enactment of the obnoxious laws. Mary- land also condemned the proposed legislation. Laws of Texas, 1850, 93; Acts of Va., 1849-50, 233; Laws of Miss., 1850, 526-528; Laws of Md., 1849-50, Res. No. 37. The sentiment in the two border States of Kentucky and Tennessee was strongly in favor of the perpetuity of the Union. See Message of Gov. Crittenden of Ky., Dec. 31, 1849; Coleman, Crittenden, I, 350-352; Res. of Tenn., Acts of Tenn., 1849-50, 572; Senate Misc., 31 Cong., I sess., I, No. 66. On the other hand, the resolves of several of the Northern States legislatures expressed bitter opposition to the proposed compromise, but for exactly opposite reasons. They pledged, however, their adherence to the Union and the compro- mises of the Constitution. The resolves of Rhode Island (2), New York and Massachusetts, were similar to those of Connecticut.' New Jersey and Mich. (2), passed resolves favoring the preservation of the Union and apparently of the Compromise. The Conn, resolves reasserted the position taken at the May session, 1849. Hes, and Private Acts of Conn., May session, 1849, 60-73. For the two sets of Conn, resolves passed at the May session, 1850, see 31 Cong., I sess.. Senate Misc., I, No. 121, House Misc., I, No. 22. See ante., p. 243, also Acts and Res. of R. I., Jan. sess., 1850, 27; Ibid., May sess., 1850, 6; Acts of New York, 1850, 816; Acts and Res. of Mass., 1849-51, 518; Acts of Mich., 1850, 453; Senate 'Misc., 31 Cong., i sess., I, Nos. 52, 78, 80, 94. For debate in Mass. Legislature see Wilson, II, ch. xxi. General references on Compromise of 1850 : Channing& Hart, Guide, § 197; MacDonald, 378; Calhoun, Works, IV, 535-578; Jenkins, Calhoun, 415- 439; Amer. Hist. Assoc. Report, 1899, II, 785-787; Webster, Works, V, 324-366, 373-405, 412-438; Sewards, Works, I, 51-131; Benton, II, chs. 189, 190; Curtis, Webster, II, chs. xxxvi, xxxvii; Lodge, Webster, 299-322; Rhodes, I, chs. ii, iii; Von Hoist, III, chs. xv, xvi; Nicolay and Hay, Lincoln, I, chs. xiii-xviii; Thorpe, £/. .S., 11,431-455; Schouler, V, 153-173, 178-187, 196-201 ; Smith, Pol. Hist, of Slavery, I, 1 13-129; Greeley, Slavery Exten- sion, 54-70; Schurz, Clay, II, ch. xxvi; Bancroft, Seward, I, ch. xv; Hart, Chase, 120-1 30; Stephens, War between the States, II, 176-240; Pierce, Sumner, III, chs. xxxiv, xxxv; Lalor, I, 552-554; Wilson, Slave Power, II, chs. XX— xxiv. 129. Resolutions of Georgia. February 8, 1850. Whereas, The people of the non-slaveholding States have com- menced and are persisting in a systeii of encroachment upon the 1 New York also opposed the claim of Texas to New Mexico. 20 STATE DOCUMENTS [26c Constitution and the rights of a portion of the people of this con- federacy, which is alike unjust and dangerous to the peace and perpetuity of our cherished nation ; be it J St. Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the State of Georgia in General Assembly convened, That the Govern- ment of the United States is one of limited powers, and cannot rightfully exercise any authority not conferred by the Constitution. 2d. Resolved, That the Constitution grants no power to Con- gress to prohibit the introduction of slavery into any territory belonging to the United "States. 3d. Resolved, That the several States of the Union acceded to the confederacy upon terms of perfect equality, and that the rights, privileges and immunities secured by the Constitution belong alike to the people of each State. 4.th. Resolved, That any and all territory acquired by the United States, whether by discovery, purchase or conquest, belongs in common to the people of each State, and thither the people of each State and every State have a common right to emigrate with any property they may possess, and that any restriction upon this right which will operate in favor of the people of one section to the exclusion of those of another is unjust, oppressive and un- warranted by the Constitution. 5th. Resolved, That slaves are recognized by the Constitution as property, and that the Wilmot Proviso, whether applied to any territory at any time heretofore acquired, or which may be hereafter acquired, is unconstitutional. 6th. Resolved, That Congress has no power, either directly or indirectly, to interfere with the existence of slavery in the District of Columbia. 1th. Resolved, That the refusal on the part of the non- slave- holding States to deliver up fugitive slaves who have escaped to said States, upon proper demand being made therefor, is a plain and palpable violation of the letter of the Constitution and an intolerable outrage upon Southern rights, and that it is the imper- ative duty of Congress to pass laws providing for the enforcement of this provision of the Constitution by federal, judicial and ministerial officers responsible to the Federal Government. 26 1 ] RESOLVES OF CONNECTICUT 21 8th. Resolved, That in the event of the passage of the Wilmot Proviso by Congress, the abolition of slavery in the District of Columbia, the admission of California as a State in its present pretended organization, or the continued refusal of the non-slave- holding States to deliver up fugitive slaves as provided in the Constitution, it will become the immediate and imperative duty of the people of this State to meet in convention to take into consideration the mode and measure of redress. gtk. Resolved, That the people of Georgia entertain an ardent ieeling of devotion to the union of these States, and that nothing short of a persistence in the present system of encroachment upon our rights by the non-slaveholding States can induce us to con- template the possibility of a dissolution. loth. Resolved, That his Excellency the Governor be requested to forward copies of these resolutions to each of our Senators and Representatives in Congress, to the Legislatures of the several States, except Vermont and Connecticut, and to the President of the United States. \^Acis of Geor^a, 1849-50, 409, 410.] 130. Resolves of Connecticut. May Session, 1850. Resolved, That Congress has full constitutional power to pro- hibit slavery in the territories of the United States, by legislative enactment, and that it is the duty of Congress to pass, without unnecessary delay, such strict and positive laws as will effectually shut out slavery from every portion of their territories. Resolved, That Congress has like full constitutional power to remove slavery, and the slave trade, from the District of Colum- bia, and that this power should be at once exercised for the im- mediate prohibition of the slave trade therein, and for the aboli- tion of slavery, upon such terms of compensation to the slave- holders as may be just and reasonable. Resolved, That in the name of the people of Connecticut, we do hereby solemnly reaffirm an unalterable attachment to the 22 STATE DOCUMENTS [262 Federal Union, and our inflexible determination to adhere to our national constitution, and abide by all its compromises, to the letter and spirit of the same ; while with equal unalterable and inflexible purpose, deterred by no threats of disunion, we shall forever oppose any and every measure of compromise, by which any portion of the territory now belonging to, or which may here- after be acquired by the United States, shall be given up to, or left unprotected against the encroachments of slavery. Resolved, That the integrity and permanence of American power on the Pacific Ocean, the increase of our commerce and wealth, the extension of our institutions, and the cause of human freedom on this continent, require the immediate admission of California into this Union, with her present Constitution, and the boundaries therein defined, without any reference to any other question or measure whatever. Resolved, That inasmuch as the legislation necessary to give effect to the clause of the Constitution of the United States, relat- ing to the delivering up of fugitive slaves, is within the exclusive jurisdiction of Congress, we hold it to be the duty of that body to pass such laws only in regard thereto as will secure to all per- sons whose surrender may be claimed, as having escaped from labor or service in another State, the right of having the validity of such claim determined by a jury in the State where such claim shall be made. [Resolutions of transmission.] [.ff«. and Private Acts of Conn. May sess., 1850, 141-143.] 131. The Nashville Convention. While Congress was still laboring with the Compromise measures, the dele- gates chosen by nine Southern States assembled in convention at Nashville, Tenn., June 3-12, 1850. The convention was composed of 1 75 delegates, divided among nine states, as follows: Va., 6, S. Car., 17, Ga., 4, Flcr., 4, Ala., 22, Miss., 12, Tex., I, Ark., 2, Tenn., 100, but each state delegation cast but one vote. your, of the Convention, 25-29. Judge Wm. L. Sharkey, of Miss., was chosen President, Jbid., 23. In his opening address he declared that " the object of the originators of the convention was not to dissolve the Union." " It had not been called to prevent, but to perpetuate the Union." (TV. Y. Tribune, June 4, 1850.) 263 J THE NASHVILLE CONVENTION 2$ An address to the people of the fourteen Southern States, prepared by R. B. Rhett, of S. C, was issued. It reviewed the slavery agitation in Con- gress and condemned the pending measures. Journal, 9-22. A set of thir- teen resolutions, drawn by John A Campbell, of Ala., were unanimously adopted on June loth, and on the following day fifteen additional resolutions were similarly agreed to Journal, 57-64. These resolutions follow. A copy of the Resolulions, Address and Journal of Proceedings of the Southern Convention. Held at Aashville, Tennessee, June 3d to nth inclusive, in the Year 1850 [Nashville, 1850, Pp. 65], is in the Harvard University Library. The first thirteen resolves are given in Cluskey, Political Text Book (2d ed.), 59S> 596; also portions in the Cong. Globe, 32 Cong , \ sess , Appx. 337. A second session of the Convention assembled at Nashville, November H-19, 1850. Judge Sharkey, having accepted the Compromise measures, which in the meantime had been adopted, refused to issue the call for this session. The Convention, accordingly, irregularly assembled and was poorly attended by the representatives of those Southerners who were still disaf- fected. Some 70 delegates were present from the seven following states : Ala., Fla., Ga., Miss., So. Car., Tenn. and Va. Ex-Governor Chas. J. Mac- Donald, of Ga., the Vice-President, presided. Resolutions offered by Miss. were adopted, Tenn. alone dissenting. These affirmed the right of a State to secede from the Union, denounced the acts of Congress as unjust, and recom- mended a general Congress of Southern States to maintain Southern rights and preserve the Union if possible. These are given in Cluskey, 596-598. Also the Tennessee resolutions submitted as a substitute, Ibid., 598, 599. Reports of the Convention are given in the Boston Journal and the New York Herald, Nov. 13, 20, and The New York Tribune, Nov. 27, 1850. General references: Von Hoist, III, 531-534, IV, 3, 4; Rhodes, 1, 173, 174, 196; Benton, II, ch. 198; Du Bose, Yancey, 247-249; Wilson, II, 286, 287. Resolves of the Southern Convention at Nashville. June 10, II, 1850. 1. Resolved, That the territories of the United States belong to the people of the several States of this Union as their common property. That the citizens of the several States have equal rights to migrate with their property to these territories, and are equally entitled to the protection of the federal government in the enjoyment of that property so long as the territories remain under the charge of that government. 2. Resolved, That Congress has no power to exclude from the territory of the United States any property lawfully held in the 24 STATE DOCUMENTS [264 States of the Union, and any acts which may be passed by Con- gress to effect this result is a plain violation of the Constitution of the United States. 3. Resolved, That it is the duty of Congress to provide govern- ments for the territories, since the spirit of American Institutions forbids the maintenance of military governments in time of peace, and as all laws heretofore existing in territories once belonging to foreign powers which interfere with the full enjoyment of religion, the freedom of the press, the trial by jury, and all other rights of persons and property as secured or recognized in the Constitution of the United States, are necessarily void so soon as such terri- tories become American territories, it is the duty of the federal government to make early provision for the enactment of those laws which may be expedient and necessary to secure to the inhabitants of and emigrants to such territories the full benefit of the constitutional rights we assert. 4. Resolved, That to protect property existing in the several States of the Union the people of these States invested the federal government with the powers of war and negotiation and of sus- taining armies and navies, and prohibited to State authorities the exercise of the same powers. They made no discrimination in the protection to be afforded or the description of the property to be defended, nor was it allowed to the federal government to determine what should be held as property. Whatever the States deal with as property the federal government is bound to recog- nize and defend as such. Therefore it is the sense of this Con- vention that all acts of the federal government which tend to denationalize property of any description recognized in the Con- stitution and laws of the States, or that discriminate in the degree and efficiency of the protection to be afforded to it, or which weaken or destroy the title of any citizen upon American terri- tories, are plain and palpable violations of the fundamental law under which it exists. 5. Resolved, That the slaveholding States cannot and will not submit to the enactment by Congress of any law imposing onerous conditions or restraints upon the rights of masters to remove with their property into the territories of the United States, or to any 26s] '^■^^ NASHVILLE CONVENTION 25 law making discrimination in favor of the proprietors of other property against them. 6. Resolved, That it is the duty of the federal government plainly to recognize and firmly to maintain the equal rights of the citizens of the several States in the territories of the United States, and to repudiate the power to make a discrimination between the proprietors of different species of property in the federal legisla- tion. The fulfilment of this duty by the federal government would greatly tend to restore the peace of the country and to allay the exasperation and excitement which now exists between the differ- ent sections of the Union. For it is the deliberate opinion of this Convention that the tolerance Congress has given to the no- tion that federal authority might be employed incidentally and indirectly to subvert or weaken the institution existing in the States confessedly beyond federal jurisdiction and control, is a main cause of the discord which menaces the existence of the Union, and which has well nigh destroyed the efficient action of the federal government itself. 7. Resolved, That the performance of this duty is required by the fundamental law of the Union. The equality of the people of the several States composing the Union cannot be disturbed with- out disturbing the frame of American institutions. This principle is violated in the denial to the citizens of the slaveholding States of power to enter into the territories with the property lawfully acquired in the States. The warfare against this right is a war upon the Constitution. The defenders of this right are the de- fenders of the Constitution. Those who deny or impair its exer- cise, are unfaithful to the Constitution, and if disunion follows the destruction of the right they are the disunionists. 8. Resolved, That the performance of its duties, upon the prin- ciple we declare, would enable Congress to remove the embar- rassments in which the country is now involved. The vacant territories of the United States, no longer regarded as prizes for sectional rapacity and ambition, would be gradually occupied by inhabitants drawn to them by their interests and feelings. The institutions fitted to them would be naturally applied by govern- ments formed on American ideas, and approved by the deliberate 26 STATE DOCUMENTS [266 choice of their constituents. The community would be educated and disciplined under a republican administration in habits of self government, and fitted for an association as a State, and to the enjoyment of a place in the confederacy. A community so formed and organized might well claim admission to the Union and none would dispute the vaUdity of the claim. 9. Resolved, That a recognition of this principle would deprive the questions between Texas and the United States of their sec- tional character, and would leave them for adjustment without disturbance from sectional prejudices and passions, upon con- siderations of magnanimity and justice. 10. Resolved, That a recognition of this principle would infuse a spirit of conciliation in the discussion and adjustment of all subjects of sectional dispute, which would afford a guarantee of an early and satisfactory determination. Ti. Resolved, That in the event a dominent majority shall re- fuse to recognize the great constitutional rights we assert, and shall continue to deny the obligations of the Federal Government to maintain them, it is the sense of this convention that the terri- tories should be treated as property, and divided between the sections of the Union, so that the rights of both sections be ade- quately secured in their respective shares. That we are aware this course is open to grave objections, but we are ready to acquiesce in the adoption of the line of 36 deg. 30 min. north latitude, extending to the Pacific ocean, as an extreme conces- sion, upon considerations of what is due to the stability of our institutions. 12. Resolved, That it is the opinion of this Convention that this controversy should be ended, either by a recognition of the constitutional rights of the Southern people, or by an equitable partition of the territories. That the spectacle of a confederacy of States, involved in quarrels over the fruits of a war in which the American arms were crowned with glory, is humiliating. That the incorporation of the Wilmot Proviso in the offer of settlement, a proposition which fourteen States regard as dis- paraging and dishonorable, is degrading to the country. A termi- nation to this controversy by the disruption of the confederacy or 267] THE NASHVILLE CONVENTION 27 by the abandonment of the territories to prevent such a result, would be a climax to the shame which attaches to the contro- versy which it is the paramount duty of Congress to avoid. 13. Resolved, That this Convention will not conclude that Con- gress will adjourn without making an adjustment of this contro- versy, and in the condition in which the Convention finds the question before Congress, it does not feel at liberty to discuss the methods suitable for a resistance to measures not yet adopted, which might involve a dishonor to the Southern States. [Resolves 14-18 support the territorial claims of Texas, and assert the obligation of the government to admit four new slave- holding States, in addition to the State of Texas, out of the remaining territory.] 19. Resolved, That the whole legislative power of the United States Government is derived from the Constitution and dele- gated to Congress, and cannot be increased or diminished but by an amendment to the Constitution. 20. Resolved, That the acquisition of territory by the United States, whether occupied or vacant, either by purchase, conquest or treaty, adds nothing to the legislative power of Congress, as granted and limited in the Constitution. 21. Resolved, That the adoption of a foreign law existing at the time, in territory purchased, ceded or granted, is the exercise of legislative power, and cannot be done unless the law is of such a character as might rightfully be enacted by Congress under the Constitution, without reference to its pre-existence as a foreign law. 22. Resolved, That the alleged principle of the law of nations, recognizing, to some extent, the perpetuation of foreign laws in existence within a territory at the time of its acquisition by pur- chase, conquest or treaty, cannot, under onr Constitution and form of government, go to the extent of continuing in force, in such territory, any law that could not be directly enacted by Congress, by virtue of the powers of legislation delegated to it by the Constitution. 23. Resolved, That no power of doing any act or thing by any of the Departments of our Government can be based upon the 28 STATE DOCUMENTS [268 principles of any foreign law, or of the laws of nations, beyond what exists in such Department under the Constitution of the United States, without reference to such foreign law or the laws of nations. 24. Resolved, That slavery exists in the United States inde- pendent of the Constitution. That it is recognized by the Con- stitution in a three-fold aspect, first as property, second as a domestic relation of service or labor under the law of a State, and lastly as a basis of political power. And viewed in any or all of these lights. Congress has no power under the Constitution to create or destroy it anywhere ; nor can such power be derived from foreign laws, conquest, cession, treaty or the laws of nations, nor from any other source but an amendment of the Constitution itself. 25. Resolved, That the Constitution confers no power upon Congress to regulate or prohibit the sale and transfer of slaves between the States. 26. Resolved, That the reception or consideration by Congress of resolutions, memorials or petitions, from the States in which domestic slavery does not exist, or from the people of the said States, in relation to the institution of slavery where it does exist, with a view of effecting its abolition, or to impair the rights of those interested in it, to its peaceful and secure enjoyment, is a gross abuse and an entire perversion of the right of petition as secured by the federal Constitution, and if persisted in must and will lead to the most dangerous and lamentable consequences ; that the right of petition for a redress of grievances as provided for by the Constitution was designed to enable the citizens of the United States to manifest and make known to Congress the exist- ence of evils under which they were suffering, whether affecting them personally, locally or generally, and to cause such evils to be redressed by the people and competent authority, but was never designed or intended as a means of inflicting injury on others or jeopardizing the peaceful and secure enjoyment of their rights, whether existing under the Constitution or under the sover- eignty and authority of the several States. 27. Resolved, That it is the duty of Congress to provide effect- 269] THE SECESSION MOVEMENT CHECKED 29 ual means of executing the ad section of the 4th article of the Constitution, relating to the restoration of fugitives from service or labor. 28. Resolved, That when this Convention adjourn, it adjourn to meet at Nashville, in the State of Tennessee, the 6th Monday after the adjournment of the present session of Congress, and that the Southern States be recommended to fill their delegations forthwith. \^Resolutions, Address and Journal of the Southern Convention, 3-8.] Action of the Southern States on the Compromise. The Secession Movement Checked 1850-1852. The adoption of the series of compromise measures by Congress, between Aug. 13 and Sept. 20, 1850, was acquiesced in by the majority of Southerners, ' but in a few of the States their enactment at first gave an impetus to the move- ment for secession. Georgia was the first State to take official action. Close upon the adjournment of Congress, Gov. George W, Towne, in accordance with the Act of February 8, 1850 {Acts of Ga., 1849, 122, Ante. p. 258) issued a proclamation on September 23, calling a convention ot the people to meet December 10 {New York Tribune, Sept. 28, 1850). Ex-Gov. McDonald led the secessionists, but three Congressmen, Robert Toombs, Howell Cobb and Alexander H. Stephens supported the acceptance of the compromise and their influence prevailed. This convention adopted an elaborate report together with the subjoined resolutions by a vote of 237 to 19. These soon were cele- brated as the " Georgia Platform.'' See Journal of the State Convention, Dec, 1850, 18, 19, 26, 27, 32. Extracts are given in Cluskey, 599, 600; Stephens, IVar Between the States, II, 676, 677.' General references: Article by Phillips, Amer. Hist. Assoc. Report, 1901, II, 163-167; Cong. Globe, 32 Cong., 1 sess., Appx. 255-258, 319-322, 342-345; Stovall, Life of Toombs, chs. vi, vii; Johnson & Browne, Stephens, 258-260; Stephens, II, 234, 235; Von Hoist, IV, 8, 9, 214, note; Colfman, Crittenden, I, 364-376; Harden, Life of Troup, Appx. xx. The Georgia platform exerted great influence in the other Southern States. ' A protest signed by ten senators from Southern States, to the bill for the admission of California, which passed the Senate August 13, 1850, was pre- sented the following day. Its reception was refused. Cong. Globe, ^i Cong., I sess., 1578-1580, 1588; Cluskey, 605, 606; Benton, II, 769-772. 2 Stephens gives the 4th article without the amendment adopted. 30 STATE DOCUMENTS [270 In Alabama a Union Legislature and Governor were chosen, but the seces- sionists under the lead of Yancey organized a Southern Rights Association, and held a convention in the spring of 185 1. An attempt was made to adopt the Georgia platform in the Legislature, but although it was approved by the Senate, it was defeated in the House. Garrett, Reminiscences of Public Men in Alabama, 544-548; DuBois, Yancey, 261, 262; Brown, Alabama, 210. The Maryland Constitutional Convention, called to frame a new Constitu- tion, unanimously adopted Dec. lo, 1850, a series of resolves on the Com- promise, declaring their acquiescence, although the measures did not fully meet the just demands of the South. Further, that the fugitive slave law " is but a tardy and meagre measure of compliance with the clear, explicit and imperative injunction of the Constitution," that " the repeal of that law or the failure to enforce its provisions " would lead to " a dissolution of the Union." From a copy in hxec. Docs, of i\'o. Car., 1850-51, 1, No. 18. See also Johns Hopkins Univ. Studies, XX, 415; for reply of Gov. Collier of Ala- bama, see Debates of Md. Ccnvention, 1850, I, 384. Tennessee repudiated the Southern Convention held in her capital, by electmg a Whig Governor and Legislature in 185 1. The latter, Feb. 28, 1852, adopted a set of strong resolutions, denying the constitutional rights of seces- sion, although admitting that of revolution under certain circumstances, pledg- ing their support to the President in all legal means in executing the laws, and approving the Compromise measures. Acts of 'I'enn., 1851-52, 719— 721 ; Phelan, History of Tennesset, 434-437. In Mississippi and South Carolina the secessionists made a vigorous fight. Gov. John A. Quitman, of Miss., was an avowed and active advocate of secession. The State's delegation in Congress, with the exception of Senator Foote, who supported the Compromise, advocated resistance. Gov. Quitman issued a proclamation calling the legislature to meet in special session, Nov. 18, 1850, to take action on the situation (ClaibDrne, Quitman, II, 43). In his message to the legislature, he zealously presented his views, {/bid , 46- 51; Globe, 32 Long., i sess., Appx. 336 J That body on Nov. 30, passed resolutions censuring Foote {Senate Misc., 31 Cong., 2 sess.. No. 2), indorsed the (Sovernor's position and adopted his suggestion by calling a State Con- vention to assemble in Nov., 1851, to consider the state of federal relations. There followed a bitter contest between the " Southern Rights Party " and " The Union Party," for the election of delegates to the Convention, which resulted in the triumph of the Union party, and in the choice of Foote as Governor. Foote had been a candidate against Quitman, and after the latter's withdrawal against Jefferson Davis. The Convention was in session Nov. 10 to 17, 1851. It adopted resolutions substantially in accord with the Georgia Platform with only three dissenting votes. Among its resolves, the 4th declared " That in the opinion of this Convention the asserted right of secession from the Union on the part of the State or States is utterly unsanctioned by the Federal Constitution," etc. It 271] THE GEORGIA PLATFORM 3 1 also rebuked the legislature for calling the Convention without first having submitted the question to the people. This reversed all that had been done by the secessionists and summarily checked the movement to break up the Union.' References : For resolutions and other documents see Journal of the Con- ventions of the State of Mississippi, 19, 20, 27-30, 47, 48 [Jackson, 1851]. J. F. H. Claiborne, Life and Correspondence of John A. Quitman, II, 36-52, '33-143. 148-151; Cong. Globe, 32 Cong., I sess., 35, 36, 49-65, 282-285; Appx. 336-342, 355-359. See an excellent article by J. W. Garner, in Miss. Hist. Soc. Pub., IV, 93-104; also, Reuben Davis, Recollections of Mississippi and Mississippians, 315-324; Jefferson Davis, Rise and I'all of Confederate Government, I, ch. iii; Von Hoist, IV, 4-7, 29, 35, 36, 105, 106; Rhodes, I, 226, 227; Smith, I, 137, 138. 132. The Georgia Platform. December, 1850. To the end, therefore, that the position of this State may be clearly apprehended by her confederates of the South and of the North, and that she may be blameless of all future consequences. Be it resolved by the people of Georgia in Convention assembled, First, That we hold the American Union secondary in importance only to the rights and principles it was designed to perpetuate ; that past associations, present fruition, and future prospects, will bind us to it so long as it continues to be the safeguard of those rights and principles. Secondly, That if the thirteen original parties to the contract bordering the Atlantic in the narrow belt, while their separate interests were in embryo, their peculiar tendencies scarcely de- veloped, their revolutionary trial and triumphs still green in memory, found Union impossible without compromise, the thirty- one of this day may well yield somewhat, in the conflict of opinion and policy, to preserve that Union which has extended the sway of republican government over a vast wilderness, to another ocean, and proportionately advanced civilization and national greatness. ' For action of South Carolina and Virginia see post, 272-276. In the re- maining states the Compromise was generally accepted. 32 STATE DOCUMENTS [272 Thirdly, That in this spirit, the State of Georgia has maturely considered the action of Congress embracing a series of meas- ures for the admission of California into the Union ; the organiza- tion of territorial governments for Utah and New Mexico ; the establishment of a boundary between the latter and the State of Texas ; the suppression of the slave trade in the District of Co- lumbia, and the extradition of fugitive slaves j and (connected with them) the rejection of propositions to exclude slavery from the Mexican territories and abolish it in the District of Columbia, and whilst she does not wholly approve, will abide by it as a permanent adjustment of this sectional controversy. Fourthly, That the State of Georgia, in the judgment of this Convention, will and ought to resist, even (as a last resort) to a disruption of every tie which binds her to the Union, any action of Congress, upon the subject of slavery in the District of Co- lumbia, or in places subject to the jurisdiction of Congress, in- compatible with the safety, domestic tranquility, the rights and the honor of the slave-holding States; or any act suppressing the slave trade between the slave-holding States, or in any refusal to admit as a State any territory hereafter applying because of the existence of slavery therein ; or in any act prohibiting the intro- duction of slaves into the territories of Utah and New Mexico, or any act repealing or materially modifying the laws now in force for the recovery of fugitive slaves. Fifthly, That it is the deliberate opinion of this Convention that upon the faithful execution of the Fugitive Slave Law by the proper authorities depends the preservation of our much loved Union. [Journal of the State Convention, Dec. 1850, 18, 19, 26,27, 32-] 133. South Carolina Asserts the Right of Secession. 185^-52- Public opinion in South Carolina was almost unanimously in favor of seces- sion, but soon it was divided over the question whether the State should secede immediately and alone, or await the cooperation of other States. Gov. Sea- brook's correspondence with Gov. Quitman in the fall of 1850, presents the situation fClaiborne, Quitman, II, 36-40). Gov. Seabrook in his message to 273] SOUTH CAROLINA ASSERTS RIGHT OF SECESSION 3 3 the Legislature of November 26, declared that " the time then has arrived to resume the exercise of the powers of self-protection," and he asserted the right of secession (^Jour. of the Senate of S. C, 1850, 25-30). The Legislature, acting on the suggestion of the Second Nashville Convention, for a Conven- tion of the States vested with full powers, adopted an Act, December 20, 1850, inviting the other slave holding States to send delegates to such a Convention to assemble in Montgomery, Ala , January 2, 1852, and made provision lor the appointment of their representatives. ' The same Act providing for the hold- ing of a otate Convention at the call of the Governor, to consider the final action of the State. (Act of S. C, Dec, 1850, 55-57.) Another Act of the same date appropriated ;?350,ooo for the defence of the State.' {Ibid., 57- 59. For debate on secession in this Legislature see Amer. Annual Cyclo- pcedia, 1861, 646.) During the year 1851, the agitation over the question of immediate and independent action of South Carolina or cooperation with other States con- tinued. In May the Southern Rights Association held a Convention, and adopted resolutions declaring that if necessary South Carolina would proceed "without the cooperation of other Southern States." (AWf York Tribune, May 13, 185 1.) Gov. J. H. Means, in a letter to Gov. Quitman May 12, pre- dicted that the next Legislature would call the Convention together and that body would take action for the State to secede. (Claiborne, Quitman, II, 133, 1 34.) The fall election of delegates to the proposed Southern Congress, however, was a defeat for the independent secessionists. Gov. Means gave expression to his disappointment in his annual message, Nov. 25, 1851. {Senate Journal of So. Car., 1851, 19, 20.) But the radical party succeeded in securing the passage by the Legislature of an Act, Dec. 16, 1851, for the assembling of the State Convention in April, 1852. {Acts of So. Car., 1851, 100.) The election of delegates to the Convention resulted in the choice of 114 cooperationists to 54 secessionists. ( Tribune Almanac, 1852, 43.) The Convention assembled at Columbia and was in session April 26—30, 1852, 168 delegates were in attendance. Gov. Means was chosen President. The re- port of a special committee, presented by Langdon Cheeves, contained the subjoined Resolutions and Ordinance. They were adopted by a vote of 136 to 19. For text see the Journal of the State Convention of South Carolina, 18, 19. [Columbia, 1852.] The collapse of the South Carolina secession movement at this time is ex- plained by Gov. Means in his message of Nov. 23, 1852, as due to the strife ' The Virginia Legislature, March 29, 1851, adopted resolutions declining to send delegates to the proposed Convention and appealed to South Carolina not to secede. Acts of Va., 1^^0-^,1,201. {'ite post, 2"]$.) '^ A report accompanying an appropriation of Jiio.ooo for the publication of the Calhoun Manuscripts, set forth the South Carolina Doctrine. Reports and Res. of S. C, 1850, 152-155. 34 STATE DOCUMENTS [274 between the parties, the one urging separate action, and the other advocating cooperation. " The discussion of these conflicting opinions produced the bit- terest party feeling. Amid the convulsive throes of this fierce strife, the ques- tion of our wrongs was almost forgotten. * * * « The members of the Con- vention determined to bury all bitter feelings which had generated by the late contest. * * * The principles which have ever been held dear amongst us, were not only reaffirmed but set forth in the solemn form of an Ordinance." The Governor then called attention to the violation of the fugitive slave law and predicted that " Further aggressions — which will surely come — vHU convince our Sister Southern States, that the institution upon which not only the pros- perity of the South but Republicanism itself depends, is no longer safe in the Union. Then we may hope that they will rise in the majesty of their strength and spirit, and in conjunction with us, either force our rights to be respected in the Union or take our place as a Southern Confederacy amongst the nations of the earth." Journal of the Senate of So. Car., 1852, 29, 30. General references: Van Hoist, IV, 30-35, 111-115, 214; Greeley, I, 211; Rhodes, I, 226; DeBow's Review, XXIX, 754, 755. Two important contem- porary pamphlets favoring secession are. The Southern States, Their Present Peril and Their Certain Remedy, etc. [by John Townsend], Charleston, Sept., 1850, Pp. 31 (Advocated cooperation), and The Position and Course of the South, by William H. Trescot, Charleston, 1850, Pp. 20. For Senator Rhett's speech in Congress, Dec, 15, 16, 185 1, avowing himself a secessionist, see Cong. Globe, Appx., 32 Cong., I sess., 44-48, 61-65. Resolved by the people of South Carolina in Convention assem- bled, That the frequent violations of the Constitution of the United States by the Federal Government, and its encroachments upon the reserved rights of the sovereign States of this Union, especially in the relation to slavery, amply justifies this Statej so fir as any duty or obligation to her confederates is involved, in dissolving at once all political connection with her co-States, and that she forbears the exercise of this manifest right of self-gov- ernment from consideration of expediency only. An Ordinance to declare the right of this State to secede from the Federal Union. We, the people of the State of South Carolina, in Convention assembled, do declare and ordain, and it is hereby declared and ordained, That South Carolina, in the exercise of her sovereign will, as an independent State, acceded to the Federal Union, known as the United States of America, and that in the exercise 275] RESOLUTIONS OF VIRGINIA 35 of the same sovereign will it is her right, without let, hindrance or molestation from any power whatsoever, to secede from the said Federal Union, and that for the sufficiency of the causes which may impel her to such separation she is responsible alone, under God, to the tribunal of public opinion among the nations of the earth. 134. Resolutions of Virginia Relative to the Action of South CaroHna. Ma;ch 29, 1851. Although the Virginia Legislature had passed strong resolutions against the Wilmot Proviso in 1847 and in 1849 (Ante, pp. 244, 253), and Feb. 12, 1850, had favored the calling of a Southern Convention, and in certain contingencies of a State Convention (Ante, p. 258), the State was now disposed to accept the Compromise measures, as the following resolutions of the Legislature show. The attempt to substitute a strong state rights resolution in the Senate received only three votes. Senate your, of Va., 1851, 209. Acts of Va., 1850-51, 200; Von Hoist, IV, 31; Rhodes, I, 226. Whereas, The legislature of the State of South Carolina has passed an act to provide for the appointment of delegates to the Southern Congress, " to be entrusted with full power and authority to deliberate with the view and intention of arresting further aggression, and if possible of restoring the constitutional rights of the South, and if not, to recommend due provision for their future safety and independence," which act has been formally commu- nicated to this general assembly. I. Be it therefore resolved by the general assembly of Virginia, That whilst this State deeply sympathizes with South Carolina in the feelings excited by the unwarrantable interference of certain of the non-slaveholding States with our common institutions, and whilst diversity of opinion exists among the people of this com- monwealth in regard to the wisdom, justice and constitutionality of the measures of the late Congress of the United States, taken as a whole, and commonly known as the compromise measures, yet the legislature of Virginia deems it a duty to declare to her 36 STATE DOCUMENTS [276 sister State of South Carolina that the people of this State are un- willing to take any action in consequence of the same calculated to destroy the integrity of this Union. 2. Resolved, That regarding the said acts of the Congress of the United States, taken together, as an adjustment of the excit- ing questions to which they relate, and cherishing the hope that if fairly executed they will restore to the country that harmony and confidence which of late have been so unhappily disturbed, the State of Virginia deems it unwise in the present condition of the country to send delegates to the proposed Southern Congress. 3. Resolved, That Virginia earnestly and affectionately appeals to her sister Slate of South Carolina to desist from any meditated secession upon her part, which cannot but tend to the destruction of the Union and the loss to all of the States of the benefits that spring from it. 4. Resolved, That Virginia, believing the constitution of the United States, if faithfully administered, provides adequate pro- tection to the rights of all the States of this confederacy, and still lookmg to that instrument for defence within the Union, warned by the experience of the past, the dangers of the present, and the hopes of the future, invokes all who Hve under it to adhere more strictly to it and to preserve inviolate the safeguards which it affords to the rights of individual States and the interests of sec- tional minorities. 5. Resolved, That all acts of legislation or combinations de- signed in any way injuriously to affect the institution of slavery, deserve the most unqualified reprobation, are peculiarly offensive to the Southern States, and must, if persisted in, inevitably defeat the restoration of peaceful and harmonious sentiments in the States. Resolution of transmission.] \_Acts of Virginia, 1850-31, 201.] .277j THE NORTH ON THE COMPROMISE 37 The North on the Compromise. 1850-1852. The majority of the people of the north also accepted the compromise. This is attested to not only by the attitude of the press and the action of pub- lic meetings (Rhodes, I, 194-196), but also by the resolve of State legisla- tures. Those of Delaware, Illinois, Iowa, New Hampshire in 185:, New Jersey and Connecticut in 1852, adopted resolutions in approval of the com- promise. The resolves of Illinois are notable, for in addition to approving the compromise, they declare that the exercise of the power of Congress upon slavery in the territories is " unnecessary and inexpedient,' and they repealed the resolve of the preceding general assembly favoring the Wilmot Proviso. The resolves of Iowa, the only free state that had not previously favored the Wilmot Proviso, declared that " the Constitution of the United States is a compact, a fundamental treaty; " but those of New Jersey, which were unani- mously adopted by the legislature, are of especial interest as a late assertion of the compact theory by a northern state, as well as because of the debate excited by its presentation in Congress. They are given below. (In the •Senate, Con^. Globe, 32 Con^., I sess., 541-543; in the House, speech by Giddings, and reply by Stanley, Gloie, 531-535, 541, 542; Julian, Giddings, 287-290.) All these resolutions explicitly approved of the new Fugitive Slave Law, even Connecticut, although the law was not in harmony with the demand of its resolves of 1850 (Ante, 262). For text of the above resolutions see Laws of Del., 1851, 609-611; Acts of 111, 1851, 205-207; Laws of New Hamp., June sess., 1851, 1083; Lies, and Private Acts of Conn., May sess., 1852, lo; House Misc., 32 Con^., i sess,, Nos. 13, 20, 65. There was, however, some dissent. Vermont promptly reasserted its former position, condemning the new fugitive slave law. * Acts and Jfes. of Vermont, Oct. sess., 1850, 53, 54. Ohio, also called for the repeal of the fugitive slave law, and the enactment of a new law giving to the fugitive "the benefit of every legal defence." ' Local Laws of Ohio, 1850-51, 814. 'These were quoted by Stephen A. Douglas in his speech of July 9, 1858, as remaining "to this day a standing instruction to her senators." Political Debates between Lincoln and Douglas, 7. [Columbus, i860.] * Virginia declined to receive resolutions of the Vermont Legislature on the promotion of the peace of the world. i^Acts and Res. of Vt., 1850, 57), " until that body shall show itself careful of the peace of the Union, by con- forming its enactments to the Constitution of the United States and the laws passed in pursuance thereof." {Acts of Va., 1850-51, 202). This was doubt- less prompted by the passing of a personal liberty Act by Vermont this same year. Acts of Vt., 1850, 9. ' They also declared that the fugitive slave law " ought never to receive the voluntary co-operation of our people." Ohio it should also be mentioned, had 38 STATE DOCUMENTS [278 The rescue of certain fugitives and the opposition to the rendition of others during the year 1851, led President Fillmore in his annual message, Dec. 2, 1851, to condemn the same and pronounce the compromise measure a final settlement of the matter. (Richardson, V, 137-139.) Senator Foote of Miss., fresh from the victory in his State, introduced on the same day his "Finality Resolutions" {Globe, 12). This precipitated an acrimonius debate which lasted over two months. It was participated in chiefly by Southern Senators. The resolution was not brought to a vote in the Senate, but in the House a similar resolution prompted by the presentation of some of the State resolutions, especially those from New Jersey, was adopted April 5, 1852, by a vote of 103 to 74 ( Gloie, 978-983). Charles Sumner, on August 26, 1852, in the Senate made an impassioned speech in support of a resolution in effect to repeal the fugitive slave law. This led to a bitter debate, but the proposition received but four votes in its favor. Sumner, Works, III, 73-75, 87-196; Globe, Appx., 1102-1125; Johnston, American Ora/ions, 11, 26S-240; Pierce, Sumner, III, 289-31 1; Storey, Sumner, ch. vi. Such was the situation on the eve of the Presidential campaign of 1852, in which both parties adopted the " finality plank." Rhodes, I, 243-277; Von Hoist, IV, chs. iii, iv. 135. New Jersey on the Compromise Measures. January 30, 1852. Whereas, The Constitution of the United States is a compact between the several States and forms the basis of our Federal Union ; And whereas, The said States, through their representatives, in sovereign capacities as States, by adopting said Constitution, con- ceded only such powers to the general government as were neces- sary " to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquillity, provide for the common defence, promote the general welfare and secure the blessings of liberty to them- selves and posterity ;" renewed the idea of colonization. In 1849 she suggested the setting off a part of the territory acquired from Mexico for" the oppressed people of color." In 1850 she advocated the maintenance of Liberia and the colonization of free blacks there. Laws of Ohio, 1848-49, 395; Jbid., 1849-50, 714. Indiana and Conn, also passed resolves favoring African colonization. Laws of Ind., 1850, 247; Ibid., 1851, 202; Ibid., 1852, 174; Res. and Private Acts of Conn., May sess., 1852, 10. 279] NEW JERSEY ON THE COMPROMISE MEASURES 39 And whereas, The questions which agitated the country and absorbed so large a portion of the time of the last session of the Congress of the United States — questions in their nature directly opposed to the spirit and compromise of the Constitution, calcu- lated to destroy our domestic tranquility and dismember our glorious Union — were happily terminated by the Compromise measures, it is deemed the imperative duty of this legislature to express their sentiments in relation thereto ; therefore, 1. Resolved, That the Constitution of the United States was framed in the spirit of wisdom and compromise, is the bond of our Federal Union, and can only be preserved by a strict adher- ence to its express and implied powers ; that New Jersey, one of the original thirteen States, has always adhered to the Constitu- tion and is unalienably attached to the Union, and that she wilj resist, to the extent of her ability, any infraction of that sacred instrument. 2. Resolved, That this legislature cordially approves the meas- ures adopted by the last session of Congress, known as the "compromise measures," and that every patriot in every part of our widely extended country has cause to rejoice in the adoption of said measures, as a triumph of constitutional rights over a spirit of wild and disorganizing fanaticism. 3. Resolved, That New Jersey will abide by and sustain the Compromise measures, and that her senators in the senate of the United States be instructed, and our representatives in Congress be requested, to resist any change, alteration, or repeal thereof. 4. Resolved, That the fugitive slave law is in accordance with the stipulations of the Constitution of the United States, and in its provisions, carries out the spirit and letter of the Constitution in its compromises, upon which our Union is founded. 5. Resolved, That we approve of the patriotic stand taken by the Executive of the United States in declaring his determination to execute and enforce all laws constitutionally enacted, and that the people of New Jersey will sustain him in so doing. [Resolution of transmission.] [House Miscellaneous Doc, 32 Cong., 1st Sess., No. 13.] 40 STATE DOCUMENTS [280 136. Louisiana on the Cuban Situation. March 16, 1854. The following resolves are illustrative of the movement in the South in favor of the annexation of Cuba. This propaganda found expression this same year in the revival of fillibustering expeditions and in the promulgation of the Ostend Manifesto, October 18, 1854. Soul6, our Minister to Spain, came from Louisiana, and his influence may have led to the passage of these resolves. References : For the Ostend Manifesto, Hotise Ex. Doc, 33 Cong., 2 sess., X, No. 93; MacDonald, 405-412; Amer. Hist. Leaflets, No. 2. For the his- tory of the movement see Channing and Hart, Guide, § 199; Latane, Diplo- matic Relations of the U. S. and Spanish America, 105-136; Callahan, Cuba and International Relations, chs. vii-ix; Snow, Amer. Diplomacy, 344-357; Webster in Pol. Sci. Quar., VIII, i; Curtis, Buchanan, II, chs. iv-vi; Rhodes, II, ys,-W> Von Hoist, IV, 253-256; V, ch. i; Wilson, II, ch. xlvii. Be it resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the State of Louisiana, in general assembly convened, That we view with regret and alarm the poHcy recently inaugurated by the gov- ernment of Spain in the island of Cuba, the manifest object and effect of which must be the abolition of slavery in that colony, and the sacrifice of the white race, with its arts, commerce and civili- zation, to a barbarous and inferior race. Resolved, That the consummation of this policy will exercise a most pernicious influence upon the institutions and interests, social, commercial and political, of the United States. Resolved, That, in our judgment, the time has arrived when the Federal Government should adopt the most decisive and energetic measures to thwart and defeat a policy conceived in hatred to this Republic, and calculated to retard her progress and prosperity. \^Senate Miscellaneous Documents, 33 Cong., i sess,. No. 63.J The Kansas-Nebraska Bill. 1854. On Jan. 4, 1854, Senator Douglas reported his bill for the territorial govern- ment of Nebraska. (^Senate Repts., 33 Con^., i sess.. No. 15.) Jan. 16, Dixon of Ky., offered his amendment for the repeal of the slavery restriction 28 1] GEORGIA IN SUPPORT OF NEBRASKA BILL 41 .provision of the Missouri Compromise Act. Thus forced, Douglas presented, Jan. 23, his substitute measure, the Kansas-Nebraska bill, embodying the Dixon proposition. On the following day, the Appeal of Ihe Independent Democrats in Confess to the People of the United States was issued. ( Cong. Globe, 33 Cong., I sess., I, 281; Amer. Hist. Leaflets,'^o. 17.) It met with a prompt response from the North. The press, public meetings, and several State legislatures, as they assembled, denounced the measure. On the day that Douglas opened the debate, Jan. 30, the resolutions of the Democratic legis- lature of Rhode Island were presented to Congress. Before the approval of the bill on May 30, (i/. S. Stat, at Large, X, 277-289), at least four other States, namely, Mass., New York, Maine and Conn., (2) had adopted resolu- tions against it, while Georgia, Miss., 111., and Cal. passed resolutions favoring the measure. ' The resolutions of Georgia and Connecticut follow. For texts of the several resolves see : Senate Miss., 33 Cong., I sess., Nos. 15, 16, 22, 24, 28, 40, 48, 62, 65; House Misc., Nos. 10, 16, 20, 23, 30, 32, 77; Acts of R. I., Jan. sess., 1854, 275; Acts and Jies. of Mass., 1854, 415; /?«. of Maine, 1854, 102; Res. and Private Acts of Conn., May sess., 1854, 123-127; Acts of Ga., 1853-54, 590; Laws of Miss., 1854, 585; Statutes of Cal., 1854, 274. General references: Channing and Hart's Guide, §199; MacDonald, Documents, 395—405. Cong. Globe, 33 Cong., I sess.. Index; Senate Reports, I, No. 15, Burgess, ch. xix; Curtis II, 259-265; Curtis, Hist, of the Rep. Party, I, 136-147; Greeley, I, 224-235; Greeley, Slavery Extension, 71-89; Johnston, Amer. Pol. History, II, 141-159; Rhodes, I, 424-500; Schouler, V, 280-292; Smith, I, ch. vi; Von Hoist, IV, chs. vi-viii; V, ch. i; Wilson, II, ch. xxx; Bancroft, Seward, I, ch. xviii; Dixon, True History of the Missouri Compromise and its Repeal, chs. xvii-xx; Hart, Chase, 133-148; Schuckers, Lhase, 135-161; Nicolay and Hay, Lincoln, I, ch. xix; Julian, Giddings, 310-314; Pierce, Sumner, III, 347-361 ; Storey, Sumner, ch. vii; Sumner, Works, III, 336-352; Seward,' Works, IV, 433-479; Johnston, Amer. Orations, III, 3-87; Stovall, Toombs, ch. ix; Davis, Rise and Fall of the Confederacy, I, ch. v; Stevens, War between the States, II, ch. xvii. 137. Georgia in Support of Nebraska Bill. February 20, 1854. The State of Georgia, in solemn convention, having firmly fixed herself upon the principles of the compromise measures of 1850, relating to the subject of slavery in the Territories of the United ' An unusual effort was made to secure the approval of the Legislature of Illinois. The House adopted the resolutions by a vote of 36 to 22, the Senate by 14 to 8. Illinois House Jour., 1854, 167. Senate Jour., 21, 26, 49, 78-81. See Nicolay and Hay, Lincoln, I, 366-367. 42 STATE DOCUMENTS [282 States, as a final settlement of the agitation of that question, its' withdrawal from the halls of Congress and the political arena, and its reference to the people of the Territories interested therein ; and distinctly recognizing in those compromise measures the doc- trine that it is not competent for Congress to impose any restric- tions, as to the existence of slavery among them, upon the citizens moving into and settling upon the Territories of the Union, ac- quired or to be hereafter acquired ; but that the question whether slavery shall or shall not form a part of their domestic institutions is for them alone to determine for themselves ; and her present Executive having reiterated and affirmed the same fixed policy in his inaugural address. Be it resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the State of Georgia in General Assembly met, That the Legislature of Georgia, as the representatives of the people, speaking their will and expressing their feelings, have had their confidence strengthened in the settled determination of the great body of the Northern people, to carry out in good faith those principles, in the practical application of them to the bills reported by Mr. Douglas from the Committee on Territories in the United States Senate at the present session proposing the organization of a Territorial government for the Territory of Nebraska. And be it further resolved. That our Senators in Congress be, and they are hereby, instructed, and our representatives requested, to vote for and support those principles, and to use all proper means within their power for carrying them out, either as applied to the government of the Territory of Nebraska or in any other bill for Territorial government which may come before them. [Resolution of transmission.] \AcU of Georgia, 1853-1854, 590.] 138. Connecticut Opposes the Kansas-Nebraska Bill. May Session, 1854. Whereas, a bill is now pending in the Congress of the United States for the organization of the Territories of Kansas and Ne- braska, by which the eighth section of the act preparatory to the 283] CONNECTICUT OPPOSES BILL 43 admission of Missouri, approved March 6, i8zo, is declared in- operative and void : 1. Resolved, by this general assembly, That the form of the prohibition of slavery, in the act of 1820, as well as its incorpora- tion in an act designed to be irrepealable, pledged the public faith, to the whole extent of the power of Congress so to do, against any repeal of the prohibition so enacted, and that the people of Connecticut have therefore relied upon the perpetuity of that enactment, with full confidence in the integrity and honor, both of the national government, and of those States which sustain the institution of slavery within their own jurisdiction. 2. Resolved, That in the name and in behalf of the people of this State, we protest against the proposed repeal of the prohibi- tion of slavery in the act preparatory to the admission of Mis- souri, as a violation of the national faith, as destructive of mutual confidence between the States of this Union, as exposing the Union itself to imminent peril, and as inconsistent with the fun- damental principles of natural justice. 3. Resolved, That we declare our fixed purpose never to con- sent to the legal or actual admission of slavery into the territory from which it was excluded by the act of 1820, or to the admis- sion of slave-holding States from any portion of the same. 4. Resolved, That the attempt to extend slavery over a vast region from which it has been by law excluded with the consent of the slave-holding States ought to awaken the people of Con- necticut to the agressive character of slavery as a political power, and to unite them in determined hostility to its extension, and to its existence wherever it comes constitutionally within the reach of federal legislation. 5. Resolved, That this general assembly hereby declares itself ready to co-operate with other States, in any legal and constitu- tional measures, which the existing crisis or its consequenses shall demand, for the preservation of our rights and in defence of liberty. 6. Resolved, That our senators in Congress be instructed, and our representatives be earnestly requested, to oppose, by all law- ful means, and to the last extremity, the bill under consideration, 44 STATE DOCUMENTS [284 with the clause abrogating the prohibition of slavery, known as the Missouri compromise. [Resolution of transmission.] \_Reiolutions and Private Acts of Connecticut, May Session, 1854, 125-127.] The Kansas-Nebraska Act and the Fugitive Slave Law. 1854-55- The adoption of the Kansas-Nebraska Bill and the excitement aroused by the rendition of Anthony Burns in Boston at about the same time, led almost immediately to the adoption of new sets of resolutions by the legislatures of Conn, and Rhode Island, then in session. The Conn, resolves demanded the repeal of the Kansas-Nebraska Act, declaring that the compromises on slavery had been " repudiated and deprived of their moral force and authority." They announced " that the government having no more povcer to establish slavery than to establish a monarchy, sho»Jd at once relieve itself from all responsi- bility for the existence of slavery, wherever it possesses constitutional power to legislate for its extinction." The Rhode Island resolves were similar, and ex- pressed opposition to the further acquisition of territory. Both legislatures called for the amendment or repeal of the fugitive slave law. Res. and Pri- vate Acts of Conn., May sess., 1854, 123-125; Acts and Pes. of R. I., June sess., 1854, 61-62; House Misc., 33 Cong., I sess., Nos. 94, 96; Senate Misc., No. 71. The Anti-Nebraska men won notable victories in the election of 1854, and to show their opposition to the extension of slavery and the fugitive slave law, Rhode Island, Conn., Vermont, Mass.' and Mich, passed Personal Liberty Laws in 1854 or 1855. To meet these State laws, Senator Toucey reported from the Judiciary Committee in Feb., 1855, a bill designed to strengthen the fugitive slave act; Sumner's motion to repeal the act now secured nine votes; Toucey's bill passed the Senate, Feb. 23, by a vote of 29 to 9, but was not considered in the House {Cong. Globe, 33 Con^., 2 sess., 783,902; Affix., 211- ' This act was passed over Gov. Gardner's veto. Acts of Mass., 1855, 924- 929, 1009-1012. - Gov. Gardner, Jan. 3, 1856, recommended the repeal of such portions of the law as may conflict with the Const, and the laws of the United States. Acts of Mass., 1856-57, 302-304. This was not done until 1858, when the act was amended. Jbid., 1858, 151, Gov. Andrew in his inaugural, Jan. 5, 1861, defended the constitutionality of the law in reply to the charges made by the South. Jbtd., 1860-61, 579-584. Cf. Hart, Contemporaries, IV> 93-96; Garrison, HI, 414-417; Pearson, Life of John A. Andrew, 70-72, 79-92, 132-140, 165-167. 28s] ARKANSAS APPROVES OF THE ACT 45 246; Pierce, Sumner, III, 374-385, 390-393, 410-412; Sumner's Works, III, 355 36?' 435> 450, 529-547). Meanwhile the legislatures of Michigan, Maine, Mass. and New York (Jan.-Apr., 1855) were demanding the "immediate and unconditional repeal " of the fugitive slave law and the Kansas-Nebraska Act. On the other side, Arkansas adopted resolves in approval of the latter measure, while Illinois expressed its disapproval of " all efforts having for their object the disturbance of the compromise measure of 1850, including the fugitive slave law." The resolutions of Arkansas, noteworthy for their attack upon Ohio, and those of Michigan, one of the leading States in the organization of the Republican party, as also the radical resolves of Mass., follow. For the texts of the other resolutions, see: Senate Misc., 33 Cong., 2 sess.. No. H; Ibid., 34 (-'ong; I sess., Nos. ii, iS, 81; Home Misc., Nos. 41, 81, 115, 121 ; Acts and lies, of Maine, 1855,261,262; Acts and Res. of Mass., 1854-55,941,942, 946,947; Acts of New York, 1855, 1120-1122; Private Laws of III., Jan. sess., 185s. 744- General references: Rhodes, I, 500-506; 11,45-78; Schouler, V, 293-296, 301-308; Von Hoist, V, 51-70, 130-138; Wilson, II, chs. xxxi-xxxiv; Ban- croft, Seward, I, ch. xix; Garrison, Garrison, III, chs. xiv, xv; Nicolay and Hay, Lincoln, I, chs. xx, xxi; Stanwood, chs. xix, xx; Macy, Political Parties, chs. xiii, xiv; Pierce, Sumner, III, 374-393; Sumner, Works, III, 355-423, 435-450; Adams, Richard Henry Dana, I, 265-282; McDougall, Fugitive Slaves, 43-49, 66—70, 127; Siebert, Underground Railroad, 326-333; Curtis Republican Party, I, chs. vi, vii; Julian, Political Recollections 134-150. 139. Arkansas Approves of the Kansas-Nebraska Act. January 19, 1855. Whereas the right of property in slaves is expressly recognized by the constitution of the United States, and is, by virtue of such recognition, guaranteed against unfriendly action on behalf of the general government : And whereas each State of the Union, by the fact of being a paity to the federal compact, is also a party to the recognition and guarantee aforesaid : And whereas the citizens of each State are, in consequence of such citizenship, under the raost sacred obligation to conform to the terms and tenor of the compact to which their State is a party : Therefore — r . Be ii resolved by the General Assembly of the State of Ar- kansas, That the legislation of Congress repealing the mis-named " compromise " of eighteen hundred and twenty, and asserting the doctrine of non-interference with slavery, alike in States and 46 STATE DOCUMENTS [286 Territories, is in strict accordance with the constitution, and in itself just and expedient, and is for these reasons cordially ap- proved by the people of Arkansas. 2. Resolved, That the opposition of northern States to the legislation above mentioned is at war with the letter and spirit of the constitution, is grossly violative of plighted faith, and is a traitorous blow aimed at the rights of the South and the perpetuity of the Union.^ 3. Resolved, That the citizens of the State of Ohio have pur- sued a course peculiarly unjust and odious in their fanatical hostility to institutions for which they are not responsible, in their encouragement of known felons, and endorsement of repeated and shameless violations of law and decency, and in their estab- lishment of abolition presses, and circulation of incendiary docu- ments, urging a servile population to bloodshed and rapine ; and by reason of the premises, it is the duty and the interest of the people of Arkansas to discontinue all social and commercial rela- tions with the citizens of said State, and the same is hereby earnestly recommended as a punishment of past outrages and a preventive of further aggressions. [Resolution of transmission.] \^House Misc. Documents, 33 Cong. 2 Sess., No, 26.] 140. Michigan on the Slavery Question. January 26, 1855. Whereas, Slavery is regarded, by the people of this State, as a great moral, social, and political evil, at war with the principles of the Declaration of Independence and the great object contem- plated by our forefathers in establishing the Constitution of the 'The Legislature of New Hampshire replied to the above, July 14, 1855, controverting the same, — One of the resolves declared " That all threats of a dissolution of the Union coming from the slave States, unless they are per- mitted to regulate the policy of the general government on the subject of slavery, have lost all their terrors for the people of New Hampshire, and that they are resolved to demand and enforce their rights in every crisis, and at any sacrifice, consistently with honor and the constitution. Laws of New Hamp. June Sess. 1855, 1613-1615; Senate Misc., 34 Cong. I Sess. No. 81. 287] MICHIGAN ON THE SLAVERY QUESTION 47 United States, an impediment to the prosperity of our common country, and an element of domestic weakness and discord ; and Whereas, The people of Michigan owe it to the early and pru- dent exercise of the power of Congress over the Territories of the United States, in applying the anti- slavery restriction contained in the ordinance of 1 787, that she is not now a slave-holding State ; and Whereas, The people have heretofore, through their legislature, repeatedly and earnestly remonstrated against the further exten- sion of slavery in the national Territories ; and Whereas, The violation, by Congress, of the compact of 1820 has released the people of this State from all obligation to respect Congressional compromises for the extension or perpetuation of slavery ; therefore Resolved, By the Senate and House of Representatives of the State of Michigan, That we hold the said repeal, and the per- mission granted by said Territorial act to introduce slavery into said Territories, to be a violation of a mutual covenant between the free States and the slave-holding States of the Union, justiiied by no necessity, present or prospective ; injurious to the rights of the former, tending to interrupt the internal harmony of the country, and to frustrate the well known purpose of the framers of the Constitution, who, by gradual legislation, designed ulti- mately to put an end to slavery, Resolved, That we are opposed to the further extension of slavery, or the recognition or the permission thereof, in any Territory now owned, or which may hereafter be acquired by the United States. Resolved, That we hold it to be within the constitutional power of Congress to abolish slavery and the slave trade in all the Terri- tories of the United States, including the District of Columbia, and that it is their duty, in view of the great and permanent inter- ests of the Nation, to pass laws for its immediate suppression and extinction in all such Territories and in said District. Resolved, That our Senators in Congress be, and they are hereby, instructed, and our representatives requested, to vote for and use their best exertions to procure the passage of an Act of Congress that shall prohibit the introduction or existence of slavery in any 48 STATE DOCUMENTS [288 of the Territories of the United States, and especially in Kansas and Nebraska, and to introduce, without delay, a bill for this latter purpose. Resolved, That the Act of Congress of 1850, known as the Fugi- tive Slave Law, was, in the opinion of the people of this State, an unnecessary measure ; that it contains provisions of doubtful con- stitutionality ; that the mode of proceeding under it is harsh, un- just, and repugnant to the moral sense of the people of the free States, cruel and despotic towards the person claimed as a fugitive, and that we are in favor of its immediate repeal ; therefore Resolved, That our Senators in Congress be, and they are hereby, instructed, and our Representatives requested, to use their best exertions to procure the immediate repeal of the Act of 1850, known as the Fugitive Slave Law. [Resolution of transmission.] {Acts of Michigan, 1855, 483-485.] 141. Massachusetts on the Fugitive Slave Law. April 6. 1855. Resolved, Inasmuch as there is neither any power granted to the general government in the Constitution of the United States for the enactment of any law by Congress for the return of alleged fugitive slaves, nor any prohibition therein to the States against the passage of laws upon that subject, that the fugitive slave act is a direct violation of the tenth article of amendments to the Constitution of the United States, which declares that " the pow- ers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respec- tively, or to the people." Resolved, That our senators and representatives in Congress be requested to use all honorable means to secure the uncondi- tional repeal of the fugitive slave act of eighteen hundred and fifty, which is hostile alike to the provisions of the national Con- stitution and to the dictates of the Christian religion, an infrac- tion equally of " the supreme law of the land," and of the " higher law" of God in consonance therewith. [Resolution of transmission.] \_Acis and Resohes of Massachusetts, 1854-1855, 946-947.] 289] THE DISTURBANCE IN KANSAS 49 The Disturbance in Kansas. 1855-1857. Following the adoption of the Kansas-Nebraska Act there ensued a race between the emigrants from the free and the slave states to Kansas, with the object of securing the control of the territorial government. Beginning with July, 1854, some of the former were sent out by the Emigrant Aid Company of Massachusetts. (For its activity see Eli Thayer, '1 he Kansas Crusade; Chas. Robinson, The Kansas Conflict, ch. ix,; Kansas Hist. Col., VI, go-96.) The invasion of Kansas by Missourians on the occasion both of the election of the Territorial delegate, Nov. 29, 1854, and of the election of the Territorial Legislature, March 30, 1855, gave the pro-slavery party the control of the gov- ernment. This invasion at once met with the indignant protest of the Legis- latures of New York, Massachusetts and Connecticut, and later of Vermont.' The typical resolutions of Massachusetts are given below. The adoption of a slave code by the Territorial Legislature during the sum- mer of 1855 (Text, Wilder, Annals of Kansas, 56-59), and the inauguration by the free-states men of a rival government under the Topeka Constitution during the fall and winter of 1855-56 (Text, etc.. Wilder, 63-89; Greeley, Slavery kxlension, 148-156), and their application to Congress for the ad- mission of Kansas under this constitution, excited general interest. Presi- dent Pierce sent a special message to Congress, Jan. 24, 1856, declaring the Topeka movement illegal and Feb. II he issued a proclamation against those engaged in it. (Richardson, V, 352-360; 390,391.) The House, Jan. 26, adopted a resolution declaring that the Missouri Compromise ought to be re- stored, by a vote of loi to 100. {Globe, 34 Cong., 1 j«t.,300, 301.) A spec- ial committee of the Senate, Douglas chairman, made a report, March 12, condemning the Emigrant Aid Company and repudiating the Topeka move- ment. CoUamer, of Vermont, dissented. (^Senate Repts., No. 34.) I he House, March 19, provided for the appointment of a Committee of Investiga- tion. (Howard report presented, July 2, House Repts., No. 200; see also House Report on Topeka Const., Ibid., No. 181; also House Hxec. Doc, Nos. 28, 66; House Repts., Nos. 3, 275; House Misc., No. 3.) In the meantime, Robinson, Governor under the Topeka Const., appealed to the governors of New York, Rhode Island and Ohio. The Legislatures of Rhode Island and Ohio responded, and later in the spring of 1856 thuse of Connecticut, Massachusetts and New Hampshire condemned the course of the national administration and the pro-slaverv party, and favored the admis- ' The resolves of Massachusetts and Connecticut were returned by South Carolina, thuse of Vermont by Georgia and Mississippi, cither because their language was offensive or because of the state's failure to observe its consti- tutional obligations. Jour, of S. C. House of Rep., 1855, 30; Acts of S. C, 1855, 305; Acts of Ga., 1855-56, 552; Laws of Miss., 1856, 431. 50 STATE DOCUMENTS [29O sion of Kansas as a free state.' On the other hand, several of the southern legislatures early in 1856 passed resolves expressive of their views. Texas and Kentucky supported the Kansas-Nebraska Act ' and the enforcement of the Fugitive Slave Act.' Mississippi adopted the subjoined resolutions on the sit- uation in Kansas and for the encouragement of emigration thereto; whUe Georgia, Jan. 17, 1856, voted in favor of aiding emigrants to Kansas with free passes on State railroads, and followed this by an act, March 4, 1856, empower- ing the calling of a state convention, if any of the contingencies contemplated in the resolutions of the Georgia Convention of Dec, 1850, should result, " to consider and determine upon the time and mode of resistance." (See ante, 271, 272.) Louisiana indorsed President Pierce's policy in regard to slavery. The Kansas situation was still further aggravated by the destruction of Lawrence, May 21, and the assault upon Senator Sumner, May 22. (See post, 293.) Under the influence of these events the Democratic and Repub- lican National Conventions assert bled in June. ( For platforms with reference to slavery and Kansas, see Stanwood, 267, 270.) Under the spur of the con- vention's declarations the Democratic Senate, July 2, approved a bill, based on Toombs' proposition, which provided for a vote on a new territorial con- ventioti and a new constitution, while the Republican House, on the follow- ing day, voted to admit Kansas immediately under the Topeka constitution. The session ended with the two houses in disagreement. The free state legis- lature was dispersed, July 4, 1856, by United States troops under orders of Gov. Shannon, and a renewal of the Civil War in Kansas ensued. During the winter of 1856-57 the Legislatures of Iowa, Wisconsin, Ohio and Maine passed resolves in opposition to the extension of slavery, while 'The Maine Legislature, April 10, 1856, declared itself averse to the exten- sion of slavery over the territories, but disapproved of the resolves of the previous legislature of March 17, 1855. Ante, p. 281; Acts and Res. of Maine, 1856, 366. ^ Several resolves were introduced and discussed in the Alabama Legislature in the winter of 1855-56, repudiating the doctrine of popular sovereignty, showing the beginning of a change of view. House your, of Ala., 1855, 438- 440; 472-474- ' Texas declared that a repeal or material modification of the same " would be a great cause of alarm," and Kentucky that it " would greatly endanger the safety of the Union." The New York, Connecticut and Vermont resolves of 1855 and those of Ohio in 1856 had condemned the Fugitive Slave Law, and called for its repeal; Vermont declaring that a slave brought into a free state by the consent of his master thereby became free; Ohio, that the law was " inconsistent with and unwarranted by the Constitution of the United States, and repugnant to the plainest principles of justice and humanity." 291 ] THE DISTURBANCE IN KANSAS 5 I Vermont,' Iowa and Connecticut favored the admission of Kansas as a free state, and Michigan desired Congress to declare " the so-called Kansas Code null and void." The Southern Commercial Convention at Savannah, Dec, 1856, adopted resolutions declaratory of the equal rights of the South in the Territories, de- nouncing the efforts of the Emigrant Aid societies to force a hostile population on Kansas, and recommending counter emigration. De Bow's Review, XXII, loi. References for the texts of the foregoing resolutions: Acts of N. Y., 1855, II20-II22; Acts and Res. of Mass., 1854-55, 975; Ibid., 1856-57, 286-287; Res. and Private Acts of Conn., May sess., 1855, 164-166; Jbid., May sess., 1856, 83-85; Acts and Res. of Vt., Oct. sess., 1855, ^9> 9'! Ibid., Oct. sess., 1856, 63, 105; Acts and Res. of R. I., Jan. sess., 1856, 82-84; Local Laws of Ohio, 1855-56, 237, 247; Acts of Ohio, 1857, 298: Acts and Res. of Maine, 1856, 366; Ibid., 1857, 58-60; Acts of Iowa, 1856-57, 453; Acts of Mich., 1857, 480; Acts of Wis., 1857, 138; Acts of Ky., 1855-56, 136-138; laws of Miss., 1856, 434; Acts of Ga., 1855-56, 107, 108, 553; Acts of La., 1856, 12; 34 Cong., I sess., Senate Misc., Nos. 15, 17, 49, 58; House Misc., Nos. 42, 90, 100, loi, 103, 112, 120, 122; 34 Cong. 3 sess.. Senate Misc., Nos. 17, 48; House Misc., Nos. 38, 49; 35 Cong , i sess.. Senate Misc., No. 188. Bibliography: Channing and Hart, Guide %^ 200, 20\; MacDonald, 413- 415; Special Works on Kansas ; Blaclcmar, life of Charles Robinson, 1 10-2 1 5 ; Cbas. Robinson, The Kansas Conflict, chs. iv-xiv; Springs, Kansas, chs. iii- ix; Wilder, Annals of Kansas, 57-110 in passim, gives votes at elections, organization of conventions and texts of constitutions, etc.; Kansas Hist. Collections, esp. vol. Ill, for biographical sketches of the several governors, vols. IV and V for executive minutes and papers; Contemporary Accounts, E. E. Hale, Kansas and Nebraska [1854]; Sara Robinson, Kansas [1856]; Wm. Phillips, Conquest of Kansas by Missouri and Her Allies [1856] ; J. H. Gihon, Governor Geary and Kansas [1857]. General references: Burgess, ch. XX ; Curtis, The Republican Party, 1, 238-243; Greeley, I, 2Tf>-iis,