Conservatism in Alabama.
The Mobile Register publishes a letter from "a large slaveholder" of
Alabama, opposing dissolution on account of
Lincoln's election.
The letter contains the following views, so unusual to the latitude in which they are uttered:
‘
I am surprised to see that men of the law can conscientiously advocate secession as a constitutional measure.
This is equal to saying a man has a right to kill himself.
The Constitution has not provided for its own destruction.
It was formed by the
people of the States in Convention, not by the States as governments, and when formed, it was referred back to the same
people in Convention for ratification, and they ratified it. And these
United States became
one government, with as much power as the people saw fit to give it; and, all that is set down in the
Constitution is the supreme law of the land; and
secession or
forcible opposition to it is
treason. Nullification is not so bad. That simply refers to a law, and may be adjudicated by the courts.
But secession strikes at the
Constitution and is
treason. Now, I have lived under this Constitution ever since its first formation, and have never felt oppression, and I venture to say, that in this whole broad Union there is not an
honest man will say
he has. The Union and the
Constitution are our protection, and still we are firing hot shot and shells into them.
For what?
Because
Massachusetts,
Vermont, and other States have passed unconstitutional laws, have nullified or tried to nullify a law of Congress, which the
Courts have, or will declare null and void.
"The fool rageth and is confident," and by following his advice we will jeopard the best interests of our country and of the world.
’
