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powers, belonging to the state; which brings them to the last point which they propose to consider. When would it be proper to exercise this high power? If they were to judge only by the magnitude of the interest and urgency of the case, they would without hesitation recommend the exercise of this power without delay. But they deeply feel the obligation of respect for the other members of the confederacy, and of great moderation and forbearance in the exercise, even of the most unquestionable right, between parties who stand connected by the closest and most sacred political union. With these sentiments, they deem it advisable after presenting the views of the Legislature in this solemn manner, to allow time for further consideration and reflection, in the hope that a returning sense of justice on the part of the majority, when they come to reflect on the wrongs, which this and other staple states have suffered, and are suffering, may repeal the obnoxious and unconstitutional acts, and thereby prevent the necessity of interposing the sovereign power of this state.
The committee is further induced at this time to take this course, under the hope that the great political revolution which will displace from power on the 4th of March next, those who acquired authority by setting the will of the people at defiance; and which will bring in an eminent citizen, distinguished for his services to his country and his justice and patriotism, may be followed up under his influence with a complete restoration of the pure principles of our government.
But in thus recommending delay, the committee wish it to be distinctly understood, that neither doubts of the power of the state, nor apprehension of consequences, constitute the smallest part of their motives. They would be unworthy of the name of Freemen, of Americans, of Carolinians, if danger, however great, could cause them to shrink from the maintainance of their constitutional rights; but they deem it preposterous to anticipate danger, under a system of laws, where a sovereign party to the compact, which formed the government, exercises a power, which after the fullest investigation, she conscientiously believes belongs to her, under the guarantee of the Constitution itself, and which is essential to the preservation of her sovereignty.
The committee deem it not only the right of the state, but the duty of her representatives under the solemn sanction of an oath, to interpose if no other remedy be applied. They interpret the oath to the Constitution, not simply to impose an obligation to abstain from violation, but if possible to prevent it in others. In their opinion, he is as guilty of violating that sacred instrument, who permits an infraction, when in his power to prevent it, as he who is actually guilty of the infraction. The
