Page:The World's Famous Orations Volume 9.djvu/54

 THE WORLD'S FAMOUS ORATIONS less true. That a majority, somewhat less than that just mentioned, conscientiously believe these laws unconstitutional may probably also be true. (But that any majority holds to the right of airect State interference at State dis- cretion, the right of nullifying acts of Congress by acts of State legislation, is more tha^i I know, and what I shall be slow to believe. I That there are individuals besides the honor- able gentlemen who do maintain these opinions, is quite certain. I recollect the recent expres- sion of a sentiment, which circumstances attend- ing its utterance and publication justif}^ us in supposing was not unpremeditated. ' ' The sover- eignty of the State, — never to be controlled, construed, or decided on, but by her own feelings of honorable justice. ' ' We all know that civil institutions are estab- lished for the public benefit, and that when they cease to answer the ends of their existence they may be changed. But I do not understand the doctrine now contended for to be that which, for the sake of distinction, we may call the right of revolution. ( I understand the gentleman to maintain that it is constitutional to interrupt the administration of the Constitution itself, in the hands of those who are chosen and sworn to administer it, by the direct interference, in form of law, of the States, in virtue of their sovereign capacity.^ The inherent right in the people to reform their government I do not deny; and they have another right, and that is 44