Memoirs of John Adams Dix; comp. by his son, Morgan Dix.

1860-1861.] THE "PINE STREET" RIESOLUTIONS. 3

359

ity, we can no longer consent to enjoy it in common, let us
divide what we possess on the one hand, and what we owe on
the other, and save the Republic-the noblest the world has
seen-from the horrors of civil war and the degradation of
financial discredit.
"If, on the other hand (which may God grant!), you shall
not turn a deaf ear to this appeal; if it shall be seen in the
sequel that we have correctly appreciated the influences which
are at work to bring about a reconciliation of existing differences and a redress of existing wrongs; if mutual confidence
shall be restored, and the current of our prosperity shall resume its course, to flow on, as it must, with no future dissensions to disturb it, and in perpetually increasing volume and
force, it will be the most cheering consolation of our lives
that, in contributing to so happy an issue out of the prevailing gloom, we have neither misjudged your patriotism nor
the willingness of our common countrymen to do you justice.
"The Resolutions.
" Whereas, the Constitution of the United States was designed to secure equal rights and privileges to the people of all the States, which
were either parties to its formation or which have subsequently thereto
become members of the Union; and, whereas, the said instrument contained certain stipulations in regard to the surrender of fugitive slaves,
under the designation of 'persons held to labor or service in one State,
under the laws thereof, escaping into another,' which stipulations were
designed to be complied with by the Act of Congress making provision
for such surrender; and, whereas, the agitated state of the country arising out of differences of opinion in regard to these provisions demands
that we should declare explicitly our sense of the obligations arising
under them; therefore,
"Resolved, That the delivery of fugitive slaves to their masters is an
obligation ejnjoined by the Constitution, in which all good citizens are
bound to acquiesce; and that all laws passed by the States with a view
to embarrass and obstruct the execution of the Act of Congress making
provision therefor, are an infraction of that instrument, and should be
promptly repealed.
"Resolved, That the Territories of the United States are the common
property of the people thereof; that they are of right, and ought to be,