It is argued, that the Acts of Secession are all inoperative and void, and therefore the States continue precisely as before, with their local constitutions, laws, and institutions in the hands of traitors, but totally unchanged, and ready to be quickened into life by returning loyalty.
Sumner discusses the argument that acts of secession do not invalidate the existence of the states, which remain under the control of traitors.
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At Baltimore the delegation of the most important State in the Union, known to be in favor of the Wilmot Proviso, was refused admission to the Convention.
I agree with the Convention in the importance of the new organization; nor do I think there are many candid persons, recognizing morals as the soul of all true politics, who will hesitate in this conclusion.
The subterfuges of the politician cannot escape it.
They are but leaders of the two contending factions into which the Slave Power is divided.
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